Knee Pain Physiotherapy
Knee pain physiotherapy focuses on the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of knee-related injuries and conditions. It involves a comprehensive approach aimed at reducing pain, restoring function, and improving mobility. Treatment may include manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises to strengthen muscles around the knee joint, electrotherapy modalities for pain relief, and biomechanical analysis to address underlying issues.
Patient education on proper knee care, injury prevention strategies, and activity modification is also emphasized. By addressing the root causes of knee pain and promoting optimal knee function, physiotherapy aims to enhance the individual’s quality of life and facilitate a safe return to daily activities and sports.
Causes:
Causes leading individuals to seek knee pain physiotherapy services include:
- Ligament Injuries: Sprains or tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), or lateral collateral ligament (LCL).
- Meniscal Tears: Injury to the meniscus, often resulting from twisting or sudden movements.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Irritation of the cartilage under the kneecap, commonly due to overuse or malalignment.
- Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of the knee joint cartilage, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the patellar tendon (patellar tendonitis) or quadriceps tendon (quadriceps tendonitis).
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint.
- Patellar Dislocation: Dislocation of the kneecap from its normal position, often due to trauma or structural abnormalities.
- Fractures: Broken bones in the knee, such as the kneecap (patella) or the ends of the femur or tibia.
- Overuse or Repetitive Stress: Excessive or repetitive activities causing strain on the knee joint, leading to pain and inflammation.
- Malalignment or Muscle Imbalances: Structural abnormalities or weaknesses in the muscles surrounding the knee joint, affecting its stability and function.
These causes contribute to various knee-related injuries and conditions, requiring physiotherapy intervention to address pain, restore function, and facilitate rehabilitation.
Symptoms:
Symptoms that may prompt individuals to seek knee pain physiotherapy include:
- Pain: Persistent or acute pain in the knee joint, often worsened by movement or weight-bearing activities.
- Swelling: Visible swelling or inflammation around the knee, indicating fluid accumulation or tissue damage.
- Stiffness: Difficulty bending or straightening the knee joint fully, leading to decreased range of motion.
- Weakness: Reduced strength or muscle function around the knee, affecting stability and mobility.
- Instability: Feeling of looseness or giving way in the knee joint, increasing the risk of falls or injury.
- Popping or clicking: Audible sounds or sensations in the knee joint during movement, indicative of cartilage or ligament issues.
- Difficulty with activities: Impaired ability to perform daily tasks, sports, or recreational activities due to knee pain or dysfunction.
- Numbness or tingling: Sensations of numbness, tingling, or pins and needles in the knee or surrounding areas, indicating nerve involvement.
These symptoms guide the assessment and treatment process in knee pain physiotherapy, aiming to alleviate pain, improve function, and enhance overall knee health and mobility.