Strengthening exercises are a key part of successful patellofemoral pain (PFP) rehabilitation. Squats, lunges and single leg squats are often painful early on and can aggravate your patients pain, but on the flip side, we want to build up their tolerance and confidence with these movements. If you introduce an exercise your patient isn't ready for, progress too quickly, or overload the knee too early, you'll often flare your patients pain and set their rehabilitation back. In this episode, Tom Goom (Running Physio) and David Pope explore the third pillar of successful PFP treatment: progressive rehab. Continuing the case of Alice from the previous two podcasts, a HYROX athlete preparing for competition, Tom and I walk through exactly how to choose, modify and progress exercises that build strength, restore confidence and prepare patients for the demands of running and sport, without flaring their symptoms. You'll discover: How to decide when to prioritise load management before introducing strengthening exercises Why rehabilitation should be tailored to the individual rather than using a "cookie-cutter" exercise program The key strength deficits Tom commonly looks for in runners with PFP, and how to assess them How to select exercises that improve strength while minimising stress on the patellofemoral joint Practical ways to modify squats, lunges and other knee-loading exercises to reduce pain while rebuilding movement tolerance A simple four-stage progression from low-irritability exercises through to sport-specific strength and power training How to integrate rehabilitation into a patient's existing training so they are more likely to stick with the program Throughout the episode, Tom shares the clinical reasoning behind each exercise choice, showing how to progress patients from simple strengthening exercises to the powerful, sport-specific movements required for running and HYROX competition, without provoking unnecessary flare-ups. This is part three of a four-part podcast series with Tom Goom on PFP. In the final episode, available later this week, Tom and David explore the fourth pillar of rehabilitation: how to safely progress running volume, speed and training so patients can confidently return to racing and competition while minimising the risk of recurrence. Timeline: 2:45 Introduction & Recap 5:20 When to Start Rehab 7:40 Assessment Findings 9:37 Squats to Rebuild Tolerance 12:03 Psychosocial Screening & Gait 13:11 Matching Rehab to HYROX 14:57 Stage 1: Low Knee-Stress Work 17:11 Stage 2: Loaded Knee Flexion 18:53 Review Frequency & Goals 21:49 Stage 3: Knee-Focused Loading 24:09 Stage 4: Power Work 27:43 Keys to Avoid Flare-Ups 28:58 Webinar & Resources Free resources Running injury assessment sheet — Tom's go-to assessment sheet for every runner, giving you the structure to gather all the key information you need. It includes his screening questions for past medical history, a weekly training structure block, the key physical tests he performs, and a QR code to an energy availability questionnaire. Free "Patellofemoral pain masterclass: The four pillars of lasting recovery in runners with Tom Goom (Running Physio)" — Join Tom's free webinar to see his assessment and treatment in action, with visuals of the assessment tests, gait assessment and the traffic-light and sweet-spot approaches, plus the exercises, evidence and best-practice guidelines behind treating patellofemoral pain. Improve running injury assessment & treatment now with the Running Repairs Online course with Tom Goom at clinicaledge.co/runningrepairs. Click here for your access, or login here if you're a Clinical Edge member. Links associated with this episode 178. Patellofemoral pain 2 - What to do when runners won't reduce their training. Physio Edge Track record: Running repairs podcast with Tom Goom 177. Patellofemoral pain 1 - Why it has such a high recurrence rate, and what most rehab plans miss. Physio Edge Track record: Running repairs podcast with Tom Goom Download your free running injury assessment sheet Register for the free "Patellofemoral pain masterclass: The four pillars of lasting recovery in runners with Tom Goom (Running Physio)" Improve your running injury assessment & treatment now with the Running Repairs Online course with Tom Goom Click here to download your podcast handout Improve your confidence and clinical reasoning with a Clinical Edge membership here Download and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes Download the podcast now using the best podcast app currently in existence - Overcast Listen to the podcast on Spotify Join Tom live on Facebook & ask your running-related questions Tom Goom - Running Physio Tom Goom - X David Pope - X Tom Goom - Instagram David Pope - Instagram