Six-Week Multimodal Physiotherapy Rehabilitation for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in a Young Soccer Athlete: A CARE Case Report

Abstrak

Background: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a common overuse-related knee disorder in soccer athletes and is associated with anterior knee pain, impaired biomechanics, and reduced sports performance. Evidence regarding structured multimodal rehabilitation in young soccer athletes remains limited.
Objective: To evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes following a six-week multimodal physiotherapy rehabilitation program in a young soccer athlete with PFPS.
Methods: This CARE-guideline case report involved an 18-year-old male soccer athlete with anterior knee pain aggravated by sprinting, squatting, and resisted knee extension. Clinical assessment included the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Range of Motion (ROM), Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), and Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale. Primary outcomes were pain intensity and functional performance, while secondary outcomes included ROM and quadriceps strength. The patient underwent a six-week rehabilitation program consisting of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), therapeutic ultrasound, progressive strengthening exercises, and neuromuscular training using the FITT principle. Interventions were performed three times weekly for 45–60 minutes.
Results: Pain intensity decreased from NRS 7/10 during functional activity and 6/10 on palpation at baseline to 0–1/10 after six weeks, representing approximately 85–100% improvement. Knee flexion ROM improved from 120° to 135°, quadriceps strength improved from MMT grade 4/5 to 5/5, and Kujala score increased from 90/100 to 100/100. No adverse events were reported.
Conclusion: A six-week multimodal physiotherapy rehabilitation program was associated with reduced pain and improved functional outcomes in a young soccer athlete with PFPS. However, larger studies with long-term follow-up are required.