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PATELLAR INSTABILITY

Home Exercises

When the knee bends, the patella slides evenly up and down within a groove at the end of the
femur. In some people, the patella is pulled out of the groove towards the outside of the knee
causing patella instability. Most commonly, this tracking problem causes discomfort with activity,
and pain around the sides of the kneecap.
Causes of patellar instability include a traumatic dislocation, such as occurs during a sports
activity, or a displacement caused by daily activities. Patellar instability may result from a
combination of different variables including bone structure, poor movement patterns, soft
tissue dysfunction, and muscle weakness. The muscles surrounding the hip and knee need to
be strong to help control the position of the leg and keep the kneecap stable. Addressing range
of motion and strength deficits while managing pain can help you safely transition back into
your normal activities.

STRAIGHT LEG RAISE - SLR


While lying on your back, raise up your leg with a straight
knee. Keep the opposite knee bent with the foot planted on
the ground.

Repeat 10 Times Hold 3 Seconds

STRAIGHT LEG RAISE - SLR EXTERNAL ROTATION


While lying or sitting, raise up your leg with a straight knee and
your toes pointed outward.

Repeat 10 Times
Complete 2 Sets

1
HIP ABDUCTION - SIDELYING
While lying on your side, slowly raise up your top leg to the side.
Keep your knee straight and maintain your toes pointed forward
the entire time. Keep your leg in-line with your body.

The bottom leg can be bent to stabilize your body.

Repeat 10 Times
Complete 3 Sets

BRIDGING
While lying on your back with knees bent, tighten your lower
abdominals, squeeze your buttocks and then raise your
buttocks off the floor/bed as creating a “Bridge” with your body.
Hold and then lower yourself and repeat.

Repeat 15 Times
Complete 3 Sets

PRONE QUAD STRETCH


On your belly with strap around ankle. If needed have pillow
under abdomen to support low back.

Pull strap over shoulder under stretch is felt. There should be


no sharp pain in the kneecap.

Hold, repeat.

Repeat 3 Times Hold 30 Seconds

SINGLE LEG STANCE - SLS


Stand on one leg and maintain your balance.

Repeat 1 Time Hold 1 Second


Complete 1 Set Perform 1 Times a Day

2
STEP UP
Start by standing in front of a step/step stool with both feet on
the floor. Step forward up the step with one leg and then the
other leg. Return to starting position taking a step back towards
the floor leading with the same leg.

Repeat 10 Times
Complete 3 Sets

WALL SITS
Stand against the wall with feet hip-width apart. Slide down to a
position you can hold for the prescribed time.

Tighten your core and press your shoulders into the wall. Push
yourself away from the wall to come out of exercise, as opposed
to sliding up the wall.

To increase demand on the involved leg, place the uninvolved


leg two inches further forward.

Repeat 5 Times Hold 30 Seconds

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