Knee & Leg Conditions
Hamstring stretch
Understanding Knee Pain
Knee pain is a common complaint that can significantly affect mobility and quality of life. At Peak Physiotherapy and Wellness, we are committed to providing comprehensive care to address the various causes of knee pain. This guide aims to help you understand the diverse factors contributing to knee discomfort and how physiotherapy can offer effective solutions.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): Also known as runner's knee, PFPS is characterized by pain around or behind the kneecap (patella), often aggravated by activities such as running, squatting, or climbing stairs. PFPS is often caused by an imbalance in strength between the hip and thigh muscles accompanied by a change or increase in activity.
Osteoarthritis: Knee Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that involves the breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint. This leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, impacting daily activities. Typically pain is felt on the inside of the knee joint with walking, squatting, stairs and crouching. Whether you choose to manage your knee arthritis conservatively or require a total knee replacement, physiotherapy can help you move pain free.
Meniscal Tears: Tears or damage to the meniscus, the cartilage cushion between the femur and tibia, can occur due to trauma, sports injuries, sudden twisting motions, or degenerative changes, causing pain, swelling, and locking sensations in the knee.
Ligament Injuries: Injuries to the knee ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), or lateral collateral ligament (LCL), can occur due to sports injuries, falls, or trauma, causing pain, instability, and reduced function in the knee joint.
Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper's Knee): Characterized by inflammation and irritation of the patellar tendon, the tissue connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). Overuse of the patellar tendon, commonly associated with jumping or repetitive impact activities, can lead to patellar tendinitis, causing pain and tenderness below the kneecap.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS): Irritation of the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh from the hip to the shin, can result in ITBS, causing pain on the outer side of the knee during activities like running or cycling.
Patellar Dislocations: Patella dislocation occurs when the kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal position within the groove of the thigh bone (femur). It commonly happens due to sudden twisting or impact to the knee joint, often during sports activities.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Osgood-Schlatter Disease is a common condition seen in adolescents, particularly those going through growth spurts. It is characterized by inflammation of the patellar tendon at the tibial tuberosity, resulting in pain, swelling, and tenderness just below the kneecap.
Shin Splints: Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, is a common condition characterized by pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). This condition often occurs in athletes or individuals engaged in activities that involve repetitive stress on the shinbone and surrounding tissues.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Our experienced physiotherapists at Peak Physiotherapy and Wellness employ evidence-based techniques to address the root causes of knee pain and promote optimal function. Our personalized approach includes:
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques, including massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation, to alleviate muscle tension and improve joint mobility.
Exercise Prescription: Tailored home exercise programs are designed to improve mobility, strengthen muscles, improve posture, optimize proprioception and enhance overall knee stability.
Modalities: Application of therapeutic modalities, such as heat, ice, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), or interferential current (IFC) may be used to alleviate pain and promote healing.
Acupuncture/Dry Needling: Traditional Acupuncture may be applied for a short period of time to help improve blood flow, enhance healing, decrease nerve sensitivity and alleviate pain. Dry needling may be implemented to decrease size of muscle knots, reduce muscle tension and improve muscle activation.
Activity Modification: Recommendations for modifying activities, exercise routines, and daily habits to prevent exacerbation of knee pain and promote recovery.
Education and Ergonomics: Guidance on proper body mechanics, posture, footwear, and activity modification to prevent further strain on the knee joint and facilitate healing.
Bracing or Orthotics: Provision of custom braces or orthotic devices to support and stabilize the knee, particularly during activities that exacerbate pain or instability.
Functional Rehabilitation: Progressive rehabilitation exercises aimed at restoring normal movement patterns, improving functional capacity, and facilitating a safe return to daily activities and sports.
What to Expect During Physiotherapy Sessions
Comprehensive Assessment: A thorough evaluation of your condition, including symptoms, limitations, and lifestyle factors.
Tailored Treatment Plan: A personalized plan addressing your specific needs, comprising exercises, manual therapy, and pain management techniques.
Hands-On Therapy: Sessions may involve manual techniques and exercises guided by our physiotherapists.
Education and Advice: Information on proper posture, exercises, and self-care strategies to aid recovery and prevent further injury.
Progress Monitoring: Regular follow-up sessions to track progress, modify the treatment plan, and ensure the best possible outcomes.
If you're experiencing knee pain, don't let it hold you back from living life to the fullest. Schedule an appointment with Peak Physiotherapy and Wellness to receive expert care and embark on the path to pain relief and improved function. Let us empower you to regain control of your knee health and well-being.