10/11/2025
Patellofemoral Pain? Here’s How a Therapist Checks It Out.
1️⃣ History - When did the pain kick in? Stairs? Squats? Sitting too long? Any clicks, swells, or old injuries? Your story guides the whole exam.
2️⃣ Standing Assessment
Feet forward, we scan alignment:
- Q-angle (hip-to-kneecap line)
- Flat arches or high arches?
- Knock-knees or bow-legs?
- Hip drop when you single-leg stand?
3️⃣ Patella Mobility Check
On the plinth, we gently glide your kneecap:
↔️ Side-to-side
↕️ Up-down
Any grinding (crepitus) or pain = red flag.
4️⃣ Muscle Power & Length Tests
- Quad strength: Can you hold a straight-leg raise?
- VMO lag: Does the inner quad fire late?
- Hamstring/hip flexor tightness: Thomas test on the table.
5️⃣ Palpation - Tender under the kneecap edges? ITB tight? Fat pad irritated?
💡 Goal: Rule out meniscus, ligaments, or referral pain. Then build your custom fix—taping, glutes, or quad drills.
