Compressive Myofascial Release of the Vastus Lateralis on Lateral Patellar Tracking in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common health-related complaints in today's societies. PFPS refers to a syndrome that comprises of the following signs and symptoms: anterior knee pain, inflammation, imbalance and instability. About 50% of the non-specific knee pain is diagnosed as PFPS. PFPS frequently becomes chronic, and patients cannot do physical activity. Individuals with PFPS typically report pain that is either located in the peri-patellar or retro-patellar region during active movements involving knee movement. Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) has been attributed as the main cause and primary source of musculoskeletal pain in 30-85% of the patients attending physical therapy clinics. Myofascial pain syndrome often presents in the forms of pain, muscle spasm or TrP. TrP has been described as a hyperirritability spot located in a taut band of muscle; or a small pea or rope-like nodular or crepitant (crackling, grating) area within the muscle, which is painful to palpation or compression and refers pain, tenderness, or an autonomic response to a remote area. It is stated that "jump response" is elicited when pressure is applied to a Trp. TrP may result from mechanical overload, trauma, overuse, postural faults, or psychological stress. Based on their primary functions, muscles are categorized as "phasic" or "postural" muscles. In response to dysfunction or overuse, the phasic muscles tend to be inhibited or weakened; while the postural muscles tend to develop higher tone and ultimately shorten. A muscle imbalance between the dynamic and postural muscles may lead to MTP in the musculoskeletal system.