What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome? Are you experiencing knee pain with going up and down stars, squatting or with prolonged sitting? You may have developed Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PPS).
What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PPS)?
PPS occurs as a result of abnormal patellar (knee cap) alignment and tracking, which leads to abnormal forces and stress being applied to the knee region. Overtime this causes degenerative changes to occur, leading to pain. But what causes the original abnormal patellar alignment? Weakness in the hip muscles can causes compensation at the knee and overuse of the quadriceps muscles. This in turn leads to increased pressure and loading to be applied to the front of the knee. Additional causes of PPS can be tightness in the hamstring and/or calf muscles, which would increase knee flexion, leading to increased pressure to be applied to the knee cap region.
How Physiotherapy Can Help?
A Physiotherapist can help relieve symptoms of PPS through the use of modalities like electrical stimulation, moist heat, manual therapy, kinesiotaping, and designing an individualized flexibility and strengthening program. Come in for an evaluation today!
