Speaker: James W. Matheson PT, DPT, MS, OCS, SCS, CSCS
Contact Hours: 8 contact hours (MN BPT Cat. 1)

About This Course

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is an overuse injury characterized by aching pain in the anterior knee and surrounding tissue that is exacerbated by physical activities such as climbing stairs, squatting, jumping, and running and/or by sitting with the knees flexed for a prolonged time. The prevalence of PFPS is high because it can occur in patients with a wide range of physical activity levels.  

Over the past decade, the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) has been extensively studied in the physical therapy literature. Patients with PFPS demonstrate quadriceps and hip musculature weakness, altered lower extremity (LE) kinematics, and decreased LE flexibility. Psychosocial factors have also been identified as an important factor in patients with PFPS.

This 1-day course will provide the busy clinician with an update of the most recent research on how physical therapists should evaluate, treat, and manage patients with PFPS.  Lecture, lab sessions, and group discussion will be used to help participants improve their skills in working with patients with PFPS.

Course Objectives

• Recite the most recent research evidence on the etiology and prevalence of PFPS.
• Learn techniques to improve patient self-efficacy and improve functional outcomes in patients with PFPS.
• Understand how recognizing and managing local, proximal and distal factors may interact and influence the diagnosis and treatment of PFPS.
• Weigh the level of evidence and the costs of care in selecting a physical therapy plan of care for patients with PFPS.
• Evaluate the theoretical and clinical significance of kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing in patients with PFPS.

Course Schedule

7:30 to 8:00 am:  Registration
8:00 to 8:30 am:  The role of the Physical Therapy Clinician in the Management of PFPS
8:30 to 10:00 am:  Lecture – Mechanisms underlying PFPS – What Have We learned?
10:00 to 10:15 am:  Break
10:15 to 11:30 am:  Lab Activities - Case Studies / Demo – Examination of the PF Joint
11:30 to 12:00 am:  Lecture  – Protocols and Interventions for Treating PFPS 
12:00 to 1:00 pm:  Lunch (On Your Own)
1:00 to 2:15 pm:  Lecture  - Protocols and Interventions for Treating PFPS (continued)
2:15 to 3:15 pm:  Lab Activities - Case Studies / Demo – Clinical Performance Testing
3:15 to 3:30 pm:  Break
3:30 to 5:00 pm:  Kinesiophobia and Management of Patient Reported Outcomes for Patients with PFPS
5:00-5:30 pm:  Questions / Discussion – Review and Summary of Course Objectives

Speaker Biography

J.W. Matheson PT, DPT, MS, SCS, OCS, CSCS is a 1996 graduate of the Mayo Clinic of Health Sciences. J.W. is a 2001 graduate of the first public APTA Credentialed Sports Physical Therapy residency at Gundersen Sports Medicine in Onalaska, WI. He is both a board certified specialist in sports physical therapy and a board certified specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy. J.W. completed his transitional DPT degree from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions in 2005.

Dr. Matheson is a respected author and clinical researcher. He has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed research articles on specific exercises for the knee and shoulder and has recently published several manuscripts on the topic of rehabilitation outcomes. J.W. integrates clinical outcomes and functional measurements into his daily clinical practice and is currently working with several payers on different models of reimbursement based on rehabilitation outcomes. He has presented nationally at conferences on the integration of patient reported and functional outcomes into clinical practice.

Dr. Matheson has worked in a variety of clinical and academic settings as a clinician, researcher, adjunct faculty member, consultant, and owner. He is currently Co-Owner and Clinic Director of Catalyst Sports Medicine. This is a private outpatient physical therapy practice and sports performance center located in Hudson, Wisconsin.  J.W. is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and serves on several legislative and research committees locally and nationally.