What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. How do we fix it?

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a common condition characterized by pain around or behind the kneecap, typically aggravated by activities that involve bending the knee, such as running, squatting, or climbing stairs. It is a very common diagnosis, and the good news is this tends to be a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that they’re aren’t any disrupted ligaments/muscles/meniscus/etc in the knee.. Understanding the underlying factors contributing to PFPS is crucial for effective treatment. One primary cause is improper tracking of the kneecap due to muscular imbalances, weak hip stability, stiff/weak ankles, or poor biomechanics during movement.

Addressing PFPS involves a multifaceted approach tailored to the individual. Firstly, as with all injury recovery, it depends on the person’s function and what their goals. No two people’s rehab should look the same. Secondly, a lot of attention has recently been given about strengthening the quadriceps however what the research shows is although that is important what is equally if not more important is strengthening your hip abductors/known as your glutes. We will target the glutes specially if the symptoms are really aggressive and quad stregthening is too much.  Additionally, strengthening is the only thing. Techniques such as foam rolling and stretching specially tight quadriceps can help reduce pains and improve flexibility. Finally, educating patients on proper body mechanics during daily activities and sports is essential for long-term management and prevention of PFPS recurrence.

In conclusion, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome can significantly impact one's quality of life, but with the right guidance and treatment, it is manageable. As a physical therapist, my goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to address PFPS effectively, allowing them to return to their desired activities pain-free. By addressing muscular imbalances, improving biomechanics, and promoting overall joint health not only will you recover from PFPS but may even be stronger and more flexible than you were before.

What is patellofemoral pain syndrome?

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a fancy word for pain around the kneecap. Although we’re not 100% sure about the mechanisms of pain we do have a few classification categories to help us get effective treatment.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome with mobility deficits: You can be either really stiff around the knee or too mobile in the foot.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome with muscle power deficits: You can have some quad and glute weakness .

Patellofemoral pain syndrome with overuse and overload disorder: You could just be training too hard causing knee pain.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome with movement coordination deficits: You could be doing some movements wrong causing the pain.

Once we can come up with the appropriate classification then we can figure out how to treat it best.