[Physiotherapeutic and training therapeutic options for instable patellofemoral joints]

In order to allow an adequate and timely restoration of physical performance with an instable patellofemoral joint within the framework of complex therapy strategies, individual post-traumatic cause-and-effect chains and their influence on the hip-leg axis of both the active and passive musculoskeletal systems must be considered as well as joint-specific aspects. For this reason selected relevant neurophysiological aspects of one and multiple joint movement stereotypes will be firstly presented. Subsequently some selected physiotherapeutic measures will be presented and their indication-specific relevance will be explained. To round up, training therapeutic measures under special consideration of tension and control-oriented aspects will be summarized. For the first time possible individual measures of physical therapy, physiotherapy and training therapy will be combined on a time-function basis.Patients with knee problems involving the patellofemoral joint have in most cases injuries to the musculoskeletal system with an orthopedic traumatological focus which diminishes the functional ability and efficiency of the musculoskeletal system of the complete lower extremities. As a rule no special therapy techniques are used but patients can be adequately helped by a qualified therapist with a portfolio of therapeutic techniques to effect an alleviation or improvement of the complaints following medical treatment (conservative or surgical). However, for problems involving the patellofemoral joint axis-specific aspects of the hip-leg axis must be considered in addition to joint-specific aspects.