

175. Patellofemoral Pain: Best Practice Guide w/ Bradley Neal
38 snips Nov 19, 2024
In this discussion, Bradley Neal, a physiotherapist and lecturer at the University of Essex, dives into the nuances of patellofemoral pain. He shares insights from the new Best Practice Guide, focusing on differential diagnosis and effective management strategies. Topics include optimizing patient communication, the role of individualized care, and the importance of understanding therapeutic intervention mechanisms. Neal also tackles common rehab pitfalls and emphasizes evidence-based practices for better outcomes in knee pain management.
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Diagnosing Patellofemoral Pain
- Diagnose patellofemoral pain by excluding other pathologies like patella tendinopathy, tibiofemoral pain, and fat pad issues.
- Look for broad, diffuse pain at the front of the knee, unlike the localized pain of tendinopathy.
Patellofemoral Pain vs. Osteoarthritis
- Older adults can experience patellofemoral pain, distinct from osteoarthritis.
- Focus on symptom behavior like stiffness, effusion, and post-static dyskinesia, not just age and imaging, for accurate diagnosis.
Exercise Recommendations
- Prescribe knee-targeted or combined hip and knee exercises for patellofemoral pain.
- Prioritize knee exercises, but if the knee is too irritable, start with hip-focused exercises to build tolerance.