Patella Femoral Pain Syndrome

Patella femoral pain syndrome (PFPS) can be described as anterior knee pain, which originates under the patient’s kneecap. Typically, this condition is seen in athletes who do lots of jumping sports such as basketball and volleyball as well as prolonged running.

Patients generally describe an insidious onset of pain and may also complain of popping or grinding noises originating under the kneecap (patella). The anterior knee pain is due to a misalignment of the patella with the tibia and femur resulting in a faulty patellar tracking.

Impairments which may cause PFPS include: weakness of the inner quad muscle (VMO), tight and restricted IT band, decreased medial (inner) glide of patella, over pronated feet, weak gluteus medius, and an increased Q angle (waist to knee ratio).

Several different physiotherapy interventions have been found to help manage PFPS including: patellar mobilizations, soft tissue release for tight structures including the IT band, patellar taping, acupuncture, as well as an individualized home exercise program.

If you are suffering from knee pain from abnormal tracking of your patella, I can help guide you through a structured physiotherapy program to help with your symptoms.