Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), also known as "runner's knee," is a common knee injury that affects individuals of all ages and activity levels. If you have been diagnosed with PFPS, physiotherapy can play a crucial role in helping you manage your symptoms and prevent future injuries.
What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
PFPS is a condition that causes pain and discomfort in the front of the knee, around the kneecap (patella). This pain can be caused by a number of factors, including overuse, overtraining, improper footwear, and a misalignment of the knee and ankle joints.
Symptoms of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
The symptoms of PFPS can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Some common symptoms include pain, swelling, and discomfort in the front of the knee. In some cases, you may also experience difficulty straightening the knee, and a crunching or grinding sensation when moving the knee.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy can play a crucial role in helping you manage your symptoms and prevent future injuries. Our physiotherapists can help you improve your range of motion, reduce pain and swelling, and regain strength and stability in the affected area. They can also provide you with exercises to help you prevent future injuries.
One of the key components of physiotherapy for PFPS is the use of manual therapy techniques. This can include joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, and massage to help reduce pain and swelling, and improve range of motion.
Another important aspect of physiotherapy is the use of exercises to help you regain strength and stability in the affected area. Our physiotherapists can prescribe specific exercises that target the muscles and tendons around the knee. These exercises will help you regain normal function and prevent future injuries.
In addition to these manual therapy techniques and exercises, your physiotherapist may also use modalities such as heat or ice therapy, ultrasound/shockwave, and electrical stimulation to help manage pain and swelling.
Prevention is Key
In addition to treatment, it's also important to take steps to prevent future injuries. Our physiotherapists can provide you with tips and strategies to help you prevent PFPS, incorporating stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine, and gradually increasing your physical activity. Our in-house podiatrist is also able to provide advice regarding wearing proper footwear
PFPS can be a frustrating and painful experience, but with the help of physiotherapy, you can make a full recovery. Our physiotherapists can help you manage your symptoms, reduce pain and swelling, and regain strength and stability in the affected area. If you have been diagnosed with PFPS, don't wait to seek treatment. Contact one of our amazing physiotherapists today to start your journey to recovery.
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