Free Adolescent Patellofemoral Pain Parent Guide
Does your teenager's knee hurt on stairs, squats or runs?
Download the free Adolescent Patellofemoral Pain Parent Guide. Address the likely drivers of your teenager's kneecap pain - with a strength-first framework to help restore squatting, running and landing.
8-page PDF • Written by a physiotherapist • Free instant download
What you'll learn inside the free guide
- Why scans are usually normal, and why that's good news
- How PFP differs from Osgood–Schlatter and SLJ
- The quad and hip strengthening ladder that works
- Which activities to modify instead of stopping
- Red flags that need a clinical assessment
Adolescent Patellofemoral Pain can leave parents wondering what to do next
You don't need to work it out alone.
6-Week Recovery Framework
Want a structured plan to work through?
The free guide helps you understand what's going on. The £59 Adolescent Patellofemoral Pain Recovery Framework provides a structured six-week progression with load and pain guidance, exercise demonstrations and clear progression points.
Common questions from parents
The scan was normal, so why does it still hurt?
That is actually reassuring. Pain here comes from how the joint is being loaded and how sensitive the surrounding tissue has become, and neither of those shows up on a scan. It also means strength work, not surgery, is the answer.
Is their kneecap going to come out?
Grinding, clicking and a feeling of giving way are common with kneecap pain and are usually about muscle control rather than instability. If the kneecap has actually dislocated, that needs a clinical assessment.
Do they need to stop running altogether?
Usually not. Reducing downhill running, deep squatting and high-volume jumping while building quad and hip strength lets most teenagers keep training in some form throughout.
When should we get an assessment?
If you're unsure of the cause, speak to a physiotherapist or GP. Get prompt advice if there is severe pain, night pain, swelling or difficulty bearing weight.
Is this individual physiotherapy?
No. The free guide and the 6-Week Recovery Framework are general, template resources, not personalised physiotherapy or a diagnosis.
This information is general education, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an assessment by a qualified health professional.
Please read before you buy
- These are educational rehabilitation frameworks, intended for young athletes who have already been appropriately assessed and diagnosed by a qualified healthcare professional.
- They are not a substitute for individual clinical assessment, diagnosis or treatment, and they are not personalised to your athlete.
- A parent or guardian should be involved throughout, and should supervise the exercises.
- Stop and seek advice if symptoms get worse, or if any red flag appears: significant trauma, inability to weight bear, night pain, fever, unexplained weight loss, or a hot, swollen joint.
- Young athletes vary. Progress at a pace that suits the individual, and seek professional assessment if you are unsure whether this is suitable.
Start with the free guide
Get clarity on what's happening and what you can do next.
References
The research and guidance we drew on when writing this guide.
- Collins, N.J., Barton, C.J., van Middelkoop, M., et al. (2018) '2018 consensus statement on exercise therapy and physical interventions for patellofemoral pain', British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52(18), pp. 1170-1178.
- Frush, T.J. and Lindenfeld, T.N. (2009) 'Peri-epiphyseal and overuse injuries in adolescent athletes', Sports Health, 1(3), pp. 201-211.
- Gabbett, T.J. (2016) 'The training-injury prevention paradox: should athletes be training smarter and harder?', British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(5), pp. 273-280.
- Hawkins, D. and Metheny, J. (2001) 'Overuse injuries in youth sports: biomechanical considerations', Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(10), pp. 1701-1707.
- Lloyd, R.S., Cronin, J.B., Faigenbaum, A.D., et al. (2016) 'National Strength and Conditioning Association position statement on long-term athletic development', Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 30(6), pp. 1491-1509.
- Rathleff, M.S., Roos, E.M., Olesen, J.L. and Rasmussen, S. (2015) 'Exercise during school hours when added to patient education improves outcome for 2 years in adolescent patellofemoral pain: a cluster randomised trial', British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(6), pp. 406-412.