Knee Pain

Knee Pain
The knee joint is the body’s largest joint. It is a hinge joint that connects the thigh (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). The kneecap (patella) also forms a joint as it has to glide on the femur when we bend and straighten our knee.
The knee also consists of major ligaments that provide stability to the joint, including the ACL (anterior cruciate), PCL (posterior cruciate), MCL (medial collateral), and LCL (lateral collateral). Cartilage covers the ends of the bones to reduce friction, and the meniscus acts as a shock absorber.
Major muscles include the quadriceps on the front of the thigh and the hamstrings on the back of the thigh.
Common Knee Injuries Include:
• Osteoarthritis
• Ligament tears, especially ACL and MCL
• Meniscus tears
• Tendinitis, IE patellar tendinitis
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome
• Bursitis
• Subluxation or dislocation of the patella
• Muscle strain, IE hamstring strain
• Fractures

Physical therapy is used for patients experiencing knee pain, with a comprehensive assessment performed at the first visit to determine the nature of the condition and what functional limitations are present.
Treatment is individualized based on the injury and the patient’s goals. It will typically include manual therapy, mobility and stretching exercises, stabilization exercises for the hip, knee, and ankle, core training, modalities as needed, and eventual strengthening and return to prior activity level.
Physical therapy is often used for post-op patients who have recently had knee surgery, with common surgeries including total knee replacement, ACL repair, and meniscus repair or removal. Your surgeon will typically provide a protocol that helps to guide the treatment.
Contact us today if you have questions regarding how physical therapy can help with your knee pain!