Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), often referred to as “runner’s knee,” is a common yet complex condition affecting the knee joint.
It’s characterized by pain around or behind the kneecap, especially during activities like running, squatting, or climbing stairs.
Whether you’re an athlete or someone seeking pain-free daily movement, finding the right specialist is crucial to regaining comfort and mobility.
In Worcester, several exceptional doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating PFPS, offering tailored approaches that include physical therapy, advanced imaging, and minimally invasive procedures.
These experts focus not just on symptom relief but also on addressing the underlying causes, from biomechanical imbalances to overuse injuries.
This guide will introduce you to the best PFPS doctors in Worcester, renowned for their expertise, compassionate care, and proven track records of success.
Let’s explore how they can help you reclaim your active lifestyle.
1. Dr. Michael Galica, MD
- Location: 1 W Boylston St, Ste 301, Worcester, MA 01605
- Contact: (508) 334-8802
- Telehealth Services: Available
- Specialties: Internal Medicine
- Education: University of Vermont and State Agricultural College, 1977
- Board Certification: Internal Medicine* (Verify with provider and applicable medical board)
- Affiliations: UMass Memorial Medical Center-Memorial Campus, 119 Belmont St, Worcester, MA 01605
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Care Approach: Focused on comprehensive internal medicine care with over 46 years of expertise in managing a wide range of conditions.
- Community Impact: Dr. Galica is a well-respected figure in Worcester, known for his longstanding commitment to patient health and his involvement in local healthcare initiatives, contributing to the well-being of the community for decades.
- Availability: Not accepting new patients
2. Dr. Grant Pierre, MD
- Location: 35 Harvard St #104, Worcester, MA 01609
- Contact: (774) 275-3367
- Telehealth Services: Available
- Specialties:
- Family Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Sports Medicine
- Education:
- Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch, 2016
- Residency: University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals, 2019
- Fellowship: Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, 2020
- Board Certification: Family Medicine* (Verify with provider and applicable medical board)
- Affiliations:
- Newton-Wellesley Hospital, 2014 Washington St, Newton, MA 02462
- UMass Memorial Healthalliance-Clinton Hospital, Leominster Campus, 60 Hospital Rd, Leominster, MA 01453
- UMass Memorial Medical Center-Memorial Campus, 119 Belmont St, Worcester, MA 01605
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Care Approach: Dr. Pierre focuses on comprehensive care for individuals of all ages, integrating family medicine, pediatrics, and sports medicine to support both general wellness and specialized needs.
- Community Impact: Dr. Pierre is dedicated to improving the health of the Worcester community through his patient-centered approach and active involvement in local wellness initiatives.
- Availability: Accepting new patients
3. Dr. Jeffrey Lee, MD
- Location: 369 Main St, Spencer, MA 01562
- Contact: (508) 885-3922
- Specialties: Pediatrics
- Education:
- Medical School: University of Rochester, 1996
- Residency: University of Rochester
- Board Certification:
- American Board of Pediatrics
- American Board of Internal Medicine
- Affiliations: UMass Memorial Medical Center-Memorial Campus
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Care Approach: Dr. Lee combines his expertise in pediatrics and internal medicine to provide compassionate, comprehensive care for children, ensuring they receive the best start to a healthy life.
- Community Impact: With over 27 years of experience, Dr. Lee is a trusted figure in Spencer, known for his dedication to the health and well-being of local children and families.
- Availability: Accepting new patients
4. Dr. Samir Malkani, MD
- Location: 55 Lake Ave N, Worcester, MA 01655
- Contact: (508) 334-3206
- Telehealth Services: Available
- Specialties: Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism
- Education:
- Fellowship: UMass Medical Center, Griffin Hospital/Yale University
- Residency: All-India Institute of Medical Sciences/Ansari Nagar
- Medical School: University of Mass Medical School
- Board Certification:
- American Board of Internal Medicine – Diabetes, Metabolism & Endocrinology
- American Board of Internal Medicine
- Affiliations:
- Milford Regional Medical Center, 14 Prospect St, Milford, MA 01757
- UMass Memorial Medical Center-Memorial Campus, 119 Belmont St, Worcester, MA 01605
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Care Approach: Dr. Malkani is dedicated to providing specialized care for thyroid disorders, diabetes management, osteoporosis, and glucose monitoring.
His holistic approach helps patients manage chronic conditions effectively for improved long-term health.
- Community Impact: With years of expertise, Dr. Malkani has built a reputation for excellent care, contributing to the well-being of Worcester’s community by focusing on chronic disease prevention and management.
- Availability: Accepting new patients
5. Dr. Daniel Mandell, MD
- Location: 119 Belmont St, Worcester, MA 01605
- Contact: (855) 862-7763
- Specialties: Orthopedic Surgery
- Education: University of Massachusetts / Worcester Campus, 2013
- Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery – Orthopedic Surgery
- Affiliations:
- Middlesex Hospital, 28 Crescent St, Middletown, CT 06457
- UMass Memorial Health Harrington Hospital, 100 South St, Southbridge, MA 01550
- UMass Memorial Medical Center-Memorial Campus, 119 Belmont St, Worcester, MA 01605
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Care Approach: Dr. Mandell specializes in orthopedic surgery with a focus on joint replacements and musculoskeletal conditions. He combines modern techniques and patient-centered care to enhance recovery and improve mobility.
- Community Impact: With over a decade of experience, Dr. Mandell is known for his expertise in orthopedic care and is highly regarded for his dedication to improving patients’ quality of life through surgical interventions and rehabilitation.
- Availability: Accepting new patients
6. Dr. Matthew Deren, MD
- Location: 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195
- Contact: (216) 444-2606
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
- Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery – Orthopedic Surgery
- Affiliations:
- Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195
- Euclid Hospital, 18901 Lake Shore Blvd, Euclid, OH 44119
- Hillcrest Hospital, 6780 Mayfield Rd, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Care Approach: Dr. Deren specializes in orthopedic surgery, focusing on advanced techniques to treat musculoskeletal conditions.
He is known for his precision in surgeries and effective rehabilitation strategies, ensuring patients receive comprehensive care.
- Community Impact: As an esteemed orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Deren plays a key role in providing specialized care at top-ranked institutions like Cleveland Clinic, contributing to the advancement of orthopedic treatments.
- Availability: Not accepting new patients
7. Dr. Mathew Most, MD
- Location: 119 Belmont St, Worcester, MA 01605
- Contact: (855) 862-7763
- Specialties: Orthopedic Surgery
- Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery – Orthopedic Surgery
- Affiliations: UMass Memorial Medical Center-Memorial Campus, 119 Belmont St, Worcester, MA 01605
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Care Approach: Dr. Most specializes in orthopedic surgery, focusing on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, including joint, bone, and soft tissue conditions. He offers telehealth consultations for convenient care options.
- Community Impact: Dr. Most contributes to the Worcester community by providing quality orthopedic care through UMass Memorial Medical Center, helping individuals recover from injuries and surgeries with a personalized approach.
- Availability: Accepting new patients and telehealth appointments
8. Dr. Stephen Desio, MD
- Location: 123 Summer St Ste 520, Worcester, MA 01608
- Contact: (508) 363-6363
- Specialties:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Board Certification:
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery – Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery – Orthopedic Surgery
- Education & Training:
- Medical School: State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine, 1989
- Fellowship: University of Utah Hospital, 1995
- Residency: New York University Medical Center-Tisch Hospital, 1994
- Internship: NYU Langone Medical Center, 1990
- Affiliations:
- Milford Regional Medical Center, Milford, MA
- Mercy Medical Center, Springfield, MA
- UMass Memorial Health Harrington Hospital, Southbridge, MA
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Care Approach: Dr. Desio specializes in sports medicine and orthopedic surgery, focusing on treating sports-related injuries and performing surgeries to improve function and mobility.
His extensive experience in shoulder and upper arm surgery makes him a trusted choice for musculoskeletal care.
9. Dr. Christopher Vinton, MD
- Location: 59 Quinsigamond Ave, Worcester, MA 01610
- Contact: (508) 755-1123
- Specialties:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Orthopedic Sports Medicine
- Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery
- Board Certification:
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery – Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery – Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Education & Training:
- Medical School: Dartmouth University Geisel School of Medicine, 2000
- Residency: UMass Memorial Medical Center, 2006
- Fellowship: Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Internship: UMass Memorial Medical Center, 2001
- Affiliations:
- Milford Regional Medical Center, Milford, MA
- UMass Memorial Health Harrington Hospital, Southbridge, MA
- Marlborough Hospital, Marlborough, MA
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Care Approach: Dr. Vinton has over two decades of experience in orthopedic surgery, specializing in sports medicine and reconstructive surgeries.
He is dedicated to improving the mobility and function of his patients, particularly those suffering from sports-related injuries.
- Availability: Accepting new patients and telehealth appointments
10. Dr. Magdalena Boelsterl, MD
- Location: 123 Summer St, Ste 370N, Worcester, MA 01608
- Contact: (508) 363-7300
- Specialty: Internal Medicine
- Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine
- Affiliations:
- UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA
- Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester, MA
- Languages: Fluent in English
- Care Approach: Dr. Boelsterl is an internist dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare, specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases.
She is known for her compassionate approach to patient care, ensuring thorough communication and attention to health needs. Availability: Accepting new patients
Laura Fletcher