The Effectiveness of Two Physiotherapy Protocols in the Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellar mobilization was carried out three times for 60 seconds each session \[19\]. The technique was performed by placing the therapist's thumbs on the lateral edge of the patella allowing a patellar glide in the medial and slightly caudal direction. The aim of this technique was to stretch the lateral patellar retinaculum

In order to perform this technique the patient was positioned prone on a treatment table (Figure 6). The non-stretched limb remained on the ground, flexed at the hip and knee. Moving this limb forward ensured proper aligment of the lumbar spine, while elevating the heel and placing it on the therapist's foot reduced tension in the hamstring group. Proper execution of the technique could be performed when the pelvis was aligned parallel to the surface, keeping the trunk and thigh of the stretched limb in one line. The therapist grasped by ipsilateral hand the distal third of the patient's lower leg and pulled the heel toward the buttock while by the contralateral hand stabilized the pelvis. The static position of stretching was maintained for 30 seconds in every repetition.

The training protocol included the following exercise: glute bridges, half squat, rear lunges, side walk with elastic band