Osgood Schlatter’s Disease Massage

An Osgood Schlatter’s Disease Massage is a targeted therapeutic intervention focused on relieving muscle tension, reducing pain, and supporting function in young individuals with Osgood Schlatter’s Disease (OSD)—a traction apophysitis of the tibial tuberosity common during adolescent growth spurts.​​

Signs & Symptoms

• Localized pain, tenderness, and swelling at the tibial tuberosity (just below the kneecap)

• Pain is aggravated by running, jumping, kneeling, or climbing stairs

• Visible or palpable bump at the tibial tubercle

• Quadriceps and/or hamstring tightness

• Discomfort typically increases with physical activity and improves with rest.​

Contraindications

• Avoid deep or direct massage over the tibial tuberosity, particularly in acute/early phases

• No aggressive pressure on areas with significant inflammation, swelling, or active pain

• Do not treat if there are open wounds, infection, acute trauma, or suspected fracture

• Refrain from intensive stretching or forceful soft tissue work if severe pain/tenderness is present.​​

Assessment

• Take a detailed activity and symptom history (onset, duration, intensity, relation to sports/activity)

• Inspect for swelling, visible bump, and tissue sensitivity of the tibial tuberosity

• Palpate quadriceps and IT band for muscle tension and fascial restrictions

• Assess flexibility of quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles

• Functional assessment: observe gait, squatting, and jumping tolerance.​

Treatment

• Apply gentle effleurage, petrissage, and myofascial release to the quadriceps and IT band to decrease muscle tension and traction on the tibial tuberosity​​

• Light, feather-touch massage only over the tibial tubercle if swelling is present (to reduce inflammation)​​

• Use slow, controlled massage techniques; avoid vigorous or deep work to minimize irritation​

• Incorporate heat (to thigh/quad) to relax tight muscles, ice over the tuberosity for symptomatic relief post-massage​

• Focus on relaxing muscles rather than aggressive manipulation; session duration typically 10–15 minutes.​​

Self Care

• Rest and activity modification: avoid impact activities during acute pain

• Daily gentle stretching of the quadriceps and hamstrings

• Foam rolling for quads and IT band to manage tightness​

• Ice massage or cold packs to the tibial tuberosity after activity​

• Gradual return to sport, starting with low-impact and low-intensity exercises​

• Encourage cross-training and strengthening of lower extremity muscles as tolerated