Knee Pain

Q: How will my knee pain symptoms resolve?

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.

Q: When should I seek treatment for knee pain?

You should see your Physical Therapist if you have new or worsening knee pain, instability, or swelling. You should also see your PT if you have had long-term knee pain, as many different chronic knee pain conditions can be improved with skilled physical therapy.

Q: Does SportsCare take my insurance?

Here is a list of the insurance plans accepted by SportsCare Physical Therapy and Armworks Hand Therapy. If you are unsure of your coverage or if your plan is accepted, contact one of our offices; we are happy to assist you in learning about your benefits.

Q: Where is SportsCare located?

SportsCare Physical Therapy has offices in Gresham, Sandy, NE Portland, Clackamas, Beaverton, and Salem. For location specific contact information click here.

What is it?

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. The knee provides stability when in an upright position and is critical for gross mobility. Pain often occurs from repeated stress on the knee, 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 “popping” or “clicking”.

Causes

Knee pain can vary in severity and have a multiple causes, a few examples are:

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 bruise
Poor strength and balance
Inactivity or overactivity –Improper footwear

What We Treat

SportsCare Physical Therapists regularly rehabilitate a variety of knee conditions including but not limited to:

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)

Treatment

SportsCare Physical Therapists will first perform a thorough professional evaluation of your injury or concern. After discussing your goals, activity level, and general health they will create a treatment plan individualized to your needs.

Therapy may include:

Therapeutic Exercises
Manual Therapy
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill
Unweighted/Balance Treadmill
Aquatic Pool Therapy
Treatment/instructions to reduce inflammation
Intermittent Compression with Cold (Game Ready and Normatec)
Modalities (Ultrasound, Ice/Heat, Electrical Stimulation)
Kinesio Tape
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
Home Exercise Program/Education for prevention

Frequently Asked Questions

How will my knee pain symptoms resolve?

When should I seek treatment for knee pain?

How long will knee pain treatment typically last?

Duration of physical therapy care is dependent on your goals for your recovery, the type and severity of your condition, and your preferences for treatment approach. Our goal at SportsCare Physical Therapy is to help you fully recover, to empower you to independently maintain or improve your progress, and to prevent reinjury. Duration may range from as little as one visit with your PT to months of treatment with biweekly visits depending on your individual factors. Your condition is continually assessed by your PT keeping your treatment plan flexible – this ensures optimal progress and efficiency in your treatment.

When can I return to work after a knee injury?

Your Physical Therapist will work closely with you and your attending physician/provider to help you safely return to work following a knee injury. Your timeline for return to work is based on your progress and abilities compared to the physical demands of your job. Your PT will share assessment information with your attending provider to help make informed decisions on your ability to return to work on modified duty or full duty basis.

When can I return to playing sports if I have knee pain?

Return to sport is based on a number of individual factors including having the required mobility, strength, balance, coordination, and in some cases, your ability to pass sport-specific tests indicating your safety and preparedness for return to play. It is also based on physiological tissue healing timelines specific to your injury. There are many reasons an athlete may have foot pain. It is also important to learn from your PT which types of pain are safe to play with, and which types are harmful. Whether you have a surgical or non-surgical injury, your PT will help you physically and mentally prepare for a successful return to play.