Can Physical Therapy Help with Knee Rehabilitation?

Knee pain is a common issue that can significantly impact your daily life. For many people, physical therapy offers a path to recovery without the need for more invasive treatments. In this article, we’ll explore the role physical therapy plays in addressing knee pain, the methods used by physical therapists, and when it’s time to seek professional help.

At Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine, with locations in Granville and Coshocton, Ohio, our skilled physical therapists are experienced in providing personalized knee rehabilitation programs designed to help you recover mobility, strength, and function. Contact us today to book a visit!

Physical Therapy for Knee Pain

Physical therapy is a non-invasive and highly effective treatment option for those suffering from knee injuries or chronic knee pain. It is often recommended after a knee injury, following knee surgery, or as part of a long-term strategy to manage conditions such as osteoarthritis.

The goal of physical therapy is to restore function, reduce pain, and strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint. By addressing muscle imbalances, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall joint stability, physical therapy can help patients return to their regular activities with minimal discomfort.

In addition to relieving pain, physical therapy focuses on preventing future injuries, which is especially important for active individuals or athletes who are more prone to recurrent knee problems.

Diagnosis of Knee Pain

Before starting any rehabilitation program, it’s important to have an accurate diagnosis of your knee condition. A thorough evaluation by a physical therapist will help determine the root cause of your knee pain and the best course of treatment. This assessment usually includes:

  • Medical history review: Understanding your injury history, symptoms, and overall health.
  • Physical examination: Testing the knee’s range of motion, strength, and stability.
  • Gait analysis: Observing how you walk to identify any abnormal movements or compensations.
  • Imaging tests: In some cases, X-rays or MRIs may be required to get a detailed view of the knee joint and assess any internal damage.
 

This comprehensive assessment helps physical therapists create a customized rehabilitation plan that targets your specific needs.

A woman with a knee injury being treated by a physical therapist in Coshocton, Ohio.

How Can a Physical Therapist Help?

Physical therapists are trained professionals who specialize in treating musculoskeletal problems, including those related to the knee joint. When it comes to knee rehabilitation, physical therapy can provide a number of benefits, helping to:

  • Relieve knee pain: By reducing inflammation and improving blood flow, physical therapy techniques such as manual therapy and targeted exercises can decrease knee pain and swelling.
  • Restore range of motion: Knee stiffness is a common symptom after injury or surgery. Physical therapy stretches and exercises help improve flexibility, making it easier to move your knee joint.
  • Strengthen supporting muscles: A key component of knee rehabilitation is strengthening the muscles that support the knee joint, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles. Stronger muscles reduce the load on the knee and improve stability.
  • Improve balance and coordination: Physical therapy also focuses on balance and proprioception (your sense of joint position), which is important for preventing future injuries and falls.
 

Physical therapists use a variety of techniques and exercises to help patients recover. These may include manual therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and targeted exercises designed to restore knee function.

Exercises That Can Help with Knee Pain

One of the cornerstones of physical therapy for knee rehabilitation is exercise. Strengthening and stretching exercises help rebuild muscle, improve joint stability, and relieve pain. Some of the most commonly used exercises in knee rehabilitation include:

  • Straight leg raises: This exercise strengthens the quadriceps muscle without putting strain on the knee joint. By lying on your back with one leg bent and the other straight, you slowly lift the straight leg a few inches off the ground and hold it for a few seconds. This helps engage the thigh muscles and supports the knee without adding pressure to the joint.
  • Hamstring curls: Hamstring curls can be performed while lying down or standing, and they target the muscles on the back of your thigh. Strengthening these muscles helps protect the knee by improving its stability.
  • Step-ups: Step-ups are a functional exercise that mimics daily activities like climbing stairs. They engage the quadriceps and hip muscles, promoting better knee stability and mobility.
  • Wall squats: Wall squats are a great way to strengthen the entire lower body, including the knees, without causing too much stress on the knee joint itself. By leaning against a wall and slowly lowering yourself into a squat, you work on strengthening the muscles around the knee.
  • Heel and calf stretch: Tight calf muscles can contribute to knee pain by placing additional strain on the joint. Regular stretching of the calves can help reduce this tension and relieve pressure on the knees.
 

These exercises are often prescribed in combination with other treatments and are adjusted based on your progress. Always perform exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist to avoid aggravating your condition.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Knee pain that persists for more than a few weeks or that worsens over time should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. If you experience severe pain, swelling, instability, or difficulty putting weight on your knee, it’s essential to seek professional help. These symptoms may indicate more serious knee injuries, such as ligament tears, cartilage damage, or fractures, which may require medical intervention or even knee surgery.

At Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine, our physical therapists and orthopedic specialists work together to provide comprehensive care. If physical therapy alone isn’t enough to resolve your knee pain, our team can discuss other treatment options, including surgical interventions.

Take the First Step Toward Knee Rehabilitation

If you’re struggling with knee pain, don’t wait to seek help. Physical therapy is a proven solution that can reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent further knee injuries.

At Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine, our team of experienced physical therapists is ready to develop a personalized rehabilitation plan that gets you back to your normal activities, pain-free. Visit our knee specialists in Granville or Coshocton, OH, today for expert care in knee rehabilitation!

Medically reviewed by ​​Eric Erb, MD