Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Using LLLT/PBMT
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), uses red and near-infrared light applied over targeted areas. In our clinic it is used as part of a GP-led treatment approach for selected musculoskeletal pain and injury presentations, including selected patellofemoral pain presentations.
PBMT/LLLT is non-invasive and generally well tolerated. Suitability and response vary, and treatment recommendations depend on the diagnosis, severity, duration of symptoms and individual clinical factors. PBMT/LLLT has been studied for a range of musculoskeletal pain and injury conditions. See our references page for supporting literature.
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Key Points
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome, sometimes called runner’s knee, refers to pain around or behind the kneecap.
- It is commonly associated with overuse, muscle imbalance, altered patellar tracking or increased load through the knee.
- Symptoms include pain with stairs, running, walking, squatting or sitting with the knees bent for long periods.
- Standard treatments such as rest, ice, medication, taping or strengthening may offer temporary symptom relief for some people, but are not suitable or effective for everyone.
- Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), or Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is considered for selected patellofemoral pain presentations where soft tissue irritation, local inflammatory processes or pain sensitivity are contributing to symptoms.
- LLLT may be particularly relevant where pain limits rehabilitation or where loading and exercise need to be introduced carefully.
- Treatment is supervised by Dr Shikha Parmar and delivered as part of a structured six-week program.
- LLLT can be considered for people with persistent patellofemoral pain who have not improved with usual conservative care, after appropriate medical assessment.
What is Patellofemoral Syndrome?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome refers to pain around or behind the kneecap, often aggravated by activities that involve bending the knee or loading the patellofemoral joint. It commonly affects active people, including runners and those involved in jumping activities.
It may also occur with muscle imbalance, altered patellar tracking, overuse or increased stress on the knee joint.
Causes & Risk Factors
Causes of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- Overuse or sudden increases in training load
- Muscle imbalance or reduced hip and quadriceps control
- Altered patellar tracking
- Increased load from running, jumping, stairs or squatting
- Prolonged sitting with the knees bent
- Previous knee injury or altered gait
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of patellofemoral syndrome include:
- Pain at the front of the knee, around or behind the kneecap
- Pain with walking, running, stairs or squatting
- Pain after prolonged sitting with the knees bent
- Tenderness around the kneecap
- Occasional swelling or a feeling of weakness or instability
How is Patellofemoral Syndrome Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually made through a detailed history and physical examination. Dr Shikha Parmar will assess symptom pattern, activity triggers, tenderness, range of motion, strength and functional movement.
Patellar tracking tests and other clinical tests may be used. X-rays may help exclude structural problems, while MRI or ultrasound may be used where soft tissue injury, cartilage irritation or other pathology is suspected.
Patellofemoral Pain – Treatment Overview
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is a non-invasive treatment approach used as part of a structured program for selected patellofemoral pain presentations. It may help modulate pain and local inflammatory processes and support soft tissue recovery without adding mechanical stress to sensitive knee structures.
Why Consider Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?
Many patients present after limited relief from rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, taping, strengthening programs, cortisone injections or PRP. These approaches may ease symptoms temporarily, but are not suitable for every stage of recovery, especially if loading or exercise aggravates pain.
Why ice, anti-inflammatories, cortisone, and PRP may not support long-term recovery. Read more here.
How LLLT Supports Healing
LLLT uses red and near-infrared light and may support:
- Helping modulate inflammation and oxidative stress
- Local circulation and oxygenation
- Lymphatic drainage
- Cellular energy production (ATP)
- Soft tissue and joint-related recovery processes where irritation is present
- Assisting pain reduction without mechanical loading or stressing the patellofemoral joint
Non-Invasive and Supported by Research
PBMT/LLLT is non-invasive and generally well tolerated. It has been studied in a range of musculoskeletal pain and injury conditions. Individual responses vary, and outcomes depend on the condition being treated and the stage of recovery. Read more here.
See how LLLT may support the cellular environment involved in tissue recovery here.
Our Treatment Program
All patients are assessed by Dr Shikha Parmar (GP). Treatment is delivered within a structured six-week program, including:
- Up to 12 LLLT sessions
- Early progress review after the first 6 treatments
- Individualised advice and activity modification
- Guided rehabilitation to support longer-term function
Progress is reviewed during the program. Many patients notice appreciable improvement after the first 6 treatments. If there has not been sufficient improvement by this review point, further treatment may not be recommended.
View the full treatment protocol and expected outcomes here.
Ready to Discuss Your Patellofemoral Pain Treatment Options?
If you are struggling with persistent patellofemoral pain, we invite you to contact our team at Laser Pain Therapy to discuss the suitability of LLLT for your presentation. Treatment suitability and outcomes vary, and assessment is required before recommendations can be made.
Contact us today to arrange your consultation.
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