Is Physiotherapy Good for Knee Pain?

The short answer is yes! As first-point practitioners, TPM Physiotherapists are able to diagnose your knee pain (accurate diagnosis is very important!) Whether you are suffering from an acute sporting injury or whether you have more long-term pain due to osteoarthritis or wear and tear, physiotherapy is extremely beneficial for knee pain. TPM Physiotherapists are experts in movement and function and are well-equipped to help in your recovery. Within our Mid North Coast Physiotherapy clinics across Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga and Yamba, we see many patients with knee pain and knee injuries and get them back to the activities they love, whether that be professional sports or simply increasing general mobility and walking longer.

Common causes of knee pain

For the younger population, knee pain is common during growth spurts or trauma from sports or falls. Knee pain can stem from the muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, or meniscus. It can sometimes also be referred from the hip joint or lower back.

Acute knee injuries often occur with sports that involve:

• Rapid acceleration or deceleration
• Twisting
• Kicking
• Sudden changes in direction

More gradual onset of knee pain can occur during growth spurts. This is common in children who do activities that involve:

• High volumes of running
• Repetitive jumping and landing
• Kicking
• Squatting

Knee osteoarthritis is age-related degeneration, or wear and tear in the knee. It occurs when the natural cushioning between the bones, the cartilage, wears away. Symptoms gradually worsen over time.

How can Physiotherapy help with my knee pain?

Firstly, your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the causes and contributing factors of your knee pain and tell you a diagnosis.

At TPM, we utilise hands-on techniques such as soft tissue treatment and joint mobilisations to help relieve any muscle tightness or joint stiffness.

Taping may also be necessary for short-term relief of your knee pain as you begin your return to sport or activity. We may recommend the use of a knee brace during sports to help offload the structures and provide some extra support.

We may also create a strengthening and rehabilitation plan for you to utilise within our gym space or at home.

Can exercise help with knee pain?

Exercise has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to help with pain in the knee. The exercises that you do should be individually tailored for you (avoid Dr. Google!)

Here at The Physio Movement Yamba and Woolgoolga, we prescribe exercises specifically designed for you based on your diagnosis. We assess your strength and flexibility and provide you with exercises to address our findings, which could include weakness, tightness, or muscle imbalances. We tailor your program based on your personal goals and activities you would like to return to.

If you are aiming to return to sport, we will give you sport-specific exercises to ensure your knee is well-equipped to cope with all the challenges and demands of your sport. If you are an avid gym-goer we will advise you on what machines are safe to use at the gym. We can also liaise with your personal trainer or coach to discuss what exercises you can and can’t do throughout your rehabilitation. If you like to run, we will make any necessary modifications to your running program as your knee heals. We can also assess your running technique to see if there are any factors that may be contributing to your pain.

If you have recently had surgery on your knee, we will guide you through our post-operative care and help improve your range of motion, strength, balance, and endurance.

Your exercise program will be updated regularly through our app as your pain improves and you get stronger.

If you are experiencing knee pain and would like some more information or to book an appointment, book anytime online at www.tpmwoopi.com.au or call (02) 6654 0237