Physical therapy condition guide

Patellofemoral Pain Physical Therapy in Mt. Pleasant, MI

About Patellofemoral Pain Physical Therapy

Patellofemoral pain, sometimes called runner’s knee, is pain around or behind the kneecap. It may be worse with stairs, squats, running, jumping, kneeling, hills, or sitting with the knee bent. It often relates to how the kneecap is loaded during movement rather than one single structure.

Physical therapy may include hip and quadriceps strengthening, mobility work, balance, step-down and squat mechanics, running or jumping progression, taping when helpful, workload modification, and gradual return to activity. The plan should match the patient’s sport, work, and daily demands.

Mountain Town Rehab offers one-on-one care that can identify what movements are irritating the knee and build a practical progression. Our sports, orthopedic, and BFR experience can help patients strengthen without overloading symptoms too quickly.

Safety note

Major swelling, locking, giving way, inability to bear weight, or traumatic injury should be medically evaluated.

Patellofemoral Pain FAQs

Is patellofemoral pain the same as arthritis?

No. It can happen without arthritis and often involves load, strength, and mechanics.

Should I avoid stairs?

Avoiding stairs forever is usually not the goal. Your therapist can teach ways to modify and rebuild tolerance.

Can running form matter?

Yes, but strength, load management, cadence, footwear, and recovery can all play roles.

Why do hips matter for kneecap pain?

Hip strength and control can influence knee position and kneecap loading.

Related staff experience

Mark Stansberry, Owner / PT, DPT, FAAOMPT Orthopedic Clinical Specialist with fellowship training, extensive manual therapy coursework, dry needling certification, blood flow restriction teaching experience, and experience treating athletes across youth, collegiate, professional, and Olympic levels. Alex Stansberry, DPT Orthopedic Clinical Specialist with outpatient orthopedic and neurologic experience, sports injury interests, dry needling certification, Blood Flow Restriction Training certification, and Graston technique training. Stephanie Pifer, DPT Physical therapist with orthopedic outpatient experience, return-to-sport interests, Blood Flow Restriction Training and Dry Needling skills, and Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist certification in progress for Summer 2026. Kristi Pifer, MA, MSPT Physical therapist with lymphedema certification, pediatric and aquatic therapy specialization, experience treating orthopedic and neurologic conditions, and LSVT BIG certification for Parkinson's treatment. Lisa Smith, PTA Physical therapist assistant with aquatic therapy, neurologic, orthopedic, and pediatric population interests, LSVT BIG certification, and Blood Flow Restriction Training certification.