Knee Pain Physical Therapy

Can Physical Therapy Help With Knee Pain?

Physical therapy can help many people with knee pain by addressing factors such as strength, mobility, movement mechanics, and activity tolerance. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the knee pain and may include progressive exercise, education, and movement retraining.

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What Causes Knee Pain During Walking, Running, Squatting, or Exercise?

Knee pain can have many potential causes, including overuse, traumatic injuries, tendon problems, joint conditions, muscle weakness, changes in activity, or problems involving surrounding joints and muscles. A physical therapy evaluation can help identify relevant impairments and determine an appropriate treatment approach.

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What Exercises Can Help Strengthen a Painful Knee?

The appropriate exercises depend on the cause and severity of knee pain. Depending on the condition, rehabilitation may include progressive strengthening of the quadriceps, hamstrings, hips, and calf muscles, along with exercises that improve balance and functional movement.

 

When Should I See a Physical Therapist for Knee Pain?

Consider seeing a physical therapist when knee pain limits walking, stairs, squatting, running, exercise, work, or sports. An evaluation is especially useful when symptoms persist, recur, or are accompanied by weakness, instability, or difficulty returning to normal activities.

 

Can Physical Therapy Help Me Return to Sports After a Knee Injury?

Yes. Rehabilitation can progressively restore strength, mobility, balance, coordination, power, and sport-specific abilities. Return-to-sport progression should reflect the demands of the athlete's activity rather than relying only on whether the knee feels better.