Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a non-specific diagnosis which indicates the area of complaint is at the front of the knee, particularly involving the kneecap and the articulation is has with the thigh bone, also referred to as the femur. There are many muscles and other joints that may be contributing to dysfunctional movement patterns and development of pain at the patellofemoral joint: for instance, we need to look at the hip, ankle, and foot, and how their movement or lack thereof may be influencing mechanics at the knee.  

One of the more common underlying causes of patellofemoral pain syndrome clinically is tightness and restriction of motion at the hip especially of the external rotators in conjunction with weakness of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles. This combination limits the ability of the hip to absorb and transmit force, shifting the additional strain down to the knee; furthermore, the gluteus medius and minimus weakness leads to poor control of movement of the thigh bone. Active Release Techniques® diagnostic algorithm helps to identify the tightest tissues that alter biomechanics in the entire lower extremity, serving to restore neuromuscular coordination and reduce pain of the knee.

Overpronation is another common underlying cause of patellofemoral pain syndrome: when pronation is excessive or has poor control, it increases strain into the ankle and lower leg. Imbalanced and excessive stress on the lower leg will change how the knee and kneecap moves and the balance of the muscles that support the knee area, leading to pain and subsequently worsening injury to the tissues. When adjustments, myofascial release, and rehabilitation are insufficient to prevent recurrence of knee pain, custom orthotic therapy provides the blueprint for balanced and controlled foot motion and normalizes knee mechanics.