Does exercise therapy treat patellofemoral pain syndrome?

Patellofemoral pain syndrome causes pain around or behind the kneecap, often during stairs, squatting, running or prolonged sitting. The knee works with the hip, ankle and trunk, so treatment commonly looks at the whole movement pattern rather than the kneecap alone.

A programme may use hip and thigh strengthening, step or squat retraining, flexibility work and gradual exposure to running or jumping. Exercises should be challenging but controlled. Pain that settles after activity can be monitored, while swelling, locking or a sudden injury changes the need for assessment.

Start with exercises that do not provoke a strong reaction, such as controlled bridges, side-hip work or partial squats when appropriate. Your physiotherapist can adjust depth, resistance, footwear and training load. Increase activity in stages and avoid abrupt changes in running hills, speed or volume.

Rest alone may reduce irritation temporarily but does not rebuild capacity. Use the Exercise Therapy guide for general information and a clinician for a plan matched to your knee and goals.

Arrange an assessment if knee pain persists, affects sport or work, or does not respond to a sensible reduction in load. Prompt care is needed after a twisting injury with major swelling, inability to bear weight, a locked knee or a feeling that the kneecap has dislocated. Calf swelling or severe calf pain also needs urgent review.

Ask which hip and knee exercises fit your symptoms, how to judge an acceptable pain response, and when to progress running or stairs. Ask whether your movement pattern, training load or footwear needs changing and how progress will be checked.