PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN

What is Patellofemoral pain?

Patellofemoral pain is a broad term describing pain located at the front of the knee or behind the kneecap. It is typically associated with activities like stair climbing, squatting, running and kneeling.

What causes Patellofemoral pain?

Patellofemoral pain is related to a number of different factors including uneven load distribution on the tissue behind the kneecap. The load behind the kneecap is related to strength and coordination of the quadriceps muscles, foot mechanics, strength in the pelvic muscles and sporting technique. A problem with any of these muscle groups, sporting technique or footwear can bring on patellofemoral pain. The onset of patellofemoral pain is often related to a change in training like running further, faster or with more hills.

How can physiotherapy help Patellofemoral pain?

Physiotherapy has been shown to be very effective treatment for patellofemoral pain. The treatment must be individual taking into account the different factors leading to the problem.

Physiotherapy treatment may involve a combination of quadriceps muscle strengthening exercises, stretching, knee taping or bracing and corrective foot orthosis. Frequently the technique of the causative activity may need to be corrected before return to sport eg. running retraining.

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