What is it?
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a blanket term that stems from numerous different causes of knee pain. PFPS, like other overuse injuries, typically stems from overtraining or progressing a training program quicker than the body can tolerate. Muscular imbalances and decreased range of motion can also predispose the athlete to overuse injuries.
Overuse injuries are any injury to the muscle, tendon, or joint from repetitive stress or microtrauma. Military boot camp, or basic training, has been known to cause overuse injuries in tactical athletes. These types of injuries can be debilitating, but can be managed with the right knowledge and treatment here at GoodLife Physical Therapy in Homer Glen, Orland Park and Evergreen Park, IL. Contact our clinic today to request an appointment!
Some common symptoms associated with PFP include:
- Dull aching pain in the front of the knee aggravated during or after exercise and by:
- Sitting for prolonged periods
- Walking up/down stairs
- Squatting
- Running
- Weakness in the quadriceps/hip muscles
- Tightness in the hamstring and/or iliotibial band
Why Is Physical Therapy Necessary For Knee Pain?
It is important to identify the exact cause of why you are experiencing knee pain. Understanding and correcting the underlying issue is the key to any rehabilitation program. Simply treating the symptoms won’t get rid of the real problem! Physical therapists at GoodLife Physical Therapy in Homer Glen, Orland Park and Evergreen Park, IL are movement experts who are trained to help you identify the movement disorder behind your knee pain. They can provide the correct exercise prescription to get you back to doing the things you love to do.
When you arrive at our clinic for your initial exam, one of our certified movement specialists will examine your movements and pinpoint the true source of your pain. He or she might ask you to pick objects up, walk, bend over, or any other number of movements to get a better idea of your physical capabilities.
Our clinic treats several pain conditions when it comes to the knees and your ability to walk without pain. Below is a list of common conditions our physical therapists can help with:
- Sprain / Strain
- Meniscus Injury
- Tendonitis
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tears
- Medial Cruciate Ligament (MCL) Tears
- Lateral Cruciate Ligament (LCL) Tears
- Total Knee Replacement
- Poor Balance / Risk of Falling
- Post-surgery Rehab
- Difficulty Walking
Contact Our Clinic Today
Here at GoodLife Physical Therapy in Homer Glen, Orland Park and Evergreen Park, IL, we make it our top priority to see our patients through to the end of their treatment. We want to ensure that you are educated about your condition and understand that our therapists are here to help you every step of the way to recovery.
We welcome all patients, including those on active military duty. Contact us today to learn more about your treatment options.
