On this episode of the Healthy Wealthy and Smart Podcast, I welcome Dr. Christian Barton on the show to talk about exercise for patellofemoral pain. Dr Christian Barton is a physiotherapist who graduated with first class Honours from Charles Sturt University in 2005, and completed his PhD focusing on Patellofemoral Pain, Biomechanics and Foot Orthoses in 2010. Dr Barton’s broad research disciplines are biomechanics, running-related injury, knee pathology, tendinopathy, and rehabilitation, with a particular focus on research translation. Dr Barton has published over 40 papers in Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation and Biomechanics journals, and he is an Associate Editor for the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
In this episode, we discuss:
-Why exercise is so important in treating patellofemoral pain
-Exercise prescription principles for optimizing therapeutic programs
-Muscle power and its role in absorbing load during activity
-Utilizing graded exposure to address fear around movement
-And so much more!
The current literature shows, “Exercise is the key intervention, along with education” for patellofemoral pain. Although uncertainty exists around specific exercise prescription parameters, Dr. Barton has found that, “The exercise that probably should be provided is primarily hip and knee based on current evidence.”
Dr. Barton is a proponent for conservative management over injections and surgical interventions for patellofemoral pain and encourages all clinicians to, “[make] sure that patients take this on board and you stop them from looking for quick fixes.”
While strength and power deficits will exist for individuals with patellofemoral pain, other factors such as recovery expectations and fear of movement can further impact clinical presentation and intervention. Dr. Barton stresses, “Ultimately, you need to treat the patient in front of you.”
For more information on Dr. Barton:
Dr Christian Barton, APAM, is both a researcher and clinician treating sports and musculoskeletal patients in Melbourne. He is a postdoctoral research fellow and the Communications Manager at the La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre. Christian’s research is focussed on the knee, running injuries and knowledge translation including the use of digital technologies. He has written and contributed to a multitude of peer-reviewed publications and is a regular invited speaker both in Australia and internationally. He also runs courses on patellofermoral pain and running injury management in Australia, the United Kingdom and Scandinavia. He is on the board of the Victorian branch of the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Association, and a guest lecturer at La Trobe University and the University of Melbourne.
Christian is currently studying a Master of Communication, focussing on journalism innovation. He is an Associate Editor and Deputy Social Media Editor at the British Journal of Sports Medicine, as well as Associate Editor at Physical Therapy in Sport.
Resources discussed on this show:
La Trobe University Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Blog
The International Patellofemoral Research Network
Proximal muscle rehabilitation is effective for patellofemoral pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis
How can we implement exercise therapy for patellofemoral pain if we don’t know what was prescribed? A systematic review
IPFRN Exercise Guide
2016 Patellofemoral pain consensus statement from the 4th International Patellofemoral Pain Research Retreat, Manchester. Part 2: recommended physical interventions (exercise, taping, bracing, foot orthoses and combined interventions)
Hip rate of force development and strength are impaired in females with patellofemoral pain without signs of altered gluteus medius and maximus morphology
La Trobe University Blog: Hip muscle rate of force development is impaired in females with knee cap pain
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Have a great week and stay Healthy Wealthy and Smart!
Xo Karen
