Physiotherapy and rehabilitation in East Melbourne
Physiotherapy for kneecap pain
SOS Clinic provides physiotherapy for kneecap pain in East Melbourne. Treatment uses exercise and changes to activity to calm the knee and build its ability to handle load.
What is patellofemoral pain?
Patellofemoral pain is pain around or behind the kneecap. It often comes on gradually and is common in runners, young people who play sport and adults who increase their activity quickly. It is usually worse with stairs, squatting, kneeling, running downhill or sitting for a long time with the knee bent.
In most people the knee joint itself is healthy. The pain comes from the kneecap joint being loaded more than it can currently tolerate. When kneecap pain comes with wear of the joint surface, it is called patellofemoral arthritis, and physiotherapy is also the first treatment.
Can physiotherapy help?
Exercise therapy that combines hip and knee strengthening is the best supported treatment for patellofemoral pain. Taping or foot orthoses may ease pain in the short term while strength builds.
What happens at the first appointment?
Your physiotherapist asks what brings the pain on and how your activity has changed. They watch how you squat, step and land, check strength around the hip and knee, and ask about footwear and training. You leave with an explanation and a starting program.
What might my program include?
- Adjusting the activities that flare the pain while staying active
- Strengthening for the quadriceps and the muscles around the hip
- Taping or foot orthoses for short-term relief where they help
- A graded return to running, jumping or the activity you want to get back to
How long does it take?
Many people notice a change within six to twelve weeks of regular exercise. Pain that has been present for years can take longer to settle.
Is surgery ever needed?
Surgery is rarely needed for patellofemoral pain. If the kneecap has dislocated or there is significant arthritis, your physiotherapist can arrange a review with Professor Phong Tran at the clinic.
Knee physiotherapy at SOS Clinic
Associate Professor Amir Takla and Imogen Clark are the physiotherapists at SOS Clinic. They work in the same rooms as Professor Phong Tran at 166 Gipps Street, East Melbourne, so care can move between physiotherapy and a surgical opinion without starting again.
More on knee physiotherapy
Evidence and further reading
Crossley KM, van Middelkoop M, Callaghan MJ, Collins NJ, Rathleff MS, Barton CJ. 2016 Patellofemoral pain consensus statement from the 4th International Patellofemoral Pain Research Retreat, Manchester. Part 2: recommended physical interventions (exercise, taping, bracing, foot orthoses and combined interventions). Br J Sports Med. 2016;50(14):844-52.
Arrange physiotherapy at SOS Clinic
Visit Specialist Orthopaedic Surgery Clinic at St Francis Building, Ground Floor, 166 Gipps Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002. Bring any relevant scans and a list of the activities you would like to return to.
Book an appointment or call (03) 9928 6161.
This information is general. Follow the advice and precautions provided by your own surgeon and physiotherapist.