What Is Patellofemoral Pain?

Patellofemoral pain refers to discomfort around the front of the knee, often involving the interaction between the kneecap (patella) and the femur. 

This condition is commonly experienced by runners, athletes, or individuals whose activities place repeated load on the knee. It may develop gradually over time rather than from a single injury.

Individuals May Experience:

• Pain around or behind the kneecap

• Discomfort when climbing or descending stairs

• Pain during squatting or kneeling

• Knee discomfort after sitting for long periods

• A sensation of stiffness around the knee joint

What Contributes to Patellofemoral Pain?

Several factors may influence stress on the patellofemoral joint, including:

• Weakness in the hip or thigh muscles

• Limited mobility in the hip or ankle

• Repetitive running or jumping activity

• Changes in training intensity

• Altered knee tracking during movement

These factors may influence how the kneecap moves during bending and straightening of the knee.

How Manual Therapy May Help

Osteopathic Manual Therapy

Osteopathic treatment may evaluate how the knee functions in relation to the hip, pelvis, and ankle.

Treatment may include:

• Assessing knee joint mobility

• Addressing hip and pelvic mechanics

• Improving ankle mobility

• Reducing fascial tension around the thigh and knee

• Supporting balanced movement through the lower limb

Osteopathic treatment focuses on how surrounding joints influence movement of the knee.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy often plays an important role in managing patellofemoral pain.

Treatment may involve:

• Strengthening hip and thigh muscles

• Movement retraining during squatting or running

• Improving knee alignment during activity

• Gradual return to sport or exercise

• Education on activity modification

These rehabilitation strategies aim to improve knee mechanics and reduce stress on the joint.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy may support care by addressing muscular tension around the knee.

Treatment may include:

• Reducing tightness in the quadriceps muscles

• Addressing tension in the IT band and surrounding tissues

• Supporting circulation in the thigh muscles

• Reducing compensatory tension patterns

Massage therapy may help relieve muscular tension that contributes to discomfort around the knee.

Book an Assessment

If knee pain is interfering with activities such as running, squatting, or climbing stairs, our team can assess movement patterns and guide a personalized rehabilitation plan.