Effectiveness of Routine Physical Therapy with and Without Pain Release Phenomenon in Patello-Femoral Pain Syndrome

Physical therapy intervention is the mainstay for treating patellofemoral pain syndrome i. e. Retropatellar pain. Despite of the availability of a number of treatment options there is lack of agreement on any specific treatment approach of Patellofemoral pain syndrome. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of physical therapy treatment with and without Pain Release Phenomenon in patellofemoral pain syndrome. It was a double blind, randomized controlled trial.60 participants were randomly assigned to two groups. The treatment was provided for six weeks thrice every week. Group A received conventional/standardized Physical therapy treatment and Group B received conventional/standardized Physical therapy treatment along with pain release phenomenon. The baseline measurements were taken at the beginning and at six weeks post-trial. Patients did not differ in baseline pain and disability level in both groups. Six weeks post intervention group B receiving the physical therapy with pain relief phenomenon showed markedly improved functional status (p-value=0.01, Confidence interval=95 %) and reduction in level of pain (p-value=0.02, Confidence interval=95 %) as compared to group A. Effect sizes for both VAS and Functional index questionnaire were large. This study concludes that Pain release phenomenon is an effective technique in reducing pain and improving function of knee in patients with patellofemoral pain when combined with conventional treatment and home exercise plan over a period of six weeks.