Knee Pain
Physiotherapy for Knee Pain
Do you ever wonder why your knees bear the brunt of everyday activities? Every kilogram of your body weight translates into four kilograms of pressure on your knees, making them one of the hardest-working joints in your body.
Additionally, the knee is an intricate joint, comprising three bones (the thigh bone, kneecap, and shin bone) and multiple muscles crossing it. This complexity makes the knee vulnerable to various injuries and conditions.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
The causes of knee pain are as diverse as they are frequent. Common factors include:
- Acute injuries from intense activity, such as a torn ACL or meniscus.
- Chronic pain caused by repetitive strain on the joint over time.
- Childhood and adolescent conditions linked to growth and development.
- Referred pain, where nerve signals from the hip or lower back create discomfort in the knee.
Because the causes vary, physiotherapists employ a range of treatments tailored to each individual. Identifying the source of the pain is the first step in effective treatment and management.
Common Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are prevalent among athletes in high-impact sports and individuals with jobs requiring frequent kneeling or lifting. Here are some common knee conditions:
- Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome): Pain around the kneecap, often worsened by running, climbing stairs, or squatting. It typically results from overuse, poor alignment, or muscle imbalances.
- ACL Injuries: Tears to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament, a key stabiliser of the knee joint, often occur during high-impact activities. These injuries frequently require surgery and rehabilitation.
- Prepatellar Bursitis (Housemaid’s or Carpenter’s Knee): Inflammation of the bursa in front of the kneecap caused by prolonged kneeling, common in occupations like carpentry.
- Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint condition where the cartilage wears away, leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility. It typically affects older adults but can also result from injuries or genetics.
- Osteochondritis Dissecans: A condition where a small section of bone loses blood flow, causing pain and swelling as it separates from surrounding cartilage. It often affects young athletes and may require surgery if untreated.
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS): Pain on the outer side of the knee due to an inflamed or tight iliotibial band. It’s common in runners and cyclists and is managed through physiotherapy, stretching, and activity adjustments.
Can Physiotherapy Help My Knee Pain?
Physiotherapy is highly effective for managing and treating knee pain. At Recover Physiotherapy, we recommend booking an initial assessment to provide you with a diagnosis and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Although physiotherapy can address older injuries, early intervention generally leads to better outcomes. For chronic pain, treatment methods differ slightly compared to acute injuries.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Physiotherapy may not be the best immediate option if:
- There is significant swelling with no clear cause.
- You cannot bear weight on your knee.
- Your knee locks up or becomes immobile.
In such cases we can still assess and advise or you can seek emergency medical attention at A&E.
How to Relieve Knee Pain
While we recommend consulting a professional before attempting physiotherapy exercises, the following can help ease mild discomfort:
- Contrast Therapy: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel to the affected area for 1 minute, then alternate with a warm hot water bottle or wheat bag wrapped similarly for 2 minutes. Repeat this 6 times and the whole process a few times a day.
- Self-Massage: Lie face down with a foam roller under your thigh muscles. Use your body weight to roll up and down your thighs, focusing on any tightness you come across. You should aim to be rolling for no longer than 2minutes per muscle group.
How Recover Physiotherapy Can Help
At Recover Physiotherapy, we are dedicated to helping you overcome knee pain and improve your quality of life. Our team uses advanced physiotherapy techniques and a systematic, personalised approach to address the root cause of your pain.
Our therapists are trained by leading experts in knee pain, equipping them to accurately diagnose your condition and create a tailored roadmap for recovery.
Book an Appointment
Take the first step towards recovery. Book an initial consultation and treatment session today. We offer appointments at our clinics in:
- Princes Street, Norwich, Norfolk
- The Nest, Holt Road, Horsford, serving Norwich and North Norfolk
Click below to book online or request a callback from our friendly team or to book your appointment using our online booking system.
Princes Street, Norwich City Centre
Our Princes Street clinic is the flagship clinic of Recover Physio, situated in the heart of Norwich city centre in Tombland.
The Nest, Holt Road
Our clinic at The Nest serves customers in Norwich and surrounding areas of North Norwich and Norfolk.