Under normal circumstances the patella (knee cap) properly rests in the trochlea (a groove in the femur). As the knee bends and straightens, the patella should slide up and down, staying in this groove. Patellar instability describes a situation when the patella does not stay within the trochlea. It can be a result of a specific injury (such as a direct trauma or due to cutting during sports) or may develop slowly over time due to abnormal bone structure, muscle weakness, tendon and ligament hypermobility (flexibility) around the knee and/or decreased mobility (tightness) in soft tissue on the outside of the knee which pulls the patella laterally out of the trochlea.
The Physical Therapists at Apple Physical Therapy will design a personalized treatment plan specific to you and your injury that will include range of motion, stretching and strengthening exercises to improve stability and strength in your knee, leg and core musculature to allow you to return to normal daily activity. We will include manual therapy techniques such as massage and stretching of the knee and surrounding muscles to restore normal motion of the knee and leg and to facilitate healing. If necessary, your PT may elect to use modalities such as ice and/or heat to decrease swelling, pain and ready the body for exercise.
With convenient locations in both Cherry Hill NJ and Marlton NJ, Apple Physical Therapy proudly serves such areas as Cherry Hill, Marlton, Medford, Voorhees, Mount Laurel, Maple Shade, Berlin, Moorestown and all of South Jersey’s Camden and Burlington counties. If you are looking for a Physical Therapist in the Cherry Hill area, we welcome you to our practice. Meet our team and schedule your appointment with us today!