Share
What we’ll cover
  1. Symptoms of patellofemoral pain syndrome:
  2. What causes patellofemoral pain syndrome?
  3. What should I do if I have patellofemoral pain syndrome?
  4. What will my physiotherapist do for patellofemoral pain syndrome?

Patellofemoral pain syndrome

Do you suffer from knee pain? Is it patellofemoral pain syndrome?  Call us today on (03) 9571 6888 or book online.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a common knee condition that causes pain around the front of the knee.  It is a common condition that affects both males and females, and children through to adults regardless of previous exercise history or fitness.

Symptoms of patellofemoral pain syndrome:

  • Pain around the knee, predominantly at the front of the knee.
  • Pain around the knee during periods of sitting
  • Increased symptoms with loading including steps or running
  • Commonly affects one knee but in but severe circumstances can affect both knees

What causes patellofemoral pain syndrome?

The exact cause of patella-femoral pain syndrome is unknown but it is thought to be associated with how the knee cap sits in the groove of your thigh bone (femur).  The muscle at the front of the thigh known as the quadriceps is responsible for controlling movement of the knee cap.

What should I do if I have patellofemoral pain syndrome?

  • Avoid doing tasks that cause symptoms.  Research has shown that ongoing symptoms cause the brain to switch off and inhibit the muscles which are responsible for controlling the knee cap.
  • Use an ice pack. This can help speed up rehabilitation by reducing any local inflammation.  Try icing the ice pack for 10 – 15 minutes as soon as possible following aggravating tasks.
  • See your physiotherapist.  Your physiotherapist can identify and address the causes of your symptoms.

What will my physiotherapist do for patellofemoral pain syndrome?

Your physiotherapist will begin by addressing symptoms around the knee.  In order to reduce pain, treatment may include soft tissue work, joint mobilisation and taping or bracing.  Taping techniques can be used to allow a quicker return to activity without increasing symptoms.  Exercises to target a muscle known as VMO (vastus medialis oblique) will be provided by your physiotherapist to specifically address the inside muscle of the knee.

Following a reduction in your symptoms, your physiotherapist will begin to address the cause.  Without addressing the causes, repeated episodes and recurrence of symptoms is likely to occur.  Possible causes for patellofemoral pain syndrome may include:

  • Overuse or poor training techniques.
  • Poor gluteal strength and endurance.
  • Poor core strength or endurance.
  • Foot posture or lower limb biomechanics.

A thorough assessment by your physiotherapist will be able to identify and address the primary causes of your pain.  Exercises will be provided to be performed at home but will also include strengthening exercises or clinical pilates as part of your comprehensive rehabilitation program.

If you are experiencing patellofemoral pain syndrome call Malvern East Physiotherapy on 9571 6888 today or book online.


Follow us
on instagram

Last week our team celebrated another great year. 

Whilst Melbourne’s weather had its own plans, we were still determined to keep with the theme of ‘Italian Summer’. We let our hair down to master the art of mixology 🍸🍹followed by an Italian feast. Friday morning Run Club with the team. Practicing what we preach!

Staying stronger, healthier and happier. This time last week, our team was nervously completing their final preparations for @melbmara . 

Congratulations to our physiotherapists and ME community who ran on the day.

Dilen and Michael completed their first marathons. Abbey and Lizzie smashed out their first half. Last Sunday, our team headed down to see our own Matt Warren win a premiership in the VAFA Premier Men’s Competition. Last week our team dedicated a full day to professional development and team building. At ME Physio we pride ourselves on collaboration to put you at the centre of everything we do. 

Our team covered the latest treatments for back pain, financial well-being and finished off the day with salsa dancing. 

Many thanks to our guests including James Schomburgk from @the2ndvisitphysio , Financial Planners Tony Vikram & Cameron Bishop and the @salsafoundation At ME Physio, our focus is on helping you get stronger so that you can keep doing the things you love.

For Tony and Joan, healthier and stronger is being able to navigate the iconic Coast to Coast Walk in the UK! We recently had the pleasure of hosting Elise Bujor from Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy to discuss women’s health issues across the lifespan. 

Our team pride themselves on staying up to date to ensure you’re able to stay healthier, happier and stronger. Huge milestones over the past few weeks with both Tom and Jude from @delasallefc doing their first bit of running in their rehab. 

Tom is on the return from an ankle dislocation whilst Jude is putting in the hard work following a knee reconstruction. Last week our team enjoyed some friendly rivalry at the footy. 

With finals around the corner, some of our team can now safely make holidays plans for September. We recently had the pleasure of hosting the podiatry team from @sespodiatry. 

Our physiotherapists Michael and Abbey presented on rehabilitation following Achilles surgical repair and ankle surgery. Last weekend some of our team got together to complete the 10 km run @runmelbourne. There was no finish line picture as some were keen to run another 15 km!

Whilst running wasn’t for some - brunch was well received by everyone. Shoulder impingement can be incredibly frustrating and painful. 

Tony has been working closely with our physiotherapists Vernon and Dilen to get on top of his shoulder pain. His treatment plan has included hands-on physiotherapy and individualised exercises in our hydrotherapy and strength programs.

You Deserve to Feel Good.

Enter your email below to subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with clinic news and the latest tips and advice from our team of physiotherapists.