Updated February 2023
When there is a direct impact to the knee (commonly seen in sports injuries), the knee joint can twist or stretch beyond its normal capacity causing ligament tears (sprains), muscle injury (strains) or cartilage injuries. Inflammation of protective cushioning in the knee joint (meniscus) or fluid filled sacs inside the knee joint (bursitis) can also occur as a result of excessive wear and tear.
Knee injuries may be associated with joint swelling and the inability to bend the knee and bear weight. Sometimes, there is minimal swelling and minimal effects on walking, but localized pain to one side of the knee may be present.
Physical therapy can help reduce the pain, regain function, restore strength, and make the knee much more mobile. A patient should expect to attend two to three physical therapy sessions a week over the course of several weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.
A physical therapist is a trained health care professional who can design an effective injury prevention program, in addition to a comprehensive rehabilitation program for the knee. The goal of physical therapy is to restore mobility to your knee as quickly as possible.
A Safe and Effective Treatment Plan
A physical therapist is a coach, mentor, and caregiver for the patient. The goal of the therapist is to help you recover from pain and get you back to normal mobility as quickly as possible. One of the treatment objectives is strategic strengthening of the muscles around the knee to make the joint more stable, while protecting sensitive tissues during the healing process.
Depending on the results of your evaluation, the physical therapist may use heat to warm up the area, and ice to cool down muscles and reduce swelling. Ultrasound may also be used to help rehabilitate the knee. This treatment uses high frequency sound waves to stimulate deep tissues in the body, facilitate healing and improve blood flow to the tissues.
Why does my knee still hurts?
There can be many reasons why your knee still hurts. Knee pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as an old injury, over use, or arthritis. If you have suffered an injury to your knee, such as a sprain or strain, it can take time for the tissues to heal, which can result in persistent pain.
If your knee pain persists, it’s important to see a healthcare professional who can assess your condition and provide an accurate diagnosis. They may recommend treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or in some cases, surgery.
Diagnosis your knee pain (WebMD Article)
TESTIMONIALS
“Jim at the Downtown YMCA was great at helping me address my knee pain. Thanks Jim!”
“Kevin Bradt did an excellent job! I gained a lot of confidence in his therapy skills as I progressed through rehab for my knee. I really enjoyed his courtesy and friendliness. I would highly recommend him to friends and family. Also, the other staff members were all very friendly and good about helping each other out.”
We’ll Stand Beside You
The therapist may also use electrical stimulation, if appropriate. This modality sends an electrical current the affected area to stimulate muscle contraction.
A physical therapist is trained to recognize biomechanical deficiencies in the body. This allows the therapist to design a program to help you move and use muscles more efficiently. A physical therapist can identify areas of weakness and poor mobility around the knee joint and design an exercise program to restore muscle balance between the quadriceps (muscles that extend the knee) and hamstrings (muscles that flex the knee).
At the initial visit, a therapist will ask to see your medical history. It’s important to discuss prior injuries, since this will help the therapist plan your treatment and intensity of exercises. It’s also important to discuss your tolerance for pain and your future goals.
As the community’s preferred physical therapists, we’ll stand by you and help you recover quickly – just reach out to us. We’ll guide you every step of the way if you’ve ever had, or are at risk for, a knee injury.
There’s no reason to live with knee pain; we are trained to help you get back on your feet, regain mobility, and return to your daily activities as quickly as possible. Go ahead, call us today. We are standing by to serve you.
