How Physical Therapy Can Help Runner’s Knee

Runner’s knee, also known as Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), is a common athletic injury. The overuse of the knee cap area causes pain just above and below the knee cap, making it painful to even walk. Some factors that lead to “runner’s knee” are weak inner quadricep muscles, hip abductors, external rotators, and gluteus muscles. These weaknesses cause the limb to internally rotate, with weight bearings, affecting the tracking of the knee cap. Other than weak muscles, poor foot training and mechanics can cause runner’s knee. The pain is most noticeable at night or in the morning due to immobility which leads to inflammation of the knee cartilage.

The trained professionals at Enhanced Physical Therapy create an in-depth treatment program to help patients with their ailments. Just because a part of the body is hurt and nursed back to health doesn’t mean it’s not susceptible to future injury. The reason for the initial injury could be a result of poor technique, bad posture, or various other factors, and there may be underlying causes as to why the injury has occurred. With the Mulligan Technique, Dr. Kurian not only cures the injured area, but finds the cause to prevent future injury.

Treatments for this condition include stretching inflexibilities and strengthening the muscles. A physical therapist will strengthen and flex the knee with certain techniques as well as assess your running and training regimens. A combination of manual therapy, including electrical stimulation, joint mobilization, and massaging, can all help reduce the inflammation, and the goal for treatment is long-term rather than short-term.

At Enhanced Physical Therapy, we have programs and regimens for conditions such as runner’s knee. Dr. Kurian, with his knowledge and expertise of the Mulligan Method, will help reduce the pain and inflammation of the knee and get you back running in no time. Our goal is to get athletes and runners back on their feet with no pain, but more importantly, our mission is to not only relieve the pain temporarily, but figure out the cause, and help rectify the problem so it does not come back again.