Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. E-mail: Jen PeakBodywork. The intent of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of massage therapy in the rehabilitation of postโanterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patellofemoral pain syndrome.
The primary complications following surgical repair of the anterior cruciate ligamentโclassified as patellofemoral pain syndromeโare hamstring flexion contracture and quadriceps weakness, leading to patellofemoral dysfunction and retropatellar pain. Treatment included lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, neuromuscular techniques including trigger point release, muscle energy techniques and cross-fiber friction.
Orthopedic physical assessment tests were used to chart changes in patellofemoral function and changes in range of motion in the knee during the course of the massage interventions. Subjective reporting on pain level and function were also documented. A decrease in pain level, hamstring flexion contracture and lateral tracking of the patella were documented. Massage therapy was determined to be an effective complementary therapy in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Keywords: ACL rehabilitation, retropatellar knee pain, patellofemoral pain syndrome, knee joint flexion contractures, patellofemoral dysfunction.
Anterior cruciate ligament ACL ruptures are a common athletic injury estimated to occur in 1 of every people in the United States 1. Surgical reconstruction of the ACL by 4-strand hamstring graft, patellar tendon graft or allograft have proven to be remarkably effective in restoring function and stability to the injured knee.
