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Physical Therapy for Patellofemoral Syndrome

The primary goal of physical therapy for patellofemoral syndrome is to re-establish the stability, power and motion to your knee joint, according to Nismat.org. It is estimated that more than 2.5 million Americans experience this syndrome. Physical therapy involves strengthening the muscles that support your knee cap and femur, your hamstrings and quadriceps while also incorporating other modalities.

  1. What is Patellofemoral Syndrome?

    • Patellofemoral syndrome involves both your knee cap (patella) and your thigh bone (femur). Your knee cap may be misaligned from your femur or there may be a weakness of your thigh muscles (quadriceps), states the American Academy of Family Physicians. Symptoms include grinding or crunching noises when you bend or straighten your leg, pain behind or around your knee cap and/or your knee may not hold your weight.

    Stretching Exercises

    • Stretch your quadriceps. Stand up and hold onto the back of a firm chair. Lift your weak leg, using one hand to grasp a hold of your ankle. According to Nismat.org, bring your heel as far up to your buttocks as you can. Feel the stretch. Do not overdo it. Hold for 30 seconds. Make certain you do not move your back. Keep your knees close together. Let go of your leg and let it return to the floor. Relax. Repeat.
      Do hamstring stretching. A physical therapy exercise for patellofemoral syndrome, known as the classic runner's stretch, can be done by standing and facing a wall. According to Nismat.org, both of your muscles along the back of your leg can be stretched by leaning against the wall. Use your hands or forearms for support. Hold for 30 seconds. Bend your knees slightly for the second stretch. Hold for another 30 seconds. Relax. Repeat both stretches five times.

    Strengthening Exercises

    • Do isometrics. While lying on a sofa or bed, extend your weak leg until it is straight. Tighten your quadriceps. Hold for 5 seconds. Relax. Repeat. Tighten your calves. Hold for 5 seconds. Relax. Repeat.

      Do straight leg lifts. Strengthen your quadriceps by lying flat on your back. Bend your unaffected leg. While keeping your weak leg straight, tighten your thigh muscles. Lift your leg. Hold for 3 seconds. Lower. Repeat.

      Strengthen your hamstrings. While sitting in a chair with wheels, such as those found in offices, pull yourself across the room using your weak leg. Do this on a flat, hard surface to begin with. As you increase your muscle strength, perform this exercise on carpet.

    Other physical therapy modalities

    • Treat with ice. Place ice packs or ice wrapped in towels to the affected area. Apply ice immediately after doing your physical therapy exercises for patellofemoral syndrome. American Academy of Family Physicians recommends not doing this for longer than 20 minute increments. Icing helps eliminate pain and inflammation. If you do not have ice available, packages of frozen vegetables will do the trick.

      Elevate and rest. Place your weak leg onto a stack of pillows. Lift your leg above the level of your heart to receive maximum benefit. Rest your joint for about two days.

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