Question - Patella Femoral Syndrome (hip exercises / taping)

I've been having acute exacerbations of effusion with my knee(s) over the past 10 months due to PFS. I saw a physio for several months with more set-backs than improvement which I admit was partially due to my lack of consistent practice of the exercises. But these were as you stated mainly based on the VMO.

I'm interested in what specific hip exercises would be helpful. Also your opinion of taping my knee.

I'm very frustrated by this situation. I have gained a lot of weight over the last 3 years and very motivated to get it off but I'm in a catch 22; need to lose weight which will help my knees, difficult to take weight off without exercise.

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Question - Patella Femoral Syndrome (hip exercises / taping)

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Aug 06, 2008
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Hip/core exercises...
by: Bart - SII

I am working on adding these exercises to the website, but in the meantime, this previous post may help give you some examples of types of exercises you can try to improve hip strength.

As far as taping - there are some very specialized taping techniques that may help alleviate patella femoral syndrome pain, however, they are only effective if applied by a trained therapist. If you are currently seeing a PT or ATC, you can ask them about McConnell taping, or Leukotape techniques that may benefit you. I have seen the best results with taping the patella to track more medially, or adding a medial rotation component to the taping.

You may also consider a patella stabilizer brace, as this may help with your pain with daily activities.

Bart

Aug 24, 2008
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response to PFS (hip exercises/taping)
by: Nancy

Thanks for the response. I was seeing a PT and have done my own taping with Leukotape as he showed me (I am also an NP(F). I'm going to add these hip exercises you suggest to what I was given by my PT and try the suggestions you outlined with the elastic bands. I'm trying to work up to cycling again. I have also gone to the pool. The first time it was difficult to even do the breast stroke or front crawl. I found the best I could do was use flippers with a back stroke just to keep my knees extended and legs straight so that I could get some movement through my hips. Then I went into the shallow end and just did some stretches and ROM on my knees. I'm on my feet all day teaching student nurses in hospital right now so I'm back to icing a lot. I'll probably return to see my PT as well if I can't get this to settle down soon.