Bouncing Back from Knee Pain: Sports Physiotherapy for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)

written by

Brandan Smith

Bouncing Back from Knee Pain: Sports Physiotherapy for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)

If you’ve ever felt a dull ache around or behind your kneecap after a game, a run, or a heavy leg session, you might be dealing with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)— commonly known as "runner’s knee." It’s a frequent and frustrating issue, especially in basketball players, runners, cyclists, and those who spend time doing squats, lunges, or stairs.

At Hoops Physio, PFPS is one of the most common conditions we treat—especially in basketball athletes. Whether you’re playing at a competitive level or just staying active through high-impact training, our team has the expertise and tools to get you back on the court pain-free and stronger than ever.

What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

PFPS involves pain at the front of the knee, usually around or behind the kneecap. It’s typically aggravated by:

  • Running (especially downhill)
  • Squatting or lunging
  • Jumping and landing
  • Prolonged sitting with knees bent
  • Going up or down stairs

This pain often stems from overuse, poor movement patterns, or muscular imbalances, which place excess stress on the joint between the kneecap and the thigh bone.

Why It Affects Basketball Players

Basketball demands quick acceleration, deceleration, cutting, jumping, and landing—all of which load the knees heavily and repeatedly. When mechanics break down or volume ramps up too fast, the knee can become irritated and painful.

How Sports Physiotherapy Helps

At Hoops Physio, we take a whole-limb, performance-focused approach to treating PFPS—especially for basketball players and active individuals.

Our treatment plan includes:

  • Movement analysis to identify and correct poor mechanics
  • Lower limb strengthening to build resilience in hips, quads, hamstrings, calves, and feet
  • Manual therapy to reduce pain and restore joint mobility
  • Taping for temporary support and movement guidance
  • Sport-specific return-to-play progression tailored to basketball and other high-impact activities

Built to Prevent Recurrence

Once the pain is under control, our goal is to keep it that way. That means:

  • Teaching proper warm-up and landing mechanics
  • Building sport-specific strength and endurance
  • Helping you manage load during practices, training, and games

Get Back in the Game with Hoops Physio

Whether you’re a competitive athlete or simply love staying active, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome doesn’t have to slow you down. At Hoops Physio, we combine expert care, cutting-edge technology, and a deep understanding of sport to help you recover fully—and come back stronger.

Book your assessment today and experience why athletes trust Hoops Physio to keep them in the game.

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0403 134 141

info@hoopsphysio.com.au

77-79 Tulip St, Cheltenham VIC 3192

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