The most common disease affecting the knee is osteoarthritis.  Knee injuries can also occur as the result of a direct blow or sudden movement that strains the knee beyond its normal range of movement.  Knee pain caused by an injury is most often associated with knee cartilage tears, such as meniscal tears, or ligament tears, such as anterior cruciate ligament tears.  At times knee pain has no known cause or injury. 

 

PT is a very effective way to manage knee pain of all types.  Based on the evaluation, your physical therapist will develop a customized rehabilitation program on how to treat knee pain, including a specific set of knee exercises, for you.  In addition to exercises, Physical therapy can assess and treat bio-mechanics and alignment issues that might be stressing the knee joint and surrounding soft tissue.  PT uses hands on techniques to restore normal joint mechanics and reduce abnormal muscle tightness and weakness that are impacting the knee.  Modalities, such as electrical stimulation and Ultrasound, are often helpful in control of pain and swelling. Dry needling has also proven helpful in improving pain and restoring normal knee function.