Many people take their joints for granted until something happens and they don’t function quite as well, and suddenly they’re in pain. Our knees are a good example. Just think how much you use your knees in the course of one day. While knee pain can stem from either injury or disease, 25 percent of Americans have pain that has affected their knee function, according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
“We help a lot of people with knee issues,” says Megan Pere, Lead Physical Therapist at the Results Physiotherapy Cool Springs clinic. “Our knees work hard for us, and knee pain is often a reason people avoid starting an exercise program. So it’s a downward spiral that we like to eliminate, so people can get out and move with confidence.”
Causes of Knee Pain
Over the past two decades, knee pain among Americans age 50 and over has increased, primarily due to osteoarthritis. The APTA defines osteoarthritis as “a condition that occurs when the cartilage that protects the inside surfaces of the tibia and femur bones called articular cartilage gradually wears away, resulting in pain and swelling in the knee.”
Knee cartilage tears are most often associated with those who have suffered from a knee injury. When your knee is injured, that means it has been strained beyond its normal range of movement. Hard blows to the knee or sudden movements can be the root cause, especially if they happen repeatedly.
Location of Knee Pain
Knee pain can come from different areas of the knee. Anterior is pain around the kneecap, in front of the knee, which can be due to poor tracking of the knee cap or overload of the tendon. Runners often feel lateral knee pain when a tendon, called the iliotibial band (ITB), becomes irritated. Pain from the medial meniscus (MCL) can be from injury or overuse and that pain will be felt along the inside of the knee. A ligament tear is usually due to injury. Your knee may hurt, swell or feel unstable upon standing. When the knee’s cartilage has broken down, it’s due to osteoarthritis, as discussed above.
5 Ways Physical Can Help With Knee Pain
Physical therapists are well trained in helping those who are suffering from knee pain. First, a physical therapist will thoroughly evaluate you based on your symptoms and medical history and make a diagnosis. Your physician may order X-rays and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to ensure a complete and accurate diagnosis.
Below are 5 of the ways a physical therapist can help with knee pain.
- Manual Therapy – Your physical therapist will apply gentle hands-on therapy and movement of the knee to restore joint and tissue mobility.
- Pain Management – To help decrease pain and swelling, treatments using education about pain, ice, heat, ultrasound or electrical stimulation may be used by your physical therapist.
- Therapeutic Exercises – Specific strengthening, flexibility and endurance exercises will be prescribed by your therapist to address your specific needs and goals.
- Functional Exercises – Your physical therapist will teach you individualized exercises to help you return to your normal activities at home, work – and including sport. This may involve balance and coordination exercises.
- Self-Care – Your physical therapist will design a safe and effective exercise program for you to follow at home, based on your condition. You will also learn how to avoid placing unnecessary stress on your knee during your daily activities in the future.
Click here for more information about Results Physiotherapy and knee conditions we treat.
About Results Physiotherapy
Results Physiotherapy offers world-class manual-based physical therapy, a groundbreaking advance over the outdated, exercise-only approach. The licensed therapists at Results receive four times more training and advanced education compared to the industry standard, and patient outcomes are in the top 10% nationally (Source: Focus On Therapeutic Outcomes, Inc.). At Results, patients get better, faster.
To See All Results Physiotherapy Locations, Click Here[scroller style=”sc1″ title_size=”17″ display=”cats” cats=”32″ number_of_posts=”12″ auto_play=”5000″ speed=”300″]
Please join our FREE Newsletter
