Knee Pain
Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints affecting people of all ages — from teenagers with patellofemoral syndrome to older adults with osteoarthritis. Accurate diagnosis is essential because treatment differs significantly between conditions. Physiotherapy is first-line management for the vast majority of knee problems.
Symptoms
- —Pain at the front, inside, outside, or behind the kneecap
- —Swelling around the joint
- —Clicking, locking, or giving way
- —Stiffness after sitting or in the morning
- —Pain with stairs, squatting, or running
- —Reduced range of motion
Causes
- —Patellofemoral pain syndrome — a mismatch between kneecap tracking and the femoral groove
- —Osteoarthritis — degeneration of joint cartilage in older adults
- —Meniscus tear — cartilage injury from pivoting or deep squatting
- —ACL or PCL ligament injury from contact or cutting movements
- —Iliotibial band syndrome in runners
- —Patellar tendinopathy from jumping or sprinting loads
- —Pes anserine bursitis
How we treat it
- —Detailed knee assessment including orthopaedic special tests
- —Quadriceps and gluteal strengthening — the cornerstone of most knee rehabilitation
- —Biomechanical correction for running or sport
- —Manual therapy to the patellofemoral joint or tibiofemoral joint
- —Taping techniques to reduce pain and improve kneecap tracking
- —Load management for tendinopathy presentations
- —Hydrotherapy for post-surgical or arthritic presentations
Recovery expectations
Recovery timelines vary considerably. Acute patellofemoral pain often responds within 4–6 sessions. ACL post-surgical rehabilitation requires 9–12 months for sport return. Knee OA is managed on an ongoing basis, with most patients achieving meaningful pain reduction and improved function within 8–12 sessions.
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Our therapists will diagnose the exact cause of your condition and design a treatment plan specific to your presentation.
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