Patella Femoral Syndrome Rehab: Are you on the right track?

Patella femoral syndrome rehab is extremely common in sports medicine and physical therapy clinics. I always have at least one patient that I am treating for patella femoral syndrome. One of the reasons for this is because there are so many different causes of patella femoral syndrome.

From biomechanics and structural problems, flexibility, mobility, strength, and balance, there are many factors that must be addressed during patella femoral syndrome rehab.

Many times one or more areas can be overlooked. As clinicians, we sometimes focus in on one specific joint, or one specific deficit, and fail to see the entire picture. This can mean neglecting the hips, or overlooked biomechanical issues at the feet.

To help you make sure that your rehab is on the right track, I have included specific areas that your rehab should be addressing. This will help guide you in your rehab, as well as make sure that your athletic trainer or physical therapist is not overlooking a key component.

Biomechanics

One of the easiest things to fix with patella femoral syndrome is faulty foot mechanics. A thorough evaluation of your gait cycle and foot structure should be completed. This will give your ATC or PT a good idea of how your feet may be affecting your knee.

Treating foot mechanic problems is usually done with some type of orthotic, or shoe insert. Overpronation is the most common thing that I see with my patients, and orthotics make a huge difference in their knee pain. Ask about your foot mechanics if they have not been evaluated.

Strength

Quadriceps strength is the primary focus for many clinicians during patella femoral syndrome rehab. While quadriceps strength is important, it should take a back seat to hip abductor and external rotator strength, as well as hamstring and gluteus strength.

These muscles are in a much better position to control knee motion and prevent knee pain. Make sure that your rehab involves some type of exercises to improve hip and core strengthening.

Mobility

Good mobility in the lower extremity is essential for normal function. Mobility and range of motion at the knee is always assessed. However, mobility restrictions at the foot and ankle, as well as at the hips and lower back can contribute to patella femoral syndrome. Make sure that your low back, hip, ankle and foot mobility are evaluated. Very small deficits can have a huge impact on your knee pain. Improving mobility is a major focus of patella femoral syndrome rehab.

Lateral trunk flexion, hip rotation and extension, and ankle plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, and calcaneal eversion are the most commonly overlooked areas.

Balance

Balance is key to lower extremity function. As a part of proprioception, it helps improve the communciation between the muscles and the joints, allowing the body to be more efficient. Poor balance and proprioception will often contribute to patella femoral syndrome. Make sure that your rehab program is addressing balance deficits, and challenging your balance in multiple planes.

Summary

A complete and comprehensive patella femoral syndrome rehab program should incorporate all of the above areas. If just one area is overlooked, it can mean the difference between a successful recovery versus a possibly unnecessary surgical procedure. Take the time to talk with your ATC or PT and discuss every possible contributing factor in your knee pain. It will help get you off the sidelines faster.

Do you have a question about the information on this page? If so, ask me and get an answer.

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Patella Femoral Syndrome Rehab ---> Return to Sports Injury Rehab