Most patients are successfully treated by conservative means, with few requiring surgical intervention. The current standard of care is conservative treatment including physical therapy to address biomechanical issues, with quadriceps-based strengthening; iliotibial band, hamstring, and quadriceps stretching; and proximally focused hip stabilization programs, as well as orthotic intervention, taping, and bracing.[7]Earl JE, Vetter CS. Patellofemoral pain. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2007;18:439-458,viii.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17678761?tool=bestpractice.com
However, there is no one exercise modality that is clearly superior to others, and each patient with patellofemoral pain should be given an individualized program based on their specific deficits.[95]Clijsen R, Fuchs J, Taeymans J. Effectiveness of exercise therapy in treatment of patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis. Phys Ther. 2014;94:1697-1708.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25082920?tool=bestpractice.com
[96]van der Heijden RA, Lankhorst NE, van Linschoten R, et al. Exercise for treating patellofemoral pain syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(1):CD010387.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD010387.pub2/full
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25603546?tool=bestpractice.com
A period of 4 to 6 weeks is usually adequate for resolution of symptoms. Successful long-term outcomes (67%-85%) have been reported with a comprehensive home exercise program.[97]Karlsson J, Thomee R, Sward L. Eleven year follow-up of patello-femoral pain syndrome. Clin J Sport Med. 1996;6:22-26.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8925361?tool=bestpractice.com
[98]Kannus P, Natri A, Paakkala T, et al. An outcome study of chronic patellofemoral pain syndrome: seven-year follow-up of patients in a randomized, controlled trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1999;81:355-363.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10199273?tool=bestpractice.com