Effective Treatment for Patellofemoral Pain: A Comprehensive Approach

Patellofemoral (PF) pain—pain around the kneecap (patella)—is a common issue, especially in women due to their naturally wider pelvis. This structural difference can contribute to a knock-knee (valgus) effect, which is often worsened by:

✔️ Flat feet
✔️ Ankle pronation (rolling inward at the ankles)
✔️ Poor muscle balance in the hip, knee, and foot

As a result, excessive pressure builds on the patella, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty with weight-bearing activities like walking, running, or climbing stairs.

So, what are the best treatment options for patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)?

Why Treating the Entire Leg—Not Just the Knee—Matters

Since we can’t change the width of the pelvis, treatment must focus on correcting muscle imbalances in the foot, ankle, hip, and knee. A 2014 clinical study examined whether targeting both the hip and knee would provide better long-term results compared to treating the knee alone.

🔹 Study Breakdown:

• 31 women with PF pain were randomly assigned to:

  • Group A: Hip + Knee Exercises for 8 weeks

  • Group B: Knee-Only Exercises for 8 weeks

• Patients were assessed at the end of treatment and again 3 months later.

• Results: Group A (Hip + Knee Exercises) had significantly greater pain relief and functional improvement than Group B (Knee-Only Exercises).

Key Takeaway:

✅ Strengthening the hip, knee, and improving movement control of the lower limb and trunk is more effective than focusing on knee exercises alone.

Chiropractic Care for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)

At Connecticut Disc and Laser Therapy Centers, we specialize in comprehensive, non-invasive treatments for knee pain and patellofemoral dysfunction. Instead of just treating the knee, we evaluate and correct the entire lower kinetic chain, including the:

✔️ Foot & Ankle (Arch Support, Pronation Correction)
✔️ Knee (Patellar Alignment & Strengthening)
✔️ Hips (Glute & Hip Stabilization Exercises)
✔️ Core & Postural Support

1. Chiropractic Adjustments for Knee Pain

Chiropractic adjustments are not just for the spine—they can improve knee function, correct alignment, and enhance mobility.

📌 Benefits:
✔️ Realigns the knee joint to reduce patellar stress
✔️ Improves range of motion and function
✔️ Decreases inflammation & promotes healing

2. MLS Laser Therapy for Knee Pain Relief

MLS Laser Therapy is a state-of-the-art, FDA-cleared treatment that uses dual-wavelength laser technology to:

✔️ Reduce knee inflammation
✔️ Promote tissue healing
✔️ Alleviate chronic pain

A clinical study confirms MLS Laser Therapy is highly effective for reducing joint pain and swelling in PFPS patients.

3. Storz Shockwave Therapy for Patellar Pain

Storz Shockwave Therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves to break up scar tissue, increase blood flow, and stimulate cellular repair in the patella and surrounding soft tissues.

📌 Benefits:
✔️ Reduces knee pain & stiffness
✔️ Speeds up recovery from overuse injuries
✔️ Breaks up adhesions & scar tissue

A 2020 study found that shockwave therapy significantly improves function in patients with chronic knee pain and patellar misalignment.

4. Corrective Exercise for PFPS

Based on the 2014 study, our rehab programs focus on strengthening the hip, knee, and lower body stabilizers to provide long-term relief from PF pain.

💪 Key Exercises Include:
✔️ Hip abductor and glute activation
✔️ Quadriceps & hamstring strengthening
✔️ Arch support exercises for flat feet & pronation control
✔️ Dynamic stabilization drills

Get Relief from Patellofemoral Pain Today!

If you’re experiencing knee pain, patellar instability, or difficulty walking, don’t wait for it to worsen. At Connecticut Disc and Laser Therapy Centers, we provide advanced, non-invasive solutions to restore your knee function and eliminate pain—without surgery.

📞 Call us today at 203-456-9299 or schedule your appointment online at schedule.ctdisccenters.com!

Related Articles:

📖 How MLS Laser Therapy Helps Knee Pain
📖 Shockwave Therapy for Joint Pain & Inflammation
📖 Chiropractic Care for Knee & Joint Pain