Funtional Strategies for Runner's Knee

Functional Strategies for Runner's Knee

Runner's knee, including conditions like patellofemoral pain syndrome, is more than just a symptom; it's a cry for help from a body part caught in a complex biomechanical chain. The knee, often misconceived as the sole problem area, is actually a victim of compensatory patterns arising from elsewhere in the body.

Applied Functional Science (AFS) physical therapy, utilized by Superior Physical Therapy, is an innovative and integrative approach that addresses biomechanical, neurological, and physiological aspects of human movement. It is particularly effective in treating conditions like runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome, or PFPS), which commonly affects runners due to overuse, poor biomechanics, or muscular imbalances.

Holistic Assessment of Movement

Unlike traditional therapy that may focus narrowly on the knee, AFS examines the entire kinetic chain—from the foot and ankle through the hip and trunk—to determine the root cause of dysfunction. Runner’s knee is often not just a problem of the knee itself but a result of:

• Weak hip abductors and external rotators
• Poor foot mechanics (e.g., overpronation)
• Limited ankle dorsiflexion
• Abnormal trunk rotation or pelvic control

By evaluating movement in all three planes (sagittal, frontal, transverse), AFS uncovers dysfunctional patterns that contribute to the overload at the knee.

Functional, 3D Movement Correction

AFS uses 3D functional movement patterns tailored to real-world activities. For runner’s knee, this includes:

• Lunges with rotational components
• Step-downs and balance reaches in different planes
• Integrated foot, ankle, and hip activation drills

These movements simulate the demands of running and help retrain the neuromuscular system to move more efficiently and safely.

Chain Reaction Biomechanics

AFS is grounded in the principle of "chain reaction biomechanics", meaning that motion or dysfunction in one part of the body affects others. For example:

• A tight calf limits ankle mobility → increases knee stress
• A weak gluteus medius allows knee valgus collapse → increases patellofemoral joint compression

AFS interventions simultaneously address proximal (hip, core) and distal (foot, ankle) contributors to knee pain to create sustainable improvements.

Individualized Progressions

Every runner is different, and AFS allows for customized exercise progressions that adapt to the patient's functional capacity, pain level, and running goals. Therapists trained in AFS might adjust:

• Lunge depths
• Planar emphasis (e.g., frontal plane for lateral stability)
• Speed and load to mimic running conditions

This personalization increases compliance and optimizes recovery.

Prevention-Oriented Approach

Beyond pain relief, AFS aims to prevent recurrence by:

• Educating runners about efficient movement patterns
• Enhancing dynamic stability and proprioception
• Strengthening underused muscles in functional ways

This approach reduces reliance on temporary fixes like orthotics or taping and fosters long-term tissue resilience.

Applied Functional Science is particularly effective for runner’s knee because it:

• Treats the cause, not just the symptom
• Uses real-life, dynamic movement retraining
• Engages all three planes of motion
• Facilitates whole-body integration

When guided by a skilled AFS-trained physical therapist, runners can expect not only symptom relief but a stronger, more resilient return to running.

Check out our Movement Assessment web page for more info on how an assessment can help you prevent injuries.

Check out this video about Stenosis and Running: https://youtu.be/N3hKlFukmBk