Patella alta means the kneecap (patella) sits higher than normal relative to the thigh bone (femur). Because the kneecap functions like a pulley for the quadriceps muscle, this elevated position can disrupt smooth knee motion, increase tendon stress, and contribute to pain, instability, or irritation—especially with stairs, squatting, running, or jumping.
Common Symptoms of Patella Alta
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Pain in the front of the knee
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Knee pain with stairs, hills, or squatting
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Clicking, popping, or catching
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A feeling of instability or “giving way”
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Difficulty activating the quadriceps
What to Avoid Early On
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Deep squats or lunges
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Jumping or sprinting during flare-ups
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Training through knee pain
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Ignoring hip, pelvis, or foot mechanics
How Chiropractic Care Helps
The knee does not function in isolation. Abnormal stress on the kneecap is often driven by faulty mechanics above and below the knee. A chiropractic-first approach focuses on restoring proper alignment and motion throughout the entire kinetic chain so the kneecap can function more normally before strengthening begins.
Chiropractic Care for Patella Alta Focuses On:
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Pelvic and hip alignment
Poor pelvic mechanics or hip rotation changes how force is transmitted into the knee. -
Femur–tibia (thigh–shin) mechanics
Subtle joint misalignments can alter patellar tracking and increase tendon strain. -
Ankle and foot function
Excessive pronation or stiffness below the knee often forces the kneecap to compensate. -
Neurological coordination
Specific adjustments help normalize muscle firing patterns so the quadriceps and stabilizers activate correctly.
By correcting joint motion and nervous system input first, the knee is placed in a better mechanical position to respond to rehab exercises.
Why Rehab Matters
Once alignment and joint mechanics are improved, rehab becomes far more effective. Rehab helps:
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Reinforce improved knee tracking
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Build strength without excessive tendon stress
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Improve long-term knee stability and confidence
Chiropractic care sets the foundation; rehab builds the structure.
Rehab Program for Patella Alta
Phase 1: Activate & Protect the Knee
Frequency: Daily or every other day
1. Quad Sets
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Leg straight, tighten the thigh muscle
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Press knee gently downward
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Hold 5 seconds
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2–3 sets of 10 reps
2. Straight Leg Raises
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One knee bent, affected leg straight
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Lift to opposite knee height
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Keep toes up
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2–3 sets of 10–12 reps
3. Heel Slides
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On your back, slowly bend and straighten the knee
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Stay pain-free
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2 sets of 10 reps
Phase 2: Strengthen the Support System
Frequency: 3–4x per week
4. Terminal Knee Extensions (Band or Cable)
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Slight bend → controlled straightening
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Focus on smooth quad activation
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3 sets of 12–15 reps
5. Glute Bridges
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Squeeze glutes, lift hips
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Keep ribs down and spine neutral
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3 sets of 10–15 reps
6. Side-Lying Leg Raises
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Strengthens hip stabilizers that protect knee tracking
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2–3 sets of 12 reps
Phase 3: Functional Control
Frequency: 2–3x per week
7. Step-Downs
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Slow, controlled lowering
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Knee tracks over toes
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2–3 sets of 8–10 reps
8. Mini Squats
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Shallow depth only
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Pain-free range
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3 sets of 10 reps
9. Single-Leg Balance
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Barefoot if safe
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Progress to unstable surfaces
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30–45 seconds, 3 rounds
Key Takeaway
Patella alta isn’t just a “kneecap problem”—it’s a whole-body mechanics issue.
Starting with specific chiropractic care helps restore proper alignment, joint motion, and neurological control. Rehab then reinforces these corrections, building strength and stability where it actually matters.
When alignment comes first and rehab follows, patients often experience faster relief, better results, and longer-lasting knee health.