How a Physiotherapist Can Help With Knee Pain Common Symptoms

Table of Contents

Patello-Femoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)

Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)

5 Physiotherapy Exercises To Reduce Knee Pain

Patello-Femoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)

Signs and Symptoms

Often experienced at the front of the knee (though sometimes at the sides and posterior)
Kneecap enlargement or puffiness
Exacerbated by ascending and descending stairs, sitting with bent knees, kneeling and squatting
Clicking/grinding sounds

What treatments can you do at home?

- Utilizing cold, elevation, compression, and relative rest from aggravating loads is a helpful first step in managing acute symptoms of an acute flare
- Additionally, stretching the calves, hamstrings, TFL, and glutes can be highly beneficial for relieving tension and stress from the lateral part of the knee.
- It might also be helpful to consult a physician and/or pharmacist to determine which drugs can reduce swelling and/or discomfort.

How does physiotherapy assist?

Accurate diagnosis. It is essential to distinguish this condition from chondromalacia patellae and patellar tendinopathy, since the therapy and prognosis are notably different.
Modification of action. Your physiotherapist is an expert in helping you to continue participating in the essential things you do without worsening your symptoms (since you often will not have to halt all activity with PFPS).
Pain alleviation. A physiotherapist's treatment options include manual therapy (massage/joint mobilizations), bracing, taping, stretching and dry needling.
Exercises. Depending on the origin of the symptoms, your physiotherapist will examine your biomechanics to determine what’s causing them; then they will create a structured, individualized training program to restore your strength and resume your former activities.

Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)

Signs and symptoms

Change in the perception of stability (stiffness or giving way)
Constrained range of motion (unable to bend or straighten knee fully)
Pain when carrying weight
Red, heated or swollen-looking knee
Worse with rest or walking upon awakening

What treatments can you do at home?

The evidence overwhelmingly supports weight reduction and exercise as the most effective types of long-term therapy for knee osteoarthritis pain alleviation and management.
Using heat or cold for pain relief, topical creams/ointments, modest range-of-motion exercises, timing your activities, and taking pain medication/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.

How does physiotherapy assist?

Accurate diagnosis. Understanding which knee compartment is affected by OA is essential for therapy since it will allow for targeted care.
Modification of action. Your physiotherapist is an expert at helping you to continue participating in your most vital activities without worsening your problems.

Pain alleviation. A physiotherapist's treatment options include manual therapy (massage/joint mobilizations), bracing, taping, stretching and dry needling.

Exercises. Current research indicates that specific supervised exercise programs aimed at developing muscle strength and joint stability are the mainstay of therapy for knee OA; the GLAD program offered at our clinic is one such program. Your physiotherapist will help you through the safe progressions necessary to reach your functional objectives.

Learn more:

5 Physiotherapy Exercises To Reduce Knee Pain

1. Straight Leg Raises

Even if you are experiencing knee discomfort, doing a straight leg raise will strengthen your quadriceps, supporting knee health. On an exercise mat placed on the floor, lie on your back. Bend one knee while keeping the same foot planted on the ground. Raise the opposite straight leg to the same height as the knee that is bent. Make careful use of your abdominal muscles to maintain a stable pelvis. Your physical therapist may suggest several reps for each leg.

2. The Bridge

While still laying on the ground, bend both knees and position your feet about hip-width apart. Create a bridge by engaging your glutes and then lifting your hips as high as possible; you will feel your hamstrings and glutes working. Then, elevate your toes while holding your heels to the ground. Return your hips to the starting position and repeat as often as instructed.

3. Prone Straight Leg Raise Exercises

Now, roll onto your stomach with straight legs. Holding the position for 3 to 5 seconds, squeeze your glutes and elevate one leg toward the ceiling while squeezing them. Perform about 10 repetitions on each side or as many as instructed.

4. Wall Squats

You can use an exercise ball or only the wall in this workout. During your physical therapy visit, your physical therapist may demonstrate both methods, making it simpler for you to do this exercise at home. You should stand against a wall with your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly bend your knees while pressing your whole back against the wall until your legs are parallel to the floor. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then use your glutes to return to the standing-against-the-wall posture gently.

5. Step Ups

Use the physical therapist-recommended height for standing upright on the lowest step of a staircase or a step bench. Contract your abdominal muscles and align your pelvis, then bend one knee and gently drop the opposite toes to the floor before returning to standing on the step.

Advantages of Working With a Physiotherapist To Treat Knee Pain

Visit your physiotherapist for a personalized evaluation of your knee pain and instruction on the best knee pain exercises for your case. There are other knee exercises which you may find beneficial, but these are suitable for many individuals with knee discomfort. After all, knee discomfort should not prevent you from enjoying your best life. Schedule a consultation with your physiotherapist immediately.

More information on knee pain physiotherapy can be found online at fraserlifephysio.ca or by calling us in Langley at (778) 278-4755.

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