Runner's Knee Treatment in Overland Park
Get back to running pain-free with expert treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome. Comprehensive care for runners and athletes.
Get Back to Running
What Is Runner's Knee?
Runner's knee, medically known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), is one of the most common running injuries, accounting for up to 25% of all running-related injuries. It's characterized by pain around or behind the kneecap (patella) that typically worsens with activities like running, squatting, climbing stairs, or sitting for prolonged periods with bent knees.
Despite its name, runner's knee doesn't just affect runners—it can impact anyone who participates in activities that put stress on the knee joint, including cyclists, hikers, and people who do a lot of squatting or kneeling. The condition occurs when the kneecap doesn't track properly in its groove, causing irritation to the cartilage underneath. This can result from muscle imbalances, weak hip or quadriceps muscles, overpronation, improper footwear, or sudden increases in training intensity.
At Move Muscle & Joint in Overland Park, we understand the frustration of being sidelined by knee pain. Our comprehensive approach combines physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles and correct movement patterns, chiropractic care to ensure proper lower extremity alignment, and shockwave therapy for stubborn cases. We work with runners training on the Indian Creek Trail, athletes at Fit House KC, and weekend warriors throughout the Kansas City metro area.
Our goal isn't just to eliminate your pain—it's to identify and address the underlying biomechanical issues that caused your runner's knee in the first place, so you can return to your activities stronger and more resilient than before. Serving Overland Park, Leawood, Prairie Village, Lenexa, and surrounding areas.
Common Runner's Knee Symptoms
Our Runner's Knee Treatment Approach
We address the root causes of runner's knee to get you back to peak performance:
Physical Therapy
Targeted exercises strengthen hip abductors, quadriceps, and core muscles to improve knee tracking and reduce stress on the patellofemoral joint. We analyze your running mechanics and provide gait retraining to prevent future injuries.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Adjustments to the knee, hip, ankle, and pelvis ensure proper lower extremity alignment and biomechanics. Proper alignment reduces abnormal stress on the kneecap and promotes optimal movement patterns.
Shockwave Therapy
For chronic or stubborn cases, shockwave therapy stimulates healing in damaged tissues and reduces inflammation around the kneecap. This advanced treatment accelerates recovery and gets you back to running faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes runner's knee?
Runner's knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome) is caused by irritation of the cartilage under the kneecap. Common causes include overuse, muscle imbalances, poor running mechanics, weak hip or quadriceps muscles, improper footwear, and sudden increases in training intensity or mileage.
Can I still run with runner's knee?
It depends on the severity. Mild cases may allow modified training with proper treatment. Moderate to severe cases require rest from running while addressing the underlying causes. We'll create a personalized plan to get you back to running safely and prevent recurrence.
How long does runner's knee take to heal?
With proper treatment, most runners experience significant improvement within 6-12 weeks. Recovery time depends on severity, training modifications, and adherence to rehabilitation exercises. Our comprehensive approach accelerates healing and prevents future injuries.
Return to Running Stronger
Don't let knee pain keep you off the trail. Schedule a consultation and discover how our comprehensive approach can help you run pain-free.
Start Your Recovery