What is Knee Pain?
Knee Pain often occurs from repeated stress on the knee, a contact or non-contact injury, lack of use, or simply aging. Knee pain can also be related to inflammation (such as arthritis), or less commonly, rarer diseases or conditions. Knee pain can produce a variety of symptoms, including throbbing pain, swelling, instability, or joint stiffness. Some may also find the knee hard to bend or straighten, unable to bear weight, or hear and feel it “popping” or “clicking.” If you are experiencing knee pain, consider attending knee physical therapy. SportsCare offers knee pain treatment to manage pain and restore function.
Understanding Knee Anatomy
The knee is the largest joint in the body and joins the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). It is a hinge joint (similar to how a door swings open and shut) and helps raise and lower the body. Knees allow us to walk, sit, stand, crouch, and perform countless other movements throughout each day. The knee provides stability when we are in an upright position and supports the weight of our upper body. Knees are critical for gross mobility, but since they experience repetitive impact and carry a large stress load; they are prone to injury and the effects of wear and tear.
Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain can occur at any age and may vary in severity from person to person. Knee pain may originate from multiple causes, including, but not limited to:
- Ligament sprains or tears (commonly ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL, or MPFL)
- Tendonitis (commonly patellar, IT band, or quadriceps)
- Muscle strains (quadriceps, hamstrings, calf)
- Meniscus tears
- Osteoarthritis
- Total knee replacement or other surgery
- Chondromalacia patella
- Bursitis
- Fractures
- Bone bruises
- Poor strength and balance
- Inactivity or overactivity
- Improper footwear
Knee Pain Conditions We Treat
SportsCare Physical Therapists offer knee pain treatment and strategies for a variety of injuries, issues, and conditions. Our PT’s regularly use knee physical therapy to treat patients with:
- Osteoarthritis
- Total knee replacement
- Meniscus surgery (meniscectomy or repair)
- Ligament repairs and reconstruction (ACL, MCL, PCL, LCL, MPFL)
- Tendon repairs (quadriceps, hamstrings)
- Rehab following injections (PRP, stem cell, HA, or cortisone)
- Ligament sprains and tears
- Muscle strains and tears
- Tendinitis (patellar, quadriceps, IT band, hamstrings)
- Bursitis
- Fractures and bone bruises
- Chondromalacia patella (also known as patellofemoral pain, anterior knee pain, or runner’s knee)
Knee Pain Treatment
SportsCare provides high quality physical therapy for knee concerns. Your first appointment at SportsCare Physical Therapy will include a thorough, professional evaluation with your PT. They will assess your injury/condition, measure your current function, and discuss your rehab goals. Your physical therapist will then develop a personalized knee pain treatment plan to best suit your individual recovery. Knee physical therapy at SportsCare may include:
- Manual Therapy
- Therapeutic Exercises
- Treatment and education to reduce inflammation
- Education for injury prevention
- Home Exercise Program
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
- AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill
- Unweighted Treadmill System
- Aquatic Pool Therapy
- Intermittent Compression with Cold (Game Ready and Normatec)
- Electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and hot/cold modalities
- Kinesio Tape
- Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
Frequently Asked Questions
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Resolving your knee pain begins with a comprehensive exam with your physical therapist to diagnose your condition and causal factors. With an accurate diagnosis, an individualized treatment plan is established based on your goals, your preferences for the treatment approach, and evidence-based interventions recommended by your PT.
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