When is physiotherapy recommended for patellofemoral pain syndrome?

Patellofemoral pain is felt around or behind the kneecap and may be aggravated when the knee bends repeatedly under load. Assessment looks at hip and thigh strength, foot and leg control, flexibility, training changes, and the tasks that reproduce pain. Treatment may combine education, activity adjustment, strengthening, movement retraining, and a gradual return to running or sport. A programme is shaped around the individual pattern rather than the scan or label alone.

Identify the positions and activities that increase symptoms, such as deep squats, hills, or prolonged sitting, and reduce them temporarily without becoming completely inactive. Follow a graded strengthening plan for the hip and knee, keeping technique controlled. Increase one challenge at a time, then watch how the knee responds later that day and the next morning. Supportive footwear or taping may be considered by a clinician when they make movement more comfortable.

Arrange prompt assessment for a locked knee, major swelling, inability to bear weight, a new injury, fever with a hot red joint, or repeated episodes of the kneecap shifting. These signs may point to a problem needing more than routine exercise advice.

Ask which activity changes are temporary, how to progress strengthening, whether taping or a brace is suitable, and when running or sport can be resumed.