Knee Pain

Physiotherapy for Knee Pain

The knee joint is one of the most complex and heavily used joints in the body. It supports your weight, absorbs shock, and allows you to walk, run, squat, and climb. Because of its constant use, the knee is also one of the most commonly injured joints.

Knee pain can affect anyone - from athletes and runners to those with physically demanding jobs or even sedentary lifestyles. It can arise suddenly after an injury or build gradually from overuse, muscle imbalance, or underlying joint conditions.

At Rehab8, our goal is to help you understand your knee pain, restore proper movement, and prevent recurring injury through evidence-based physiotherapy care.
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1. What is Knee Pain?

Knee pain refers to any discomfort or dysfunction around the knee joint, including pain in the muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, or bones that make up the joint.

It may present as sharp pain during activity, dull aching at rest, or stiffness after sitting or standing for long periods. Depending on the cause, pain may be localized to the front (patellar region), inside (medial), outside (lateral), or back of the knee.

Common symptoms include:

• Swelling or stiffness around the knee
• Popping, grinding, or clicking sensations
• Pain when bending, climbing stairs, or squatting
• Weakness or instability (“giving way” sensation)
• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods

Because the knee relies on proper alignment and balanced muscle support from the hips and ankles, pain in the knee often reflects issues elsewhere in the body - making a comprehensive physiotherapy assessment essential.
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2. Common Causes and Symptoms of Knee Pain

Knee pain can result from a variety of factors, including injury, overuse, posture, or degenerative changes. Below are the most common causes seen at Rehab8 Physiotherapy:
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Overuse or Repetitive Motion

Activities such as running, jumping, or squatting can lead to inflammation in the tendons or soft tissues around the knee (e.g., patellar tendinopathy or “jumper’s knee”).‍

Ligament Injury

Sprains or tears to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), Medial Cruciate Ligament (MCL), or Lateral Cruciate Ligament (LCL) can occur during sports or sudden twisting movements, often causing pain, swelling, and instability.

Meniscus Tear

The menisci are shock-absorbing cartilage pads inside the knee. They can tear due to trauma or degeneration, resulting in pain, catching, or locking sensations.‍

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)

Caused by improper kneecap tracking or muscle imbalance, this condition leads to pain in the front of the knee, especially during stairs or prolonged sitting.‍

Osteoarthritis

Age-related wear and tear of the knee cartilage can cause stiffness, swelling, and pain that worsens with movement.‍

Muscle Weakness or Imbalance

Weakness in the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, or calves can alter knee mechanics and increase stress on the joint.‍

Poor Alignment or Foot Mechanics

Flat feet or overpronation can change how forces are distributed through the knee, leading to pain and strain.

Trauma or Acute Injury

Falls, direct blows, or sports collisions can injure ligaments, cartilage, or bones, often requiring early intervention to ensure full recovery.

3. How Physiotherapy Helps Treat Knee Injuries

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective, research-supported approaches for reducing knee pain and restoring mobility, strength, and stability.

At Rehab8, our team takes a holistic approach to understanding your pain - identifying not just what hurts, but why it hurts.
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Pain Relief and Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization, massage, and soft tissue release help relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and restore knee movement.‍

Posture and Movement Retraining

Correcting gait (walking/running) mechanics and postural habits ensures proper alignment and reduces strain on the knee joint.

Targeted Exercise Programs

We design individualized programs to strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves, improving knee stability and function.

Range of Motion and Flexibility Work

Stretching and mobility exercises help restore full knee motion and reduce tightness in surrounding muscles.

Balance and Proprioception Training

Improving balance and control around the knee helps prevent future injuries, especially in athletes or those recovering from ligament tears.

Education and Lifestyle Advice

We provide guidance on footwear, exercise modifications, and activity pacing to support your recovery and help you maintain long-term knee health.

Whether your knee pain stems from sports, posture, or daily wear and tear, physiotherapy can help you move better and prevent future discomfort.
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Takeaway

Knee pain can stem from many causes, from overuse and injury to postural or muscle imbalances, but it doesn’t have to limit your life. With the right combination of manual therapy, targeted exercise, and movement retraining, physiotherapy can help you recover effectively and reduce your risk of recurrence.

At Rehab8, our mission is to help you move better, align better, and heal better, so you can return to the activities you love with confidence and comfort.