Patellofemoral Rehabilitation

Patellofemoral syndrome is one of the most common conditions encountered by orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists. These patients present with a complex syndrome of multiple findings. Many, if not all, of these findings are related to biomechanical abnormalities in the lower extremity. Secondary changes in strength and flexibility frequently occur as the result of untreated malalignment. A physical therapy evaluation encompassing an assessment of functional biomechanics, patellar alignment, flexibility, and strength is crucial in developing an exercise program designed to address the specific deficits of each individual patient. A physical therapy program of closed chain therapeutic exercise designed to correct the underlying biomechanical deficits and subsequent malalignment of the lower extremity has been effective with excellent results and low recurrence of symptoms.