What is it?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), also known as “runners’ knee”, is the most common type of knee pain and is characterized by pain under and around the patella (the “kneecap”). It can affect anyone, but most commonly is seen in runners, cyclists, hikers, and workers who sit for a living.

Common Symptoms
Pain is located on the underside of the kneecap and may be worse with running, taking stairs, kneeling, jumping, or sitting for long periods of time. Swelling is usually mild if any is present.

Potential Causes

• Muscular imbalances around the knee
• Improper tracking of the kneecap
• Weakness in the muscles of the outside of the hip (a muscle group called the “hip abductors”).
• Over-pronation of the foot, or other biomechanical problems.

What can you do at home?

• Ice to control pain and swelling
• Wear proper, supportive shoes
• Exercises to strengthen the outside of the hip (left picture below, perform 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions)
• Using your fingers, push your kneecap towards midline. It should slide rather easily and shouldn’t be painful. Hold 10 seconds and repeat 10 times (right picture below)

HOW CAN TEAMWORKS HEALTH CLINIC HELP?

Chiropractic
Chiropractic Doctors at Teamworks utilize treatment methods that are extremely diverse, including manual therapy joint procedures (spinal manipulation, Activator method), soft tissue injury techniques (Active Release Techniques®, Graston Technique®), Neuroproprioceptive taping (Kinesiology Tape), electrotherapeutic modalities and specific rehabilitation exercises.

Physiotherapy
Teamworks Registered Physiotherapists utilize a combination of manual therapies, customized exercise and stretching programs, and therapeutic modalities (ultrasound, interferential current, contemporary acupuncture) to reduce inflammation, and restore proper muscular functioning.

Registered Massage Therapy
Our massage therapists provide deep tissue release using various myofascial techniques in order to reduce chronic stress and strain patterns, remove scar tissue, and restore ideal movement between muscles and tendons.

Acupuncture
The insertion of very fine needles into over-active muscles can cause it to release tension and relax. It is also extremely effective for pain management. Teamworks Health Clinic provides both Contemporary and Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture to restore ideal tissue function.

Clinical Dietetics
It is true that we are what we eat. The human body is great at healing itself, though if the proper fuel is lacking (balanced nutrients through proper food choices), the body’s healing capacity is affected. Our Registered Dietitian provides patients with the necessary tools to make healthy food choices in order to optimize healing. She also supports dietary changes in a variety of clinical conditions.