Kneecap pain - how can your physiotherapist help

Patellofemoral pain, also referred to as runner’s knee or kneecap pain affects up to 25% of the general population every year.  Women are two times more likely than men to experience kneecap pain.

Prevention of kneecap pain is challenging.  Based on clinical practice guidelines by the academy of orthopaedic physical therapy a few suggestions to prevent kneecap pain that have been proposed are:

  • Gradually increase the amount of activity you are completing.

  • Do a variety of activities. Adolescents that specialise in a single sport have a greater chance of developing kneecap pain.

  • Increased knee strength may help to reduce the risk of developing kneecap pain.

  • Age, height, weight and leg posture are not risk factors in developing knee cap pain.

 

So how can your physiotherapist work with you to improve your kneecap pain?

  • Targeted hip and knee exercises are the best for individuals with kneecap pain.

  • Knee taping or inexpensive shoe inserts can be helpful, but should be combined with an exercise program.

  • There are no quick fixes. Exercise is best treatment option over all others.

  • Improving the way a person runs, jumps, or adjusting their training routine often helps reduce knee cap pain.

If you’re currently suffering with kneecap pain, call the Wilson Physiotherapy Group on 9817 6600 to book in with one of the experienced physiotherapists who will help create a specific exercise program tailored to you and your goals.

 

Reference

Willy, R. W., Hoglund, L. T., Barton, C. J., Bolgla, L. A., Scalzitti, D. A., Logerstedt, D. S., Lynch, A. D., … Torburn, L. (2019). Patellofemoral pain. Clinical practice guidelines linked to the international classification of functioning, disability and health from the academy of orthopaedic physical therapy of the American physical therapy association. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 49(9), CPG1-CPG95. Doi: 10.2519/ jospt.2019.0302

Dan Elton