Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common source of knee pain in the physically active population, particularly active women. Conservative rehabilitation is the primary treatment option for PFPS, a diagnosis often attributed to muscular dysfunction.
Quadriceps muscle dysfunction has a well-known association with PFPS, however it has been only recently that the literature is establishing a link between hip weakness and patellofemoral pain. It is suggested that there exists a correlation between women with PFPS and weakness of the hip external rotators and hip abductors.
A recent study of 33 participants with PFPS compared the effects of hip strengthening to quadriceps strengthening in the first 4 weeks of rehabilitation in the treatment of females with PFPS. Participants were randomly assigned to a hip strengthening program (hip group)or a quadriceps strengthening program (quad group) for 4 weeks. At the end of 4 weeks, participants in the hip group reported a significant decrease in knee pain while the participants in the quad group took 8 weeks to achieve those same benefits. This study supports the importance of addressing proximal muscle weakness in the rehabilitation of females with PFPS.
At Fox Valley Physical Therapy and Wellness, our therapists understand this correlation and begin to address hip weakness at the start of the rehabilitation process for all knee pain patients. Our therapy process begins with a thorough evaluation of the entire body in order to determine all potential variables. This total body approach helps to uncover the true problem behind the symptoms and allows the rehabilitation process to be more efficient and effective.
If you have knee pain and would like an evaluation of your symptoms, please contact our scheduling department at 630-549-0511.
Taken from the Article: “Knee Pain: Strengthen My Hips? But It’s My Knees That Hurt!“
Posted on: September 20, 2012 | Rehab