Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
-
Chat With Us
+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Lateral Release
Lateral release surgery is a surgical procedure performed to help realign the kneecap (patella). The most common reason for requiring this procedure is when the patella is misaligned due to conditions such as lateral patellar tilt, lateral riding patella, or a combination of both. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation and recovery process following lateral release surgery. A structured physiotherapy programme helps to restore movement, strengthen surrounding muscles, and improve patellar tracking, ensuring the best possible long-term outcome.
Lateral patellar tilt occurs when the kneecap (patella) does not sit properly within the femoral groove—the groove at the lower end of the thigh bone (femur)—and instead tilts outward toward the lateral (outer) side of the knee.
Lateral riding patella occurs when the kneecap (patella) shifts outward toward the lateral (outer) side of the knee, rather than sitting correctly within the femoral groove at the end of the thigh bone (femur).
When both lateral patellar tilt and lateral riding patella are present, the kneecap (patella) does not glide smoothly within the femoral groove, leading to a condition known as patellar maltracking. The primary cause of patellar maltracking is an imbalance in muscle and soft tissue strength around the knee — specifically, weakness in the quadriceps muscles and tissues on the inner side of the knee combined with tightness in the quadriceps muscles and tissues on the outer side that hold the patella in place. This imbalance pulls the patella outward, causing it to shift out of the femoral groove, which results in pain, stiffness, and irritation at the front of the knee joint, especially during movement.
Lateral release surgery is performed for patients who experience excessive patellar maltracking that does not respond to conservative treatment. The procedure is carried out arthroscopically (keyhole surgery) and involves the surgeon cutting through the tight lateral retinaculum — the connective tissue that is pulling the patella (kneecap) out of alignment. By releasing this tension, the patella is able to realign and sit properly within the femoral groove. Once the release has been completed, the surgeon will close the small incisions with sutures or staples, and a small dressing with an elastic bandage may be applied to the outside of the knee. This helps support the new alignment and prevents the patella from shifting back to its lateral position during the initial recovery period.
Lateral release surgery is necessary to realign the patella when it has moved out of position, resulting in patellar maltracking during movement. This procedure is essential in restoring proper alignment and function of the knee joint. By correcting the patellar tracking, lateral release surgery helps relieve symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and irritation that arise from abnormal patellar movement.
Physiotherapy after lateral release surgery is crucial to ensure the success of the procedure, prevent future complications, and restore full, pain-free function of the knee joint.
Physiotherapy before lateral release surgery
Before undergoing lateral release surgery, it is important to participate in a physiotherapy programme with Ace Physio Sports to prepare your knee for the operation and ensure a successful recovery afterward. The physiotherapy programme will focus on strengthening the muscles in and around your knee, particularly targeting the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) on the inner side to improve patellar alignment. It will also involve loosening the tight muscles and tissues on the outer side of the knee, especially the vastus lateralis, to reduce tension pulling the kneecap out of position. In addition, your physiotherapy sessions will include range of movement exercises to maintain flexibility and cardiovascular activities to enhance overall fitness before surgery.
Symptoms after lateral release surgery
After undergoing lateral release surgery, you can expect to experience pain, stiffness, swelling, and a limited range of movement in your knee. A bandage and pad will be placed on the outer side of your knee to help maintain the patella in its correct position and prevent it from shifting laterally again. Your knee will be immobilised with a knee brace, and you will be provided with elbow crutches to allow partial weight-bearing as needed during the initial recovery phase. It is important to note that you should avoid driving until you regain full, pain-free range of movement in your knee joint.
Physiotherapy after lateral release surgery
Physiotherapy after your lateral release surgery is essential to ensure the success of the procedure and promote optimal recovery. A comprehensive physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com will help prevent future knee problems and support the return of full or near-to-full function in your knee. To safely and efficiently resume normal or high-level physical activities, it is important to restore adequate strength, flexibility, and endurance in the knee. Rehabilitation following lateral release surgery typically takes 3 to 6 months for a successful and complete recovery. It is crucial not to return to high-impact or strenuous activities too early, as doing so may increase the risk of reinjury or recurring knee issues.
0-2 weeks
During the early stages of your recovery, the primary goals of your rehabilitation with acephysiosports.com will be to control pain and reduce swelling around your knee. At this stage, you will be using elbow crutches and will be partially weight bearing, so your physiotherapy programme will focus on progressively increasing your weight-bearing capacity through controlled partial weight-bearing exercises. Additionally, physiotherapy will aim to maintain and gradually rebuild the strength of your leg muscles while improving flexibility and range of movement in and around your knee. Your physiotherapy will include:
- Pain and swelling management techniques (ice therapy, elevation, and gentle movement)
- Partial weight-bearing exercises to promote gradual loading of the knee
- Quadriceps and hamstring activation exercises
- Gentle stretching to improve knee flexibility
- Range of motion exercises to restore joint mobility
- Education on correct crutch use and walking technique
2-6 weeks
After 2 weeks, your physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com will continue to focus on reducing any remaining pain and swelling in your knee. The programme will also aim to increase muscle strength and endurance in your lower limb, with particular emphasis on strengthening the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) — the key muscle responsible for stabilising your kneecap. Your physiotherapist at acephysiosports.com will also work on progressing your weight-bearing capacity to full weight bearing as tolerated and improving the range of motion in your knee joint. Once you are fully weight-bearing, your physiotherapy will focus on gait re-education (retraining your walking pattern) and proprioception training (enhancing your balance and joint awareness). Your physiotherapy will include:
- Continued pain and swelling management techniques
- Progressive strengthening of the VMO and other lower limb muscles
- Full weight-bearing progression exercises
- Range of motion and flexibility training
- Gait re-education for proper walking mechanics
- Balance and proprioception exercises to restore joint stability
6-12 weeks
After 6 weeks of successful physiotherapy with acephysiosports.com, you should now be fully weight-bearing and have full, pain-free range of movement in your knee. At this stage, your physiotherapy will continue to focus on strengthening the muscles in and around your operated knee, as well as your hip, ankle, and opposite leg to provide additional support and stability. Your rehabilitation will also include range of movement exercises, muscle control training, gait re-education, and proprioception (balance) work to help you regain optimal knee function. Specific exercises will continue to target your vastus medialis oblique (VMO) to ensure proper patellar alignment, while stretching exercises will focus on the muscles and tissues on the outer part of your knee to prevent the recurrence of lateral patella movement. After 6 weeks, your physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com will also begin to incorporate cardiovascular fitness and muscle endurance training to further enhance recovery and prepare you for a full return to your normal activities. Your physiotherapy will include:
- Advanced strengthening exercises for the knee, hip, and ankle
- VMO-targeted strengthening drills
- Stretching of lateral knee structures
- Gait correction and retraining
- Balance and proprioception exercises
- Cardiovascular and endurance training
- Functional movement and stability exercises
3 months onwards
Three months after your lateral release surgery and following successful physiotherapy with acephysiosports.com, you should notice significant improvements in the strength of the muscles in and around your knee, as well as enhanced flexibility, range of movement, and cardiovascular fitness. By this stage, you should be pain-free during movement, and your knee should feel stable and strong. Your physiotherapy will now continue to focus on preventing any future issues related to lateral patellar movement and maintaining proper tracking of the kneecap. The programme will also emphasize building endurance, improving cardiovascular performance, and preparing you for sport or hobby-specific activities to safely return to your desired level of physical activity.
Full recovery after lateral release surgery may take up to 6 months. The success and speed of your recovery will greatly depend on your commitment and adherence to your comprehensive physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com, as well as the condition of your knee prior to surgery. Consistently following your tailored physiotherapy plan will help ensure the best possible outcome, restore full knee function, and reduce the risk of future complications.
Summary
Lateral release is a surgical procedure used to release the tight capsular structures (lateral retinaculum) on the outer aspect of the kneecap. This surgery is typically performed when the patella (kneecap) is being pulled towards the outer (lateral) side and is unable to glide properly within the central groove of the thigh bone (femur) as the knee bends and straightens. Lateral release surgery is crucial to correct patella alignment and eliminate symptoms of patella maltracking, such as pain, stiffness, and irritation. Comprehensive physiotherapy with acephysiosports.com after lateral release surgery is essential to ensure the success of the surgery, prevent future complications, and restore full, pain-free function of the knee joint. The expert physiotherapy team at acephysiosports.com will help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence—getting you back to doing what you love as soon as possible after your lateral release surgery.
Get treated today!
We have immediate appointments available today. Contact us to make an appointment.
Find out more »
We are open...
Our clinics are open:
Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm
Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: On Appointment Basis
Find your nearest clinic
Acephysio Sports have clinics located throughout the Singapore.
Find out more »
