Knee Therapy
You may be an experienced athlete or someone just beginning a journey of exercise. Whether standing all day for work or healing from a recent total knee replacement, knee pain doesn’t discriminate; there are many different causes and diagnoses. Speaking extensively with your physical therapist about your aggravating factors, functional limitations (sitting, standing, stairs, squatting, jogging, etc.), and concerns is crucial to alleviating your discomfort and reaching the best outcomes. Developing your plan starts with these conversations, plus a thorough evaluation of your limitations, our expectations, and your goals — these will contribute to a comprehensive and successful therapy plan.
WHAT IS KNEE PAIN?
Knee pain is a pain in or around the knee joint. The knee joint is a complex joint comprising four bones: the femur, tibia, fibula, and patella. Many muscles cross the front and back of the knee joint, allowing us to bend and straighten the knee. Inside and around the joint are several vital soft tissue structures that keep the joint functioning well, some of the common ones ligaments, tendons, meniscus, cartilage, and bursa sacs.
Knee pain can result from a variety of things, including:
- Injury: The knee joint is susceptible to injuries from sports, falls, and other accidents. Common knee injuries involve ligament tears, meniscus tears, and fractures.
- Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints. It can affect any joint in the body, including the knee.
- Overuse: The knee joint can sustain injuries from overuse, including activities like running or jumping.
COMMON CAUSES FOR KNEE PAIN
There are many reasons why people face knee pain. These are not all the diagnoses for knee pain, but some of the most common factors include:
- Injury: Ligament tears/sprains to the ACL, MCL, LCL, and PCL, which all help stabilize the knee joint. We can describe their position and function in more detail if needed. Meniscus tears (a cushioning cartilage between the femur and tibia) are common soft tissue injuries associated with knee pain and can occur for several reasons.
- Arthritis: Knee arthritis most often occurs in the aging population. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in one or both knees. If the degenerative changes are significant enough, an orthopedic surgeon may suggest a knee replacement surgery to alleviate the arthritis. We have extensive experience with pre and post-surgical knees — and arthritic knees that never need surgery!
- Overuse: The knee joint can sustain injuries from overuse, such as running or jumping. Terms for these are runners’ knee (an Iliotibial band issue usually) and jumpers knee (which typically involves the patella tendon).
Free Consultation
Take advantage of a complimentary 15-minute phone conversation with a licensed Physical Therapist to discuss your concerns and ensure Uncommon Physical Therapy is best for you
(we know it will be)!
HOW TO RELIEVE KNEE PAIN
Knee therapy combines strengthening exercises, stretches, manual therapy, and other customary techniques.
- Strength exercises: Strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve functional range of motion, and reduce pain.
- Stretches: Improves muscular flexibility and range of motion — which will help in everything from tying your shoes to walking with a standard gait pattern.
- Manual therapy: Addresses soft tissue limitations and irritations in muscles and manipulates the knee joint to improve its function and reduce pain.
- Dry needling or cupping: These modalities help with muscular tightness, trigger points, or soft tissue adhesions. Your therapist will provide a more thorough description.
- Ice: Applying ice to your knee for 20 minutes at a time can help to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Compression can help to reduce swelling.
- Elevation: Elevating the affected knee can help to reduce swelling and pain. Prop the knee up on a pillow or other cushion.
