Non-Operative — Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Massachusetts General Hospital · MGH Sports Medicine

Weight-Bearing

N/A

Key Restrictions

Avoid painful PF compression positions; modify activity and training load; extensive differential diagnosis included; address hip strength, patellar mobility, and biomechanics

Timeline & Phases

Phase I: acute pain control, activity modification, quad/VMO activation, patellar mobilization, hip strengthening; Phase II: progressive strengthening (closed chain, hip abductors/ER), neuromuscular control, taping/bracing PRN; Phase III: functional progression, running mechanics, return-to-sport criteria

Notes

Revised June 2021; includes extensive differential diagnosis table; emphasizes VMO and hip external rotator strengthening; addresses training errors, footwear, orthotics. [Archived copy — original Massachusetts General Hospital URL retired in the Mass General Brigham site migration; Wayback snapshot 2026-02-28.]

Surgeon / Author

MGH Sports Medicine

Published

2021-06