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February 11, 2021

Runner’s Knee Exercises: Treating Patellofemoral Syndrome

 

What is the runner’s knee?

 

PT near me

 

Runner’s knee, or patellofemoral syndrome, is an injury that can cause a dull, achy pain at the front of the knee and around the kneecap.

It’s common for runners, cyclists, and for those who participate in sports involving jumping.

one study reveals that almost 23% of people develop this knee condition every year.

Physical therapy is a treatment option that can be very effective for runner’s knee. In fact, a therapy specialist can bring multiple therapy techniques to bear on this condition. 

 

Physical therapy techniques that can treat runner’s knee

 

Determining which physical therapy methods can best help your runner’s knee starts with a comprehensive evaluation.

This will involve your physical therapist checking the function of your knee. They may also ask you questions about your level of pain and when the pain occurs. Also, they could ask you about your daily routine and medical history. 

After gathering this information, your physical therapist can determine which therapy techniques are likely to benefit you.

 

Some of the techniques they could choose to include in your plan are: 

 

Therapeutic exercises

 

Your physical therapists can show you many therapeutic exercises that can help treat PPS.

Often, these exercises will focus on strengthening the hip and knee muscles. One study reports that patients with PPS who did hip exercises had a 43% decrease in their pain scores after four weeks

 

Active Release Techniques®(ART)

 

This therapy method is intended to stretch and mobilize the soft tissue that supports the knee. Active release movements are performed by your physical therapist’s hands.

Medical researchers in one study revealed that ART helped improve sit-and-reach scores by almost 13 centimeters on average.

This increase indicates a significant improvement in hamstring flexibility. In turn, this greater flexibility can help realign the knee joint. 

 

Graston Technique®

 

The Graston Technique involves your physical therapist applying pressure and friction to soft tissue.

The pressure and friction are applied using special metal tools. A study on PPS indicates that the Graston Technique led to a 13% improvement in knee function scores and a four-point decrease in pain scores

 

Get physical therapy for runner’s knee at Health Plus Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, Edison, NJ

 

PT for Runner's Knee

 

Not sure where to turn for high-quality physical therapy for runner’s knee? Our team at Health Plus PT is primed to treat this knee condition.

We can perform a comprehensive evaluation of your knee to determine the root cause of your PPS. Additionally, our physical therapists excel at constructing personalized therapy plans.

These plans are designed to decrease PPS pain and prevent this issue from recurring. 

Is your knee pain keeping you stuck at home? That’s OK! Our team offers at-home care and virtual therapy services that allow you to receive effective physical therapy from home. Furthermore, you don’t need a doctor’s referral to start getting our help with your knee injury. 

Contact our team today for more information about our physical therapy services for runner’s knee or to schedule an initial appointment. 

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