What is Patello-Femoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)?
PFPS typically presents as generalised pain at the front of the knee. It commonly occurs alongside activities involving weight bearing with bending and straightening of the knee. These activities include running, cycling, climbing up and down stairs or weight training. This type of injury usually comes on gradually, and is not associated with a twisting mechanism.
How Does PFPS Happen?
Anything that increases the loading on the kneecap or changes the way it moves over the knee joint can contribute to patello-femoral pain. A number of biomechanical factors cause the kneecap to be pulled laterally (to the outside). Instead of it sliding smoothly in its groove on the femur, it rubs against the outside of the groove causing pain and occasionally a grinding sound known as crepitis.
What Complete Care can do to Treat PFPS
- Soft Tissue Massage – this releases tight muscles including the hip stabilizers, quads and ITB
- Joint mobilization of the patella to glide it medially (towards the inside)
- Structured Rehabilitation Program to loosen or stretch tight structures and strengthen weak muscles. In this condition, strengthening of the quadriceps and hip stabilizers are particularly important
- We may also utilize taping techniques to help pull the patella into a better position
