What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common types of knee pain, which is an umbrella term for pain located in and around the knee cap. This condition can be common in runners, athletes and those in occupations involving high loading of the knee.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain at the front, side or back of your knee
- Feeling of grinding, cracking or popping over the knee cap
- Pain often worse with repeated squatting or long periods of sitting
PFPS can be due to trauma to the kneecap, however most often stems from a combination of several causes, resulting in an overload of the patellofemoral joint:
Risk factors:
- Running and gym training errors
- Reduced strength of muscles around the knee
- Reduced strength of muscles around the hip
- Hypermobility of the knee-cap joint
- Running technique issues such as overstriding
- Previous history of knee injuries
How do we treat it?
Physiotherapy can be highly effective and treating PFPS in the short and long term, with a wide range of options available to help the rehab journey. This can be broken down into 3 phases:
Phase One:
- Settle pain and modify load
- Reduce and modify loading where needed to allow tissues to settle and stabilise
- Decrease pain with appropriate strategies such as light “holding” exercises, massage, taping.
Phase Two:
- Improve tissue capacity and gradual return to exercise
- Strengthening exercises of hip, knee and calf
- Graded exposure to exercise
- Improving movements mechanics and efficiency
Phase Three:
- Return to full sport and activity
- Maintain strength and control
- Consider changes to running technique and training habits
If you are ready to take the next step forward in your recovery, please contact our friendly reception team today. Your highly skilled Physio will perform a thorough assessment, provide effective treatment and set you up with a treatment plan towards recovery.
Please note
Current ACL Top Five Tips, can the heading please be change the head to ACL Rehab Roadmap