Q: My son was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease. Can PT help?

A: Osgood-Schlatter’s disease is an overload condition where the growth plate under the patellar tendon attachment becomes inflamed and makes extra bone. While it will not cause long-term damage, it causes significant pain and can keep children from remaining active. A physical therapist can identify strength and flexibility deficits and identify specific movement patterns at the pain source. Physical therapy can decrease irritation, promote healing, and get them back to running, jumping, and squatting without pain.