Effects of Swedish massage techniques and therapeutic exercise on patellofemoral pain syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders that results in anterior knee pain and vastus medialis obliqqus (VMO) weakness. The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of Sweden massage (SM) and strength-stretch exercise (SSE) on PFPS. Thirty-Six male volunteers with PFPS were randomly assigned into three groups: SM group, SSE group, and control. The two experimental groups accomplished their own specific treatment protocols for 8 weeks. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and 6-minute walking test were used before and after interventions to determine the effects of treatment protocols. Both experimental groups showed an improvement in the functional activity and pain reduction; however the SM group had higher significant improvement (P < 0.001). Compared to the control group, the walking distance covered by the subjects of the two aforementioned experimental groups was significantly (P < 0.001) higher following therapeutic interventions, although there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between them. It can be concluded that SM and SSE may have similar effects on PFPS; however SM method alleviates pain more efficiently.