PRP and Stem Cell Injections for Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome) offered in Estero, Florida
Do you experience aching or burning pain around your kneecap when running, climbing stairs, or sitting for long periods?
This common condition, often called Runner’s Knee, is medically known as patellofemoral pain syndrome. It occurs when the kneecap (patella) doesn’t track properly over the thigh bone (femur), leading to irritation, inflammation, and pain.
At Integrative Rehab Medicine, we offer advanced non-surgical and regenerative therapies designed to treat Runner’s Knee at the source—so you can move with less pain and more confidence.
Common Symptoms
- Aching or sharp pain around or behind the kneecap
- Pain that worsens with running, squatting, or going up and down stairs
- Discomfort after sitting with bent knees for long periods (“theater sign”)
- Knee clicking, grinding, or feeling like the knee may “give out”
- Swelling or tenderness around the front of the knee
Causes of Runner’s Knee
Runner’s Knee is typically caused by abnormal tracking of the kneecap in its groove, often due to muscular imbalances or biomechanical issues. Weak quadriceps, tight hamstrings, or hip instability can place uneven pressure on the patella.
Overuse from repetitive activities like running, cycling, or jumping can further irritate the joint. Poor footwear, flat feet, or sudden increases in training intensity can also contribute. Over time, this leads to irritation of the cartilage beneath the kneecap (chondromalacia), inflammation of surrounding tissues, and persistent pain if left untreated.
Accurate Diagnosis is Key
At Integrative Rehab Medicine, we use a comprehensive diagnostic approach to identify the root cause of Runner’s Knee, we use:
- Detailed orthopedic examination and movement testing
- Imaging such as X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI to evaluate joint space, bone spurs and soft tissues
- Functional strength and posture assessments to guide treatment.
This allows us to tailor a comprehensive regenerative treatment plan specific to your injury and functional goals.
Are You a Candidate for Non-Surgical Knee Pain Treatment?
Regenerative Treatment Options
We specialize in non-surgical regenerative orthopedic solutions designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and restore joint health for those suffering from Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.
- Prolotherapy – Prolotherapy uses targeted injections of dextrose to stimulate healing. When administered at the right concentration, the solution triggers a mild, temporary inflammatory response activating fibroblasts—specialized cells that produce collagen—to strengthen and thicken the surrounding ligaments and tendons, ultimately improving knee stability and support reducing abnormal patellar tracking.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – PRP contains growth factors that accelerate tissue repair. PRP injections can reduce inflammation, improve collagen remodeling, and promote long-term healing of the joint. PRP works best for mild to moderate arthritis and tendinosis.
- Stem Cell Therapy – We utilize Bone Marrow Stem Cells to support tissue regeneration and repair, particularly for more severe knee arthritis and cartilage loss. Through the release of growth factors, stem cells regulate the local immune response, decrease inflammation and stimulate tissue growth. Stem Cells have been shown to be very effective for treating knee osteoarthritis even in patients with moderate to severe arthritis.
Do You Want to Resolve Knee Pain and Restore Function?
Complementary Treatments
In addition to regenerative injections, we incorporate evidence-based complementary therapies to enhance recovery and long-term shoulder function:
1-on-1 Physical Therapy
Work directly with a licensed physical therapist to strengthen and re-educate the muscles of the knee, hip and ankles to increase stability. This neuromuscular reprogramming helps restore movement patterns and reduce reinjury risk.
Nutritional Therapy & Supplements
Proper nutrition supports the healing of connective tissue. We offer personalized supplement protocols and dietary guidance to optimize collagen synthesis, reduce inflammation, and improve overall recovery.
Giga Laser Therapy
Our Giga Laser, one of the most powerful therapeutic lasers in the world, delivers high-dose red and infrared light therapy over large areas. This boosts mitochondrial activity and promotes rapid tissue healing and collagen formation.
Why Choose Integrative Rehab Medicine?
- Minimally invasive treatments backed by clinical science
- Comprehensive evaluation determining the root cause of your pain
- Personalized regenerative treatment plans specific to your injury and functional goals
- Avoid surgery and reduce downtime – many patients are back to activity 3-4 weeks after treatment
Expert clinicians with extensive experience in regenerative and rehabilitative medicine
Take the Next Step Toward Healing
Runner’s Knee can interfere with your active lifestyle, but it doesn’t have to keep you sidelined. With regenerative medicine and personalized rehabilitation, long-term recovery without surgery is possible.
Schedule your consultation today at Integrative Rehab Medicine and take the first step toward stronger, healthier knees.
Schedule Your Consult with an Estero Knee Pain Specialist
References
- Centeno, Christopher, et al. “Image Guided Injection of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears with Autologous Bone Marrow Concentrate and Platelets: Midterm Analysis from A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Biologic Orthopedics Journal 3.SP2 (2021): e7-e20.
- Hernigou P, Auregan JC, Dubory A, Flouzat-Lachaniette CH, Chevallier N, Rouard H. Subchondral stem cell therapy versus contralateral total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis following secondary osteonecrosis of the knee. Int Orthop. 2018 Nov;42(11):2563-2571. doi: 10.1007/s00264-018-3916-9. Epub 2018 Mar 27. PMID: 29589086.
- Kim JD, Lee GW, Jung GH, Kim CK, Kim T, Park JH, Cha SS, You YB. Clinical outcome of autologous bone marrow aspirates concentrate (BMAC) injection in degenerative arthritis of the knee. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2014 Dec;24(8):1505-11. doi: 10.1007/s00590-013-1393-9. Epub 2014 Jan 8. PMID: 24398701.
- Pabinger, C., Lothaller, H. & Kobinia, G.S. Intra-articular injection of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (mesenchymal stem cells) in KL grade III and IV knee osteoarthritis: 4 year results of 37 knees. Sci Rep 14, 2665 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-51410-2
- Tavassoli M, Janmohammadi N, Hosseini A, Khafri S, Esmaeilnejad-Ganji SM. Single- and double-dose of platelet-rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid for treatment of knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial. World J Orthop. 2019 Sep 18;10(9):310-326. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v10.i9.310. PMID: 31572668; PMCID: PMC6766465.
- Wijn, S. R. W., Rovers, M. M., van Tienen, T. G., & Hannink, G. (2020). Intra-articular corticosteroid injections increase the risk of requiring knee arthroplasty. The Bone & Joint Journal, 102-B(5), 586–592. doi:10.1302/0301-620x.102b5.bjj-2019-1376.r1