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Faqs About Physical Therapy For Knee Pain

Do you have knee pain from repetitive use, sports, or another accident-related injury? If you have persistent pain, take a look at what you need to know about physical therapy and your treatment options.

What Are Therapy Services?

As the name implies, this type of therapy includes a physical approach to treatment. PT services aim to reduce pain, increase mobility (range of motion), build strength, improve flexibility, and get the patient back to their normal daily routine. Unlike surgical options, you won't need anesthesia, incisions, sutures (stitches), or a lengthy recovery period. But this doesn't mean that therapy will work overnight. 

This type of therapy is a process that gradually changes your ability to use your knee and walk, run, or return to a sport. Over time you will work towards an individualized goal, such as moving easily up and down the stairs, walking without pain, jogging, or playing a sport with a competitive team. 

Why Might You Need This Type of Therapy For Your Knee?

There isn't one universal knee injury or condition that sends all people to physical therapists (PTs). Some patients have acute knee pain that occurs immediately or in the first few days after an injury. This type of pain can result from sports, repetitive motion, slip and fall, or another similar type of injury. 

Chronic knee pain happens when discomfort lingers for weeks or months. Like acute pain, chronic pain is also sometimes the result of repetitive use/wear and tear or an injury. It is also a common age-related issue. 

Stress (repetitive motion and wear), injuries, and age may all cause problems with the knee's tendons and ligaments. Some injuries also involve the muscle groups (the hamstrings and quadriceps) that help the knee to bend and straighten. Along with tendon, ligament, and muscle-related issues, knee pain can also come from torn cartilage or arthritis. 

What Happens During Therapy For Knee Pain?

The physical therapist will need to evaluate your injury or the other source of the pain. They will review the doctor's diagnosis and examine your knee. The exam or evaluation may include a gait assessment (how well you can walk), palpation (feeling the knee area for noticeable abnormalities), a measurement of your range of motion, a measurement of your strength, and additional specialized tests. 

The treatment the PT chooses depends on the cause of your knee pain, your overall health, and your individual needs. After a complete evaluation, the PT will create a therapy plan that includes targeted exercises and stretches. They will also provide you with at-home care tips and exercises to try in between your therapy sessions. Other therapeutic techniques the PT may try include electric stimulation of the muscles, massage, or kinesiology tape.