Patellofemoral Pain / Anterior Knee Pain

Dr. Tim Sayer holds a PhD in ACL injury and patellofemoral pain syndrome — the exact condition you are seeking treatment for. This level of specialisation is unique in Melbourne CBD physiotherapy.

Patellofemoral Pain Melbourne CBD

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) — commonly known as anterior knee pain — is the most common knee complaint seen at our Melbourne CBD clinic. It causes aching pain around or behind the kneecap that worsens with running, squatting, stairs, and prolonged sitting.

Our clinic is led by Dr. Tim Sayer, a physiotherapist with a PhD specifically focused on ACL injury and patellofemoral pain syndrome. His research-backed approach means your treatment is grounded in the strongest available evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

Patellofemoral pain occurs as a combination of biomechanical and biological loading at the patella (kneecap), typically increasing an inflammatory response in the bone or cartilage beneath the kneecap.

Common causes include quadriceps weakness, hip abductor weakness, poor foot biomechanics, and increased training load. It is especially prevalent in runners, cyclists, and gym-goers.

  • Pain at the front of the knee, around or behind the kneecap
  • Pain that worsens going downstairs or downhill
  • Aching after prolonged sitting (the “cinema sign”)
  • Discomfort during squatting, lunging, or kneeling

Frequently Asked Questions

Assessment & Treatment at Our Knee Clinic

At Melbourne CBD Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine, we use our Kineo isokinetic dynamometer to objectively measure quadriceps and hamstring strength and track your rehabilitation with precision. This technology is central to our knee rehabilitation approach.

  • Load management and activity modification
  • Quadriceps and hip strengthening program
  • Patellofemoral taping or bracing
  • Running technique analysis and correction
  • Isokinetic strength testing to guide return to sport

Meet Your Knee Specialist — Dr. Tim Sayer

Dr. Tim Sayer is Co-Director of Melbourne CBD Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine. He holds a Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) and a PhD focused on ACL injury and patellofemoral pain syndrome. He is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne and a member of Team ACL, Australia’s leading ACL research consortium.

Tim has worked as sports physiotherapist with Melbourne Storm and has extensive experience treating knee conditions in elite and recreational athletes.

Book an appointment today

MELBOURNE CBD PHYSIOTHERAPY AND SPORTS MEDICINE CLINIC

Our team look forward to working with you to help achieve your goals 

Frequently asked questions

In many cases yes — with appropriate load modification. Your physiotherapist will help you manage training volume while your knee heals.

In most cases, PFPS is diagnosed clinically without imaging. An MRI may be recommended if other conditions need to be ruled out.

In many cases yes — with appropriate load modification. Your physiotherapist will help you manage training volume while your knee heals.

Our clinic is led by Dr. Tim Sayer, whose PhD research focused specifically on patellofemoral pain syndrome. Combined with our Kineo isokinetic testing technology, we offer a level of knee specialisation unique in Melbourne CBD.

OUR AFFILIATIONS

Our Knee Clinic Melbourne CBD offers specialist physiotherapy for patellofemoral pain syndrome and a range of knee conditions. Led by Tim Sayer, Director and Senior Physiotherapist, the Knee Clinic provides expert assessment, biomechanical analysis, and evidence-based rehabilitation for anterior knee pain and patellofemoral syndrome.