A recent study has indicated that exercises to strengthen the gluteal muscles can help to reduce pain and dysfunction in Patello-Femoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS). PFPS is a very common knee condition, which usually presents as pain behind the kneecap (patella). It is often worsened by movements that increase load on the knee such as climbing stairs, squatting and sitting for prolonged periods.
There has been growing evidence that the cause of PFPS can be due to mechanical problems in other regions- usually the hip. The study design reasoned that by strengthening the hip that knee pain could be reduced. The participants (all women) were split into two groups one, a control group, were given nutritional supplements and the exercise group were given two exercises to strengthen the hip. The exercise group were moved to higher resistance exercises where necessary during the study.
The results were quite encouraging. They suggested that after the study, the exercise group were suffering with considerably less pain and perhaps more encouragingly the results were still present six months after the study finished. The study suggests that hip strengthening can be useful in the management of PFPS. Although other studies have suggested that improving hip function and movement can be equally as important as hip strengthening.
For more information on hip strengthening exercises and how they could help you, please call 01425 474046 or email info@ringwoodchiropractic.co.uk.