Knee Pain

Overview

Knee pain is a common complaint arising from many sources. Knee pain may be caused by a traumatic injury resulting in damage to the connective tissues of the knee including tendons, ligaments, and or the meniscus; as well as wear and tear conditions such as osteoarthritis.

Common Symptoms of Knee Pain

Some common symptoms you will experience with knee pain may include the following:

Swelling, redness, or warmth surrounding the knee joint
Inability to fully bend or straighten the knee
Increased pain with walking, squatting, or navigation of stairs
Weakness or buckling at the knee
Popping and/or cracking noises associated with movement

How can physical therapy help?

A physical therapist will perform an initial evaluation which includes movement analysis, strength testing, and range of motion measurements to reveal the cause of your symptoms and determine a diagnosis. The evaluation process also helps to identify your limitations and gives the therapist insight on the best possible treatment approach. A plan of care will then be tailored to your individual needs that will include manual release of muscular tension, therapeutic exercise, stretching, as well as patient education on a home-based program for optimal outcomes. Physical therapy treatment is focused on injury prevention and promoting pain-free movement for a better quality of life. A physical therapist can also refer out to other specialties if further consultation is necessary.