Does gait retraining treat patellofemoral pain syndrome?

Patellofemoral pain syndrome causes pain around or behind the kneecap, often during stairs, squatting, running, or prolonged sitting. A physiotherapist can watch your walking or running pattern and assess how your hip, knee, and foot coordinate. Small, gradual changes to stride or cadence may alter the demand placed on the kneecap. Gait work is one component, alongside strengthening, activity planning, and checking other factors that can influence knee pain.

Have your symptoms assessed before changing technique. Practise the recommended adjustment for brief periods and check how the knee feels later that day and the next morning. Continue prescribed exercises for the quadriceps, hip, or trunk when appropriate. Reduce the activity that provokes pain temporarily, then rebuild it in stages as control and tolerance improve.

Seek prompt assessment if the knee gives way repeatedly, locks, swells noticeably, or becomes difficult to bear weight on. Arrange review after a direct injury or when pain is not following the expected course. New calf swelling, marked warmth, or severe pain at rest also needs timely medical advice rather than gait practice.

Is gait retraining appropriate for my knee pattern? Which change should I practise and for how long? What strengthening work should I do alongside it? How will we decide when to increase activity?