Patellofemoral Syndrome Treatment Brampton

What Is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a very common condition that affects the knee joint. This condition is related to pain and/or discomfort in the knee joint – mainly while engaging in weight bearing activities (such as walking, running, and standing). When there is a lot of force being applied to the surrounding muscles/tissues around the knee it eventually effects and interferes with the correct movement of the knee.

How does it happen?

In the human body, the knee cap sits within grooves that are on the femur (thigh bone) – and moves up/down these groove while we bend/straighten our knee. When a muscle imbalance occurs to the muscles that surround the knee, the knee cap is shifted off the grooves on the femur. This is when pain in the knee can start to develop and worsen with repetitive movements of the knee.

In addition, sometimes there is even a pull from structures that are situated outside the knee cap – such as the Iliotibal band, lateral retrinculum or vastus lateralis – that cause the kneecap to be pulled outwards – causing pain in the knee.

What are the Symptoms of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

Common symptoms of patellofemoral pain include:

  • Pain in the knee with weight-bearing activities: such as walking, running, standing and squatting
  • Pain in the knee while participating in physical activity
  • Pain in the knee while going up or down stairs

How is It Treated?

Physiotherapy and Chiropractic treatment have been shown as effective measures to help treat Patellofemoral pain.

At Active Life Wellness Center your treatment may include a combination of hands-on manual treatment, joint/ myofascial mobilization, prescribed home exercises, and therapeutic modalities: such as ultrasound, and electrical stimulation. Remember, our staff create a patient-centered treatment session, meaning we create a plan that is very specific to your goals. So everyone’s treatment plan consist of different components!

Effective Exercises to help with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Here are some general exercises for Patellofemoral Pain. Please be advised that it is always best to speak with your chiropractor and or physiotherapist to determine which exercises are most suitable for you.

Caution: Please avoid performing any exercise that cause pain

Quadricep Stretch

  • Stand in front of a chair
  • Place one hand on the chair to help you maintain your balance throughout the exercise. Gently bend one leg and take the same side arm and grab onto your foot.
  • Bring your heel towards your buttocks. Ensure you are keeping your chest and shoulders back. Your posture is important!
  • You should begin to feel a stretch on the front of your thigh.
    • Hold: 30 seconds
    • Repeat: 2-3 times for each leg.

Iliotibial Band Stretch

  • Start lying flat on your back with both knees bent. Place a belt/band over the bottom of one foot and grab both end of the belt/band in each hand.
  • Slowly straighten the leg with the band straight out in front of you
  • Gentle raise the leg up and slowly drop that leg across your body: you can easily guide it with the band!
  • You should feel a gentle stretch on the side of your leg. Gentle return back to the starting position and repeat on the other leg.
    • Hold: 20-30 seconds
    • Preform: 2-3x on each leg.

Clam shells

  • Start by lying down on your side. Position yourself so that your shoulders are aligned with your hips
  • Bend your knees forward just past your hips so that your feet end up aligned with the hips and shoulders
  • Tuck your stomach towards your spine to engage your core muscle and bring the knee on top up while keeping your feet together. Throughout this exercise it is important to ensure that your hip is stabilized and does not move back as you spread your knee apart. You can place your hand on your to ensure it stays in place.
  • Slowly return back to the starting position and repeat step 3.
    • Preform: 2-3 sets of 10 on each side

What can you do at home?

You can also take the following measures at home if you have Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome:

  • Ice the knee 3 times a day for 10-15 minutes
  • Ice after vigorous activity/after aggravation has occurred
  • Modify/adjust the activities that you are engaging in: whether that is at home, work or even while during exercises – this will help ensure you are off-loading excess pressure that is being applied to the knee joint.
  • Begin a stretching/strengthening program: It is best that you are following one that is created primarily for you. Our Physiotherapist is able to educate you on what exercises would be best for your needs.

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