CONDITION
presenting with left-sided post-operative meniscus repair and persistent knee pain affecting in-season performance and athletic development
17
Male
6 mth
| CHALLENGES | ROOT CAUSES |
|---|---|
| Jumping and landing | Dynamic valgus collapse on the left side during landing and cutting |
| Cutting and deceleration | Poor left foot pronation control affecting kinetic chain loading |
| Playing competitive basketball and volleyball | Weak hip stabilizers contributing to knee instability |
| Sport-specific fatigue management during in-season demands | Reduced pelvic control under dynamic load |
| Confidence with high-load athletic movements | Neural tension with left-sided sciatic involvement |
| Over-reliance on hypertrophy-based training without sport-specific force absorption or deceleration work |
PREVIOUS TREATMENTS
Physical therapy through insurance (Kaiser), with minimal functional improvement and limited carryover to sport
GOALS
Return to full senior-year participation in volleyball and basketball without pain, improve athletic performance, and increase potential for college scholarship opportunities
TREATMENT PHASES
1
Pain Relief & Early Management
- Improve foot pronation and load distribution
- Strengthen hip stabilizers for alignment
- Reduce neural tension and back pain through stability work
2
Restore Movement & Function
- Isometric training for ankle and knee stability
- Eccentric loading for tissue capacity
- Begin landing and force absorption drills
3
Load, Performance & Strength
- Speed and agility training
- Jump and power development
- Rotational strength and return-to-sport conditioning
Treatment Obstacles & Adjustments
- Athlete remained in-season throughout rehabilitation, requiring careful load management to avoid overload. Programming was adjusted around practices and games to prioritize recovery, maintain performance, and progressively address movement deficits without compromising participation.
Measurable wins
- Immediate reduction in knee pain during activity following implementation of heavy isometric holds
- Improved confidence and reduced pain awareness during sport participation
- Enhanced movement quality in cutting and landing mechanics
- Full participation in senior season without significant pain limitation
Outcome
- Returned to pain-free competition during senior year and demonstrated improved athletic performance compared to pre-surgery levels, including faster movement, quicker cuts, and increased vertical jump capacity.
Knee Results
Client Feedback
“Dr. Alex’s method literally gave me a new life. I am able to bend at the waist, have fun with my son doing activities running around, even sleeping through the night. I can work a lot more comfortably and even sit longer periods of time with much less pain.”
Dr. Alex Mak, DC, CCSP, CSCS, QME
Your FREE First Visit
60minYour first step is a low-pressure visit to understand your body mechanics, what will resolve it, and explain our approach.
- Quick intake: what’s hurting, what triggers it, training goals
- Movement: mobility, strength, control, and sport-specific patterns
- Clear plan: observations, why it’s happening, best path forward
What You’ll Receive
- A clear clinical direction and root-cause hypothesis
- Recommended next steps, including a plan and projected timeline
- Practical guidance on what to do, and what to avoid, in training right now
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