Knee Pain
Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people seek physiotherapy. Because the knee acts as a hinge between the hip and the foot, it often absorbs the stress of mechanical issues occurring elsewhere in the body.
Common Knee Conditions
Physiotherapy effectively addresses various types of knee dysfunction:
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)
Pain around or behind the kneecap, often aggravated by stairs or sitting for long periods.
Meniscus Tears
Injury to the shock-absorbing cartilage in the knee, often causing clicking, locking, or “giving way” sensations.
Knee Osteoarthritis
Degeneration of the joint surface leading to morning stiffness and swelling.
Ligament Sprains (ACL/MCL)
Overstretching or tearing of the structural bands that stabilize the joint.
Patellar Tendinopathy
Irritation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone, common in jumping sports.
How Physiotherapy Helps
A physiotherapist doesn’t just look at the knee; they look at the entire “kinetic chain.”
Comprehensive Assessment
Gait Analysis: Observing how you walk or run to identify abnormal loading patterns.
Hip and Ankle Mobility: Checking if a stiff ankle or weak hip is forcing the knee to overcompensate.
Ligament Stability Testing: Manual tests to check the integrity of the ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL.
Targeted Interventions
Quadriceps and Glute Strengthening: Building the “support system” around the knee to reduce the load on the joint itself.
Joint Mobilization: Hands-on techniques to improve the range of motion if the knee is stiff.
Neuromuscular Re-education: Training the brain and muscles to coordinate better during complex movements like landing from a jump or pivoting.