Patellofemoral pain (adjunctive care)
Also known as: patellofemoral pain syndrome, runner's knee, anterior knee pain
Patellofemoral pain is an ache around or behind the kneecap, worse with stairs, squatting, running or sitting with bent knees. Exercise therapy is the mainstay. Chinese medicine sees it as Xī Bì — local Qi and Blood stagnation, Wind-Cold-Damp obstruction or Liver-Kidney deficiency failing to nourish the sinews.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Hip and quadriceps strengthening is the best-supported treatment — see a physiotherapist.
- •Cut back on aggravating loads for a while rather than stopping activity altogether.
- •Check running volume and footwear.
- •Lose weight if needed to ease load on the knee.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Avoid needling into a hot, swollen joint — refer first.[]
- •Don't needle deeply into the knee joint space.[]
When to reassess or seek care again
Recheck pain on stairs and squatting (0–10) every 4 sessions; refer if no change after 6–8 weeks.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- NICE · 2024
- BJSM / PubMed · 2016
- AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.