Therapeutic goals
Reduction of anterior knee pain and inflammatory phenomena.
Improved knee mobility.
Strengthening of the quadriceps and the stabilising muscles of the knee and hip.
Prevention of joint stiffness and muscle imbalances.
Improved neuromuscular control and proprioception.
Gradual return to sports activities.
Techniques used
Pain-relieving physical therapy as indicated. Massage therapy and myofascial release of the quadriceps, hamstrings and triceps surae. Gentle knee mobilisations.
Stretching of the quadriceps, hamstrings and triceps surae. Gentle ankle mobilisations if necessary.
Progressive strengthening of the knee stabilisers: quadriceps (vastus medialis as a priority), hamstrings, gluteus medius and gluteus maximus; lumbopelvic core work.
Single-leg balance exercises. Work on a wobble board, balance cushion or balance board. Control of hip-knee-ankle alignment.
Gradual reconditioning, first to walking and then to running. Knee control work during dynamic activities. Education on load management and prevention.
Exercise programme
- Isometric quadriceps contractions
- Controlled open-chain knee extension
- Controlled partial squat
- Wall sit
- Progressive step-up / step-down
- Glute bridge, double-leg then single-leg
- Functional strengthening with a controlled forward lunge
- Proprioceptive work on an unstable surface
Protocol details
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