Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain) Physiotherapy in Clapham
Pain around or behind your kneecap on stairs, squatting, running or after sitting through a film? Runner’s knee is very common, and the right strengthening plan usually helps. Olivia offers thorough, unhurried care at our Clapham clinic.
Understanding Runner's Knee (Patellofemoral Pain)
As part of our knee physiotherapy for women, Olivia treats runner’s knee and patellofemoral pain in Clapham, helping you ease pain and get back to running, the gym and everyday life.
What Is Runner's Knee?
Runner’s knee, or patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), is pain around or behind the kneecap. Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust describes it as irritation between the kneecap and the thigh bone, often when the kneecap doesn’t move smoothly in its groove. It’s sometimes called chondromalacia patella or anterior knee pain.
Symptoms
- Dull ache around or behind your kneecap
- Pain going up or down stairs, especially down
- Pain squatting, kneeling or running downhill
- Pain after sitting for a long time with your knees bent
- A crunching or grinding feeling around the kneecap
What Causes It?
According to Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, contributing factors can include tight muscles, weak muscles that help control the kneecap, and the way your feet and legs move. A sudden increase in running or training is a common trigger.
Why Hip Strength Matters
Weakness in the hip and buttock muscles can let the knee drift inwards when you run, squat or take the stairs, adding load to the kneecap. Strengthening your hips is often just as important as strengthening your thighs.
How Physiotherapy Helps
Depending on your assessment, treatment may include:
- A progressive strengthening programme for your thighs and hips
- Advice on adjusting running, squatting and stairs while symptoms settle
- Running technique and training load advice
- Taping or footwear advice where helpful
- A step-by-step return to running and sport
Running With Knee Pain
You don’t always need to stop running completely. Reducing your distance, avoiding hills and building strength often lets you keep running while your knee settles. Olivia will help you find the right balance. See also our sports physiotherapy.
Other Causes of Front of Knee Pain
Pain just below the kneecap is more likely to be patellar tendinopathy, while pain on the outside of the knee may be IT band syndrome. Olivia will assess you to find the source.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes and takes place in a private room at our Clapham clinic. Olivia will:
- Talk through your symptoms, your running or exercise and your goals
- Assess your knee, hip and ankle, your strength and how you move
- Explain what she has found and agree a treatment plan with you
- Give you exercises and practical advice to start at home
Meet Olivia, your Pelvic Floor physio
Chartered Women's Health & MSK Physiotherapist
Olivia Denman
Olivia founded Liv Physio to give women the specialist, unhurried care they deserve, especially those who have felt overlooked by the healthcare system. She is Master’s-qualified, with five years of experience across the NHS and private practice.
She specialises in pelvic floor and urogynaecological conditions, including prolapse, incontinence and pelvic pain, alongside pre- and postnatal care, with advanced training through the POGP. Every appointment is one-to-one, in a safe, judgement-free space where you’ll be truly listened to.
Registered and accredited
Pricing & Appointments
Single Session Initial appointments & follow-ups
A one-to-one, 60-minute appointment with Olivia at our Clapham clinic. Your session includes a thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and a personalised plan, with exercises to continue at home between appointments.
The Clapham Clinic
Inside the clinic
A calm, private space
Liv Physio is ideally situated in the heart of Clapham, London, nestled between the green expanse of Clapham Common and the boutiques of Abbeville Village.
Our clinic at Lion Yard has been designed to feel calm and welcoming from the moment you arrive, with a bright reception, a comfortable waiting area and a private treatment room.
It is a space where you can relax, take your time and talk openly about anything, however personal.
Find us
Clinic location
AddressLiv Physio, 7 Lion Yard, Tremadoc Road, Clapham, London SW4 7NQ
Appointment hoursMonday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
All visits are by appointment only, so please book before coming to the clinic.
Runner's Knee FAQs
- How long does runner's knee take to get better?
Many women improve within a few weeks to a few months with the right strengthening programme and changes to training.
- Should I stop running with runner's knee?
Not always. Reducing your running and avoiding hills while you build strength often helps you keep running. Olivia will guide you.
- Is runner's knee the same as chondromalacia patella?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Both describe pain around or behind the kneecap, and treatment is similar.
- Do knee supports help runner's knee?
Some women find taping or a knee support eases pain in the short term. Strengthening is the key to long-term recovery.
- Do I need a referral for runner's knee physiotherapy?
No, you can book directly with us. Olivia is happy to work alongside your GP, consultant or surgeon if needed.
What our patients say
What I’ve appreciated most is how comfortable and at ease she makes you feel. She is kind, understanding and non judgemental, which makes talking about things that can sometimes feel quite personal so much easier. She always takes the time to listen and explains everything clearly, and the exercises are tailored to what I feel comfortable with.
I’m really grateful for all her support and would definitely recommend Olivia to anyone looking for postnatal or pelvic floor support.
Free 15-Minute Initial Consultation Call
This complimentary consultation call is your chance to meet Olivia, discuss your goals, and see if she's the right fit for you. You'll learn about her approach, how physiotherapy can help your condition, and what to expect from sessions including treatment options and pricing.
Please note: No physical treatment, diagnosis or clinical assessment is provided during this consultation.
Get in Touch
We are always on hand to help with any queries you may have.
We suggest you use our contact form to get in touch so we can direct your query to the relevant person.
Call Us or WhatsApp Us
To speak to our specialist, please call us on 020 8058 0762
(our lines are open Monday – Sunday 8am to 8pm).
Stay Connected
Stay updated by following us on our social channels. Links are provided below to keep you connected.
Care you can trust
Why choose Liv Physio?
Choosing the right specialist makes all the difference. At Liv Physio, you’ll find expert, unhurried care in a calm and private clinic in Clapham, delivered with warmth and a genuine commitment to getting you the results you deserve.
Specialist care: Women’s health is our focus, not an add-on. Every appointment is with a chartered physiotherapist with advanced training in pelvic health.
Time to listen: Unhurried, one-to-one appointments, so we can understand the full picture and you never feel rushed.
A holistic approach: We look beyond your symptoms to the lifestyle, hormonal and day-to-day factors behind them, using evidence-based treatment.
A safe space: A calm, private, judgement-free clinic where you can talk openly about anything, however personal.