Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)
- Posted on: May 8 2019
The Patellofemoral joint is a joint that is between the patella and the femur. The patella is the medical term that is identified as your kneecap. This kneecap plays a vital role in maintaining the mechanics of the lower half of your body. The patella acts as a train that is riding on the tracks, which in this case is your femur bone. If the train derails, then that is when the pain and complications start to begin.
The most common dysfunction that may occur related to the knee cap and the femur is called Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. It is a common result from abnormal patellofemoral tracking leading to increased stresses on the joint. The pain is referred to the front of the knee and occurs when there is a grinding/friction caused by the patella and the femur.
So how does this happen? Can my knee just randomly one day decide to “derail” from its tracks? Research tells us that Patellofemoral Pain syndrome or PFPS is an overuse or stress related injury which means it occurs over time and over use of poor mechanics. The abnormal tracking of the knee cap can lead to complications such as weakness of certain muscle groups, extreme tightness or stiffness feeling, as well as dull ache when the knee is bent. Furthermore, it can also lead to complications up and down the kinematic chain. See, the lower half of the body relies on joints below and above to work in a synergy to maintain proper form and mechanics with activities such as running, walking, and going up and down stairs.
Here at APMR, our certified and licensed Physical Therapists can work with you to do a comprehensive initial evaluation to see if you 
someone suffering from PFPS. Our goal here is to not only loosen your tight tissues and structures with soft tissue mobilization, but also provide strength training along with stretches to correct the tracking. Furthermore, APMR provides interdisciplinary services such as acupuncture, chiropractors, orthopedists, and pain management specialists all under the same roof to help you fight your pain and find the solution. So, if you knee has been nagging you, and if you feel this is similar to the type of pain you’re feeling, call us and schedule and appointment today!
Posted in: Pain
