Clinical Rehabilitation of Anterior Knee Pain: Current Concepts

Rehabilitation is the hallmark of the nonoperative treatment of anterior knee pain (AKP). Whether a patient has had appropriate rehabilitation can be assessed in the office with a selection of basic and advanced screening tests. Most important, providing specific instructions in your referral to a therapist skilled in treating patients with AKP can ensure that any identified deficits are appropriately addressed. The etiology of AKP is multifactorial. Whatever its "cause," AKP alters neuromuscular function, and correcting these altered body movement patterns will benefit the patient. Understanding how to assess and guide treatment of neuromuscular deficits in this population is essential for managing care and optimizing outcomes. In this article, factors associated with the diminished neuromuscular control seen in AKP are reviewed, appropriate rehabilitation concepts are discussed, and practical strategies are provided that can aid in identifying neuromuscular deficits and the need for further rehabilitation.