Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is the most common type of knee pain, causing pain around and under the kneecap. PFPS is prevalent among runners, cyclists, and young athletes as repetitive movements like running, jumping, or squatting can lead to chronic overuse of the knee and the development of PFPS. Physical therapy is highly effective in treating patellofemoral pain syndrome, using targeted exercise, stretching, and manual therapy to improve knee function and mobility and reduce pain.

Swimmer’s knee is caused by repetitive strain on the knee ligaments, particularly the MCL, when performing the breaststroke. Pain in the MCL develops due to the repetitive flexion-extension, adduction, and external rotation of the knee against the water when completing the breaststroke. When doing the breaststroke, 70% of the propulsion of the stroke comes from the legs and knees, placing significant stress on the knees. Physical therapy can alleviate swimmer’s knee pain and restore movement and function in the knee safely through a targeted therapeutic exercise and manual therapy rehabilitation program.

As we step into spring, many of us are planning and starting our gardens, weeding, raking, and preparing for planting. Gardening has numerous health benefits: building strength, promoting sleep, boosting mood, and getting quality sunshine and Vitamin D. However, gardening does place stress and strain on joints and muscles when digging, planting, weeding, mulching, and raking, particularly the knee. Gardener’s knee is a common gardening-related injury that involves inflammation, swelling, and pain in the bursa at the front of the kneecap. To prevent knee pain when gardening, check out our gardening injury prevention tips!

Chronic knee pain, which affects one in four Americans, can be debilitating and limit your function and mobility. Chronic knee pain involves ongoing pain, swelling, and sensitivity in the knee that lasts more than 4-6 months and can result from a traumatic injury that healed incorrectly or from medical conditions like osteoarthritis. Physical therapy can help you manage chronic knee pain long-term without the need for surgery to reduce pain and improve your mobility and function.

Meniscus tears are one of the most common sports injuries and most frequent knee injuries. The meniscus can tear during any movement that puts excessive pressure on the knee or pushes the meniscus past its normal rotational range of motion, such as when twisting, squatting, or making quick positional changes. Physical therapy can help those experiencing meniscus tears facilitate optimal healing, restore full functionality, and achieve complete recovery through targeted strengthening and extensive rehabilitation should surgery be necessary, for a safe return to sport and activity.

Knee bursitis involves inflammation of one or more bursae of the knee joint, causing pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the knee. Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that serve as cushions to reduce friction between bone and skin or bone and tendon. Knee bursitis can develop from a direct blow to the knee or from repetitive stress movements or pressure on the knee over time. Physical therapy for knee bursitis can help reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee and restore mobility in the knee through targeted therapeutic exercise and manual therapy.

Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) injury involves a strain or tearing of the MPFL, typically due to a traumatic kneecap dislocation. The MPFL is a ligament located on the inside of the knee joint, connecting the kneecap and thighbone and providing stability to the kneecap. Physical therapy helps those with MPFL injuries restore knee strength and function and provides post-surgery rehabilitation if surgery is necessary.

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) works together with the ACL to stabilize the knee during movement. The PCL is located near the back of the knee joint and attaches to the back of the femur and tibia behind the ACL. PCL injuries are less common than ACL injuries but can occur due to blunt trauma during a sport or car accident or extreme hyperextension of the knee. Physical therapists can help those with PCL injuries and those healing after PCL surgery manage pain and stiffness, address instability, and restore function and strength to the knee through a progressive rehabilitation program.

Patellar tendinitis is a chronic overuse injury involving inflammation of the patellar tendon that is common in basketball, volleyball, and soccer players. Patellar tendinitis can develop due to repetitive running and jumping, sudden and frequent deceleration and acceleration, and training on hard surfaces. Physical therapy can help athletes with patellar tendinitis regain strength, function, and mobility in the knee. Check out our infographic to learn more!

The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the top of the shinbone and plays a key role in extending your knee. Patellar tendinitis involves inflammation or injury to the patellar tendon often due to repetitive stress and chronic overuse among athletes. It is particularly common among athletes who engage in repetitive jumping, squatting, and running, such as basketball, soccer, and volleyball players, dancers, and weightlifters. Physical therapy can help athletes address patellar tendinitis and regain strength, function, and mobility in the knee through a gradual targeted strengthening exercise program.

Are you unsure what to expect after total knee replacement surgery? Check out our blog to learn what to expect throughout the rehabilitation process post-knee replacement! Total knee replacement surgery is a major surgery that requires careful preparation and an effective post-surgical rehabilitation program to ensure pain-free function and mobility of the joint. Physical therapists play a critical role in pre-surgery preparation and post-knee replacement rehabilitation, helping you improve mobility, decrease stiffness, manage pain, and gradually and safely restore function and range of motion in your new knee.

On World Arthritis Day, we are explaining physical therapy treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by knee pain, stiffness, and decreased strength. Physical therapists can help to reduce knee osteoarthritis symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and create a customized, comprehensive program of exercise and manual therapy to help knee osteoarthritis patients move safely and improve function, strength, and range of motion in the knee joint.

Is it Fact or Fiction? Our latest blog debunks the 10 most common myths about knee pain. Knee pain is one of the most common orthopedic conditions that lead patients to seek physical therapy. Physical therapy provides a safe, non-invasive, and effective way to reduce knee pain, improve mobility and strength, and restore function to the knee.