— Conditions We Treat

Patellofemoral Pain

Expert Assessment. Personalised Rehabilitation. Evidence-Based Recovery.

— About This Condition

What Is Patellofemoral Pain (Runner's Knee)?

Knee pain around the kneecap can quickly stop you doing the things you enjoy. Whether you’re running, training at the gym, climbing stairs or simply standing after sitting for a while, patellofemoral pain can make everyday movement frustrating.

Despite commonly being known as Runner’s Knee, you don’t need to be a runner to develop it. Patellofemoral pain is one of the most common knee conditions treated by physiotherapists and affects adolescents, active adults and athletes alike.

Why Does Patellofemoral Pain Develop?

Patellofemoral pain develops when the demands placed on the knee exceed what it can comfortably tolerate. Common contributing factors include increased running or training loads, reduced hip/gluteal/quadriceps strength, poor lower-limb movement control, recovery following another knee injury, and foot biomechanics where clinically relevant.

— RECOGNISE THE SIGNS

Could This Be Patellofemoral Pain?

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Pain Around or Behind the Kneecap

A dull ache around or beneath the kneecap itself.

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Pain Walking Downstairs, Squatting or Running

Discomfort triggered by downhill walking, squatting or running.

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Pain After Prolonged Sitting

Stiffness or aching after sitting for extended periods, sometimes called "movie-goer's knee."

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Clicking or Grinding Around the Kneecap

A clicking or grinding sensation as the kneecap moves.

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Gradual Onset Without a Specific Injury

Pain that builds up over time rather than starting with a single incident.

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Gradual or Sudden Onset

Symptoms often develop gradually but may also follow a fall, sporting injury or sudden increase in activity.

— WHY EARLY ASSESSMENT MATTERS

The Right Rehabilitation Begins with the Right Diagnosis

Many knee conditions produce similar symptoms, making an accurate diagnosis essential.

Your assessment may include:

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Comprehensive knee examination

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Hip, gluteal and quadriceps strength testing

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Functional movement assessment

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Squatting, stair and single-leg movement analysis

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Running assessment where appropriate

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Foot and ankle biomechanics

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Flexibility assessment

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Review of your work, sporting and lifestyle demands

— YOUR RECOVERY JOURNEY

A Staged Path Back to Full Movement

Every rehabilitation program is tailored to your injury, lifestyle and goals—not simply the calendar.

Restore Movement

The early stage focuses on reducing pain while keeping you active. Treatment may include:

• Education and activity modification
• Load management strategies
• Hands-on physiotherapy where appropriate
• Patellar taping where indicated
• Restoring comfortable movement

Complete rest is rarely the answer. We'll help you keep moving safely while reducing unnecessary stress on your knee.

Restore Strength & Build Capacity

Exercise is the foundation of long-term recovery. Your rehabilitation program may include:

• Quadriceps strengthening
• Hip and gluteal strengthening
• Core stability
• Balance and single-leg control
• Functional movement retraining
• Progressive loading

Successful rehabilitation is about more than building strength. We'll progressively increase your knee's capacity so it can comfortably tolerate the demands of work, running, sport and everyday life.

Return with Confidence

Whether you're returning to work, running, the gym or competitive sport, rehabilitation progresses according to your recovery—not simply time. Your program may include:

• Return-to-running programs
• Running technique assessment
• Jumping and landing retraining
• Gym progression
• Return-to-work conditioning
• Sport-specific rehabilitation

Every stage is designed to help you return confidently while reducing the risk of future flare-ups.

— THE KENMORE VILLAGE PHYSIO DIFFERENCE

Why Choose Kenmore Village Physio?

Successful rehabilitation is about more than reducing pain.
We identify the cause of your symptoms, restore movement and rebuild the strength and capacity needed for long-term recovery.

Therapy

Expert Assessment

We identify the cause, not just the symptom.

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Accurate Diagnosis

Clear answers before we build your plan.

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Personalised Rehabilitation

Tailored to your goals, work and lifestyle.

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Evidence-Based Recovery

Long-term outcomes, not just short-term relief.

— FAQ

Patellofemoral Pain (Runner's Knee) Questions Answered

Everything you need to know before your first appointment.

Can’t find your answer? Get in touch.

Yes. Most people recover successfully with physiotherapy. A progressive rehabilitation program helps reduce pain, restore strength and improve your knee's ability to tolerate activity.

Not usually. Patellofemoral pain can often be diagnosed through a thorough clinical assessment. Imaging is generally reserved for unusual presentations or when another condition is suspected.

Often, yes. Rather than stopping completely, we'll modify your running and gradually rebuild your training load as your symptoms improve.

Recovery varies depending on the severity of your symptoms and how long they've been present. Many people notice significant improvement within several weeks, although long-standing cases may take longer.

Seek prompt medical assessment if your pain follows significant trauma, your knee becomes severely swollen or locked, or you're unable to bear weight.

— GET IN TOUCH

Recover with Confidence

Book your assessment today and experience the Kenmore Village Physio difference.
 

Or call: 0409 371 217