Pain at the front of the knee, load management and rebuilding capacity for everyday activities and sport.
Pain often linked to load
Patellofemoral pain is generally felt at the front of or around the kneecap and may occur on stairs, during squats, running or jumping, or after prolonged sitting. The term describes a clinical condition, rather than a single structure being “out of place”.
Activity volume, recent changes in training, strength and the knee's tolerance contribute in different ways. Assessment therefore starts with what provokes or eases symptoms and the activities the person wants to return to.
Reducing irritation without stopping completely
During a sensitive phase, it may help to temporarily adjust squat depth, the number of stairs climbed, running pace or training volume. The aim is to find a tolerable amount, not to eliminate all movement.
Exercises may involve the knee, hip and trunk, with gradually increasing loads. The choice depends on the person's response rather than a programme that is the same for everyone.
Building capacity over time
Pain can fluctuate even when rehabilitation is going well. Monitoring the response over the following 24 hours helps adjust load and avoid increasing it too quickly.
Returning to sport requires progression towards speed, jumping and sport-specific movements, alongside strategies for managing future loads.
This content is for information only and does not replace an individual medical or physiotherapy assessment.