The knee joint is actually made up of two different joints that work as a team. The main joint being the tibiofemoral joint, which is the one that most people would associate as being their knee, and the patellofemoral joint. The former is the location for ligamentous injuries such as ACL/PCL sprains and tears, MCL/LCL sprains and tears, meniscus lesions, and osteoarthritis of the knee. The latter is notorious for discomfort that is not related to the knee joint proper and is the most common source of anterior knee pain. This patellofemoral joint is typically a source of irritation in athletes that are involved in running activities or any sports that require repeated jumping, but can also be irritated with stairs and normal activities of daily living. Typically, the patellofemoral joint becomes a source of irritation due to musculature imbalances in that thigh.

1. Symptoms of knee joint and/or patellofemoral pathology include:
2. Limited ROM at the knee
3. Pain with rising from sitting
4. Pain with ascending/descending stairs
5. Catching or “locking” of the knee
6. Sensations of the knee giving out with weigh bearing postures
7. Instability of the knee

A careful examination of your spine along with a detailed history will help the therapist identify the source of your symptoms and you will then be educated as to the nature of your condition and the appropriate steps to attain resolution of your condition as well as prevent future difficulties.