Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common knee condition causing pain and dysfunction. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two physical therapy treatments for PFPS: Mulligan mobilization with movement technique versus phonophoresis with chitosan gel.

Forty-five participants with patellofemoral pain syndrome will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) Mulligan technique group, (2) Phonophoresis with chitosan gel group, or (3) Control group receiving standard physical therapy exercises. Each group will receive treatment 3 times per week for 4 weeks.

The researchers want to determine which treatment is more effective in improving neuromuscular control, reducing pain, and improving function in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Participants will be assessed before and after the treatment period.

This study may help physical therapists and healthcare providers choose the most effective treatment approach for patients with patellofemoral pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Insidious onset of anterior knee pain
• Retro patellar or peripatellar pain
• Pain duration more than four weeks (chronic/subacute)
• Pain severity ≥ 3/10 on Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
• Pain during at least two of the following activities: stair ascent or descent, squatting, prolonged sitting (theater sign), or kneeling
• Positive patellar compression test (pain reproduced by compressing the patella into the trochlear groove)
• Patellar tenderness along the medial or lateral borders
• Age between 18 and 35 years
• Baseline Kujala score (Arabic version): approximately 67-71 (indicating moderate to severe dysfunction)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Traumatic injury (e.g., dislocation, fracture, ligament or meniscus pathology)
• Inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, gout)
• Prior knee surgery
• Current use of NSAIDs or corticosteroids