Assessment of Therapeutic Ultrasound as an Adjunctive Modality in the Management of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): A Clinical Evaluation

Subash Srivastav; Teh Yi Wen; Hiral Joshi; Ho Pei Xin; Pravinkumar Ingle

doi:doi:10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11

Research Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

Assessment of Therapeutic Ultrasound as an Adjunctive Modality in the Management of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): A Clinical Evaluation

Subash Srivastav^*

, Teh Yi Wen

, Hiral Joshi

, Ho Pei Xin, Pravinkumar Ingle

Published in American Journal of Medical Education (Volume 1, Issue 4)

Received: 15 October 2025 Accepted: 30 October 2025 Published: 9 December 2025

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

Background: Anterior knee pain is a key symptom of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), a common musculoskeletal disorder often caused by improper patellar tracking and abnormalities in soft tissue. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the effectiveness of UST on PFPS among students at a private medical university, the Frisbee club. Methods: A survey derived from the SNAPPS questionnaire (Survey instrument for Natural history, Aetiology and Prevalence of Patellofemoral pain Studies) to diagnose individuals with PFPS was sent out to the frisbee club students and we had a total of 61 responses. Out of 61 responses, 11 individuals meet the inclusion criteria of this research. The scores for pre- and post-treatment provided an insight into whether therapeutic ultrasound is effective in individuals with PFPS. This interventional study involves 2 sessions of 5 minutes of ultrasound with a frequency of 1 MHz and intensity of 1.5 W/cm² applied to the affected knee. Results: The outcome measure used was the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS). The results of this study showed that out of 11 individuals, 9 showed improvement in pain scores pre- and post-treatment (p<0.05). However, 2 participants reported slightly more perceptive pain after treatment, and 1 participant had the same pain scores before and after treatment. This variation could be attributed to subjective pain scoring and differences in individual pain perception. Conclusion: These results provide credence to the use of therapeutic ultrasound as a useful supplement in the conservative treatment of PFPS.

Published in	American Journal of Medical Education (Volume 1, Issue 4)
DOI	10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11
Page(s)	57-62
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Knee Pain, Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Therapeutic Ultrasound

References

[1]	Glaviano NR, Kew M, Hart JM, Saliba S. Demographic and Epidemiological Trends in Patellofemoral Pain. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2015 Jun; 10(3): 281-90.
[2]	Takabayashi T, Mutsuaki E, Inai T, Tokunaga Y, Kubo M. Influence of sex and knee joint rotation on patellofemoral joint stress. Acta Bioeng Biomech. 2022; 24(3): 161-68.
[3]	Blond L, Hansen L. Patellofemoral pain syndrome in athletes: a 5.7-year retrospective follow-up study of 250 athletes. Acta Orthop Belg. 1998 Dec; 64(4): 393-400.
[4]	Waryasz GR, McDermott AY. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS): a systematic review of anatomy and potential risk factors. Dyn Med. 2008 Jun 26; 7: 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-5918-7-9
[5]	Espí-López GV, Arnal-Gómez A, Balasch-Bernat M, Inglés M. Effectiveness of Manual Therapy Combined With Physical Therapy in Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Systematic Review. J Chiropr Med. 2017 Jun; 16(2): 139-146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2016.10.003
[6]	Akinbola M, Logerstedt D, Hunter-Giordano A, Snyder-Mackler L. Ultimate frisbee injuries in a collegiate setting. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2015 Feb; 10(1): 75-84.
[7]	Palermo M, Reich S, Rives M. The Effect of Active Release Technique on Hamstring Extensibility: A Critically Appraised Topic. J Sport Rehabil. 2024 Jan 30; 33(3): 202-7. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2023-0229
[8]	Christou EA. Patellar taping increases vastus medialis oblique activity in the presence of patellofemoral pain. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2004 Aug; 14(4): 495-504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2003.10.007
[9]	Lake DA, Wofford NH. Effect of therapeutic modalities on patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review. Sports Health. 2011 Mar; 3(2): 182-9. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738111398583
[10]	Heintjes E, Berger MY, Bierma-Zeinstra SM, Bernsen RM, Verhaar JA, Koes BW. Pharmacotherapy for patellofemoral pain syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004; 2004(3): CD003470. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003470.pub2
[11]	Dixit S, DiFiori JP, Burton M, Mines B. Management of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Am Fam Physician. 2007 Jan 15; 75(2): 194-202.
[12]	Luo Y, Chen X, Shen X, Chen L, Gong H. Effectiveness of Kinesio tape in the treatment of patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Jun 7; 103(23): e38438. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000038438
[13]	Ozlu O, Atilgan E. The effect of high-intensity laser therapy on pain and lower extremity function in patellofemoral pain syndrome: a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2024 Apr 17; 39(1): 103. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-024-04017-y
[14]	Scafoglieri A, Van den Broeck J, Willems S, Tamminga R, van der Hoeven H, Engelsma Y, Haverkamp S. Effectiveness of local exercise therapy versus spinal manual therapy in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: medium term follow-up results of a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021 May 15; 22(1): 446. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-021-04310-9
[15]	Li Y, Tian S, Jin L, Li J, Liu X, Ji J. Effect of Tan Tui combined with kinesio taping on the posture control of patients with PFPS: protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2023 Aug 9; 24(1): 507. Erratum in: Trials. 2023 Oct 3; 24(1): 632. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-023-07675-5
[16]	Introduction of a pilot study. Korean J Anesthesiol. 2017 Dec; 70(6): 601-05. https://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2017.70.6.601
[17]	Khasawneh RR, Allouh MZ, Abu-El-Rub E. Measurement of the quadriceps (Q) angle with respect to various body parameters in young Arab population. PLoS One. 2019 Jun 13; 14(6): e0218387. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0218387
[18]	Dey P, Callaghan M, Cook N, Sephton R, Sutton C, Hough E, James J, Saqib R, Selfe J. A questionnaire to identify patellofemoral pain in the community: an exploration of measurement properties. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2016 May 31; 17: 237. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-016-1097-5
[19]	Aminaka N, Gribble PA. Patellar taping, patellofemoral pain syndrome, lower extremity kinematics, and dynamic postural control. J Athl Train. 2008 Jan-Mar; 43(1): 21-8. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-43.1.21
[20]	Brosseau L, Casimiro L, Robinson V, Milne S, Shea B, Judd M, Wells G, Tugwell P. Therapeutic ultrasound for treating patellofemoral pain syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001; (4): CD003375. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003375
[21]	Hart HF, Collins NJ, Ackland DC, Crossley KM. Is Self-Reported Knee Stability Associated With Symptoms, Function, and Quality of Life in People With Knee Osteoarthritis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction? Clin J Sport Med. 2020 Sep; 30(5): e134-e138. https://doi.org/10.1097/JSM.0000000000000674

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Srivastav, S., Wen, T. Y., Joshi, H., Xin, H. P., Ingle, P. (2025). Assessment of Therapeutic Ultrasound as an Adjunctive Modality in the Management of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): A Clinical Evaluation. American Journal of Medical Education, 1(4), 57-62. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Srivastav, S.; Wen, T. Y.; Joshi, H.; Xin, H. P.; Ingle, P. Assessment of Therapeutic Ultrasound as an Adjunctive Modality in the Management of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): A Clinical Evaluation. Am. J. Med. Educ. 2025, 1(4), 57-62. doi: 10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Srivastav S, Wen TY, Joshi H, Xin HP, Ingle P. Assessment of Therapeutic Ultrasound as an Adjunctive Modality in the Management of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): A Clinical Evaluation. Am J Med Educ. 2025;1(4):57-62. doi: 10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11,
  author = {Subash Srivastav and Teh Yi Wen and Hiral Joshi and Ho Pei Xin and Pravinkumar Ingle},
  title = {Assessment of Therapeutic Ultrasound as an Adjunctive Modality in the Management of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): A Clinical Evaluation},
  journal = {American Journal of Medical Education},
  volume = {1},
  number = {4},
  pages = {57-62},
  doi = {10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.mededu.20251004.11},
  abstract = {Background: Anterior knee pain is a key symptom of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), a common musculoskeletal disorder often caused by improper patellar tracking and abnormalities in soft tissue. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the effectiveness of UST on PFPS among students at a private medical university, the Frisbee club. Methods: A survey derived from the SNAPPS questionnaire (Survey instrument for Natural history, Aetiology and Prevalence of Patellofemoral pain Studies) to diagnose individuals with PFPS was sent out to the frisbee club students and we had a total of 61 responses. Out of 61 responses, 11 individuals meet the inclusion criteria of this research. The scores for pre- and post-treatment provided an insight into whether therapeutic ultrasound is effective in individuals with PFPS. This interventional study involves 2 sessions of 5 minutes of ultrasound with a frequency of 1 MHz and intensity of 1.5 W/cm2 applied to the affected knee. Results: The outcome measure used was the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS). The results of this study showed that out of 11 individuals, 9 showed improvement in pain scores pre- and post-treatment (p<0.05). However, 2 participants reported slightly more perceptive pain after treatment, and 1 participant had the same pain scores before and after treatment. This variation could be attributed to subjective pain scoring and differences in individual pain perception. Conclusion: These results provide credence to the use of therapeutic ultrasound as a useful supplement in the conservative treatment of PFPS.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Assessment of Therapeutic Ultrasound as an Adjunctive Modality in the Management of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): A Clinical Evaluation
AU  - Subash Srivastav
AU  - Teh Yi Wen
AU  - Hiral Joshi
AU  - Ho Pei Xin
AU  - Pravinkumar Ingle
Y1  - 2025/12/09
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11
T2  - American Journal of Medical Education
JF  - American Journal of Medical Education
JO  - American Journal of Medical Education
SP  - 57
EP  - 62
PB  - Science Publishing Group
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11
AB  - Background: Anterior knee pain is a key symptom of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), a common musculoskeletal disorder often caused by improper patellar tracking and abnormalities in soft tissue. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the effectiveness of UST on PFPS among students at a private medical university, the Frisbee club. Methods: A survey derived from the SNAPPS questionnaire (Survey instrument for Natural history, Aetiology and Prevalence of Patellofemoral pain Studies) to diagnose individuals with PFPS was sent out to the frisbee club students and we had a total of 61 responses. Out of 61 responses, 11 individuals meet the inclusion criteria of this research. The scores for pre- and post-treatment provided an insight into whether therapeutic ultrasound is effective in individuals with PFPS. This interventional study involves 2 sessions of 5 minutes of ultrasound with a frequency of 1 MHz and intensity of 1.5 W/cm2 applied to the affected knee. Results: The outcome measure used was the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS). The results of this study showed that out of 11 individuals, 9 showed improvement in pain scores pre- and post-treatment (p<0.05). However, 2 participants reported slightly more perceptive pain after treatment, and 1 participant had the same pain scores before and after treatment. This variation could be attributed to subjective pain scoring and differences in individual pain perception. Conclusion: These results provide credence to the use of therapeutic ultrasound as a useful supplement in the conservative treatment of PFPS.
VL  - 1
IS  - 4
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Subash Srivastav

School of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2966-3927
Teh Yi Wen

School of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

http://orcid.org/0009-0001-2872-1673
Hiral Joshi

School of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

http://orcid.org/0009-0006-8507-240X
Ho Pei Xin

School of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Pravinkumar Ingle

School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1033-4330

Download PDF

Submit an Article

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Srivastav, S., Wen, T. Y., Joshi, H., Xin, H. P., Ingle, P. (2025). Assessment of Therapeutic Ultrasound as an Adjunctive Modality in the Management of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): A Clinical Evaluation. American Journal of Medical Education, 1(4), 57-62. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Srivastav, S.; Wen, T. Y.; Joshi, H.; Xin, H. P.; Ingle, P. Assessment of Therapeutic Ultrasound as an Adjunctive Modality in the Management of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): A Clinical Evaluation. Am. J. Med. Educ. 2025, 1(4), 57-62. doi: 10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Srivastav S, Wen TY, Joshi H, Xin HP, Ingle P. Assessment of Therapeutic Ultrasound as an Adjunctive Modality in the Management of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): A Clinical Evaluation. Am J Med Educ. 2025;1(4):57-62. doi: 10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11,
  author = {Subash Srivastav and Teh Yi Wen and Hiral Joshi and Ho Pei Xin and Pravinkumar Ingle},
  title = {Assessment of Therapeutic Ultrasound as an Adjunctive Modality in the Management of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): A Clinical Evaluation},
  journal = {American Journal of Medical Education},
  volume = {1},
  number = {4},
  pages = {57-62},
  doi = {10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.mededu.20251004.11},
  abstract = {Background: Anterior knee pain is a key symptom of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), a common musculoskeletal disorder often caused by improper patellar tracking and abnormalities in soft tissue. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the effectiveness of UST on PFPS among students at a private medical university, the Frisbee club. Methods: A survey derived from the SNAPPS questionnaire (Survey instrument for Natural history, Aetiology and Prevalence of Patellofemoral pain Studies) to diagnose individuals with PFPS was sent out to the frisbee club students and we had a total of 61 responses. Out of 61 responses, 11 individuals meet the inclusion criteria of this research. The scores for pre- and post-treatment provided an insight into whether therapeutic ultrasound is effective in individuals with PFPS. This interventional study involves 2 sessions of 5 minutes of ultrasound with a frequency of 1 MHz and intensity of 1.5 W/cm2 applied to the affected knee. Results: The outcome measure used was the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS). The results of this study showed that out of 11 individuals, 9 showed improvement in pain scores pre- and post-treatment (p<0.05). However, 2 participants reported slightly more perceptive pain after treatment, and 1 participant had the same pain scores before and after treatment. This variation could be attributed to subjective pain scoring and differences in individual pain perception. Conclusion: These results provide credence to the use of therapeutic ultrasound as a useful supplement in the conservative treatment of PFPS.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Assessment of Therapeutic Ultrasound as an Adjunctive Modality in the Management of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): A Clinical Evaluation
AU  - Subash Srivastav
AU  - Teh Yi Wen
AU  - Hiral Joshi
AU  - Ho Pei Xin
AU  - Pravinkumar Ingle
Y1  - 2025/12/09
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11
T2  - American Journal of Medical Education
JF  - American Journal of Medical Education
JO  - American Journal of Medical Education
SP  - 57
EP  - 62
PB  - Science Publishing Group
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.mededu.20251004.11
AB  - Background: Anterior knee pain is a key symptom of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), a common musculoskeletal disorder often caused by improper patellar tracking and abnormalities in soft tissue. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the effectiveness of UST on PFPS among students at a private medical university, the Frisbee club. Methods: A survey derived from the SNAPPS questionnaire (Survey instrument for Natural history, Aetiology and Prevalence of Patellofemoral pain Studies) to diagnose individuals with PFPS was sent out to the frisbee club students and we had a total of 61 responses. Out of 61 responses, 11 individuals meet the inclusion criteria of this research. The scores for pre- and post-treatment provided an insight into whether therapeutic ultrasound is effective in individuals with PFPS. This interventional study involves 2 sessions of 5 minutes of ultrasound with a frequency of 1 MHz and intensity of 1.5 W/cm2 applied to the affected knee. Results: The outcome measure used was the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS). The results of this study showed that out of 11 individuals, 9 showed improvement in pain scores pre- and post-treatment (p<0.05). However, 2 participants reported slightly more perceptive pain after treatment, and 1 participant had the same pain scores before and after treatment. This variation could be attributed to subjective pain scoring and differences in individual pain perception. Conclusion: These results provide credence to the use of therapeutic ultrasound as a useful supplement in the conservative treatment of PFPS.
VL  - 1
IS  - 4
ER  -

Copy | Download