Private Practice, Sydney, N.S.W. Australia.
Patellofemoral pain is a multifactorial problem.
These factors cause a change in pressure distribution of the patella on the femur. Most patellofemoral conditions may be successfully managed with physical therapy. Stretching the tight lateral structures and changing the activation pattern of the VMO may decrease the tendency for the patella to track laterally and should enhance the position of the patella. Stretching the tight lateral structures can be facilitated passively, by the therapist mobilising and massaging the lateral retinaculum and the iliotibial band, as well as the patient, performing a self-stretch on the retinacular tissue. However, the most effective stretch to the adaptively shortened retinacular tissue may be obtained by a sustained low load, using tape, to facilitate a permanent elongation of the tissues.