Conservative Care of Patellofemoral Pain

Structural parameters of the vastus medialis muscle and its relationship to patellofemoral joint deterioration

“…There was no significant difference among zones when comparing in SI scoring by thirds or halves (*P < 0.05). sive onset of PFJ related disorders (Fox, 1975;Insall, 1982;Shelton, 1992;Holmes and Clancy, 1998;Thomee et al, 1999;Malone et al, 2002;McConnell, 2002). The VM is hypothesized to function as a primary restraint, providing active medial patellar stabilization during knee extension, thus ensuring normal tracking of the patella as it articulates with the trochlea of the femur (Lieb and Perry, 1968;Speakman and Weisberg, 1977;Westfall and Worrell, 1992;Holmes and Clancy, 1998).…”

“…Weakness or dysfunction of the distal portion of the vastus medialis (VM) is often observed in patients who experience PFJ deterioration. This clinical observation has led to the assumption that there is a direct causal relationship between abnormal function of the VM muscle and the progressive onset of PFJ related disorders (Fox, 1975;Shelton, 1992;Thomee et al, 1999;Malone et al, 2002;McConnell, 2002). Unfortunately, a critical review of the literature highlights a number of inconsistencies associated with studies that have tried to isolate function exclusive to the VM muscle.…”

Effectiveness of Static Quadriceps Stretching in Individuals With Patellofemoral Joint Pain

“…2). 41,42,47 Participants were provided one-on-one instruction regarding the static stretching technique, with specific ''do's and don'ts'' demonstrated through hands on instruction (Appendix). Participants were instructed to complete the stretching protocol on a daily basis, with each stretch being held for 30 seconds, repeated 5 times in a row, and performed bilaterally.…”

“…6,[10][11][12]37,38 Patellofemoral joint pain syndrome (PJPS) is an allencompassing term commonly used by researchers and health care providers to describe the pain associated with dysfunction of the patellofemoral joint. [39][40][41] It is characterized by a diffuse aching pain in the retropatellar region, and is reported to be the most frequent knee complaint among physically active adolescents and young adults, with an incidence of approximately 25%. 42,43 Despite the frequency, the mechanisms of PJPS are unclear.…”

“…Decreased quadriceps muscle flexibility is thought to play an important role in the onset of symptoms associated with PJPS 44,45 and is commonly targeted in PJPS rehabilitation protocols. 41,42,[46][47][48][49][50] The idea that quadriceps inflexibility may be associated with the presence or severity of PJPS warrants further investigation.…”