Knee Pain (PFPS)

Last Updated on July 24th, 2018

A common type of knee pain is patellofemoral pain syndrome or PFPS

What is it:

–       PFPS is pain experienced at the front of knee, normally around the knee cap.

–       It is very common especially in runners

How is it caused?

–       PFPS is normally caused by muscle imbalance and poor alignment at the knee

Symptoms:

–       Pain at the front of the knee

–       Normally worse going downstairs and squatting

–       Can be painful with prolonged sitting

–       Can be associated with crunching or grinding when bending

What can be done to alleviate pain:

–       improve lower limb strength and control; primarily glutes (gluteus medius) and quads (VMO)

–       release lateral structures such as rolling on the ITB

–       improve sequencing of the inside vs outside quad (VMO vs VL)

–       taping the knee cap for pain relief

–       retraining mechanics to improve alignment

Author

Dr Brad McIntosh

Although he is one of the most experienced and sought after Doctors of Physiotherapy in Australia, Brad makes all his patients feel like they are #1.

He also leads his team of caring reception staff and expert physiotherapists with the same degree of passion, which is why Sydney Physio Solutions has built the outstanding reputation it has.

Managing Director BSc (ExSci) MPT (Physio) DPT (Physio) CSCS APAM MSMA

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