Exercise Interventions for Patellofemoral Pain in a Runner

Course overview

Patellofemoral pain is one of the most common running-related complaints, yet exercise prescription is often applied inconsistently or without a clear framework. This case study explores the role of exercise in managing patellofemoral pain, outlining its effectiveness for improving pain and function in runners. Clinicians will identify key subjective features and interpret objective findings including strength deficits, movement patterns, tissue tolerance, and foot biomechanics to inform intervention selection. An evidence-based clinical reasoning approach is applied to guide exercise choice, prescription variables, and phased rehabilitation progression from neuromuscular activation through to strength, endurance, and power. The case also addresses monitoring strategies, symptom-guided progression, and return-to-running decision-making based on functional capacity and patient-reported outcomes.