Perceptions of physiotherapists of their role in reducing pain and increasing, function, strength and flexibility in patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Dimitris Stasinopoulos,Konstantinos Papadopoulos,Russell Kabir

doi:10.7243/2055-2386-4-9

Abstract

Study objectives: The purpose of this focus group study was to establish the physiotherapy treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in North-West Wales. In addition the study aimed to report the barriers that stopped physiotherapists from increasing strength and flexibility and the contradictions of physiotherapists’ beliefs regarding their practice. Methods: The investigation was based on specific and priori designed questions. Two focus groups were conducted, where physiotherapists discussed the results of a feasibility study conducted in their department. 11 hypotheses discussed whilst 13 evidence statements reported by the merger of the answers to the hypotheses. A level of consensus was described using the moderator’s notes. Results: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome physiotherapy works; not through strength and flexibility but through pain and function improvement. However, this practice often only has a short-term effect. Conclusions: Group classes and better education on the importance of specific exercises and self-managing should be researched whilst the long-term effect of these treatment components should also be assessed.

Highlights

A previous study contacted at North-West Wales (NWW) National Health Service (NHS) physiotherapy departments reported that physiotherapists used a series of strength and flexibility tests to assess and treat Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) [1]
A feasibility study conducted at the same physiotherapy departments of NWW which aimed to monitor the effectiveness of six-week period of physiotherapy performed on 26 patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) showed that isometric strength and flexibility of several low limb muscles of patients with PFPS were not increased significantly [3]
These are illustrated by the following quotes: shown it could take more than a year to build up good strength back, in conditions like ACLs or something; it takes more time to build up muscle strength; at least to get an obvious difference that you could pick up statistically, so I think it might takes longer than just 6 weeks

Summary

Introduction

A previous study contacted at North-West Wales (NWW) National Health Service (NHS) physiotherapy departments reported that physiotherapists used a series of strength and flexibility tests to assess and treat PFPS [1]. This situation is in line with the regulations of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards of physiotherapy proficiency which suggest the use of safe and effective physiotherapy-skills including exercise and movement [2]. Their pain levels and function measured by two pain Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), and one function scale named Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS), were improved significantly [3] (appendix 1) This was an unexpected finding and to investigate it further a focus group study was set up.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion