Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Targeted patellar tracking correction, VMO quad reactivation, lateral retinaculum release, and foot-hip kinetic chain alignment to eliminate anterior knee pain.
Clinical Approach to Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Medial patellar glide mobilization and lateral retinaculum release for patellofemoral runner's knee syndrome at Zen Physio Nashik.
Common Symptoms
- Dull, aching pain behind or around the kneecap (patella), especially during squats, lunges, and stairs.
- Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting with knees bent ('movie-goer's knee').
- Crepitus, popping, or grinding sensations during knee flexion and extension.
- Feeling of knee weakness or subtle giving-way during downhill walking.
Biomechanical Causes
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (runner's knee) occurs when the kneecap tracks abnormally in the femoral trochlear groove, creating excessive retro-patellar cartilage friction. This is driven by an imbalance between weak medial quadriceps (VMO), a tight lateral retinaculum/IT band, poor hip abductor control, or excessive foot pronation. Manual patellar glide mobilization and targeted VMO strengthening re-center patellar tracking.
What to Expect:
Assessment of patellar tracking and VMO firing timing. Rehabilitation utilizes Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) to activate inhibited vastus medialis fibers, coupled with Kinesio Taping Patellar Offloading.
Treatment Benefits & Objectives:
- Re-aligns patellar tracking to eliminate retro-patellar cartilage grinding.
- Restores pain-free stair descent, squatting, and prolonged sitting comfort.
- Activates and strengthens the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) quadriceps.
- Corrects kinetic chain dysfunctions from the hip and foot arch.
Recovery Path Milestones
Patellar De-loading & Retinaculum Release
Manual medial patellar glides, IT band release, and corrective McConnell taping.
Isolated VMO Reactivation
Biofeedback-assisted terminal knee extensions (TKE) and straight leg quad sets.
Closed-Kinetic-Chain Hip-Knee Integration
Controlled mini-squats, step-downs, and gluteus medius hip abductor strengthening.
Functional Dynamic Loading
Full squats, lunges, running gait correction, and long-term patellar hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions
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