A dull ache around the kneecap that flares up after a run — or even just after climbing stairs — is a common pattern with runner’s knee. Despite the name, it affects far more than just runners, and understanding what may be contributing to it is an important part of getting back to activity.
What’s Really Going On
Runner’s knee, or patellofemoral pain, can be influenced by several factors, including changes in training load, muscle strength, mobility, and movement patterns. Pain is often felt around or behind the kneecap during activities that place more load through the knee, such as running, squatting, or climbing stairs.
Why Rest Alone May Not Be Enough
Reducing aggravating activity can help settle symptoms, but rehabilitation often also focuses on gradually rebuilding strength and tolerance before returning to full activity.
How Kinesiology Helps
A kinesiology assessment looks at how you move — including hip and knee strength, mobility, and movement patterns — to identify factors that may be contributing to your knee pain. From there, a targeted rehab plan can focus on strengthening and gradually improving how your body handles activity.
Getting Back to Activity
The goal isn’t just pain relief, but building the strength and capacity needed to handle the activity you want to get back to.
If knee pain is holding back your training, our kinesiology team at Joayo Therapy in Brentwood, Burnaby can help assess what may be contributing and build a path back to activity.
