There’s no denying it: knee pain can be extremely difficult to live with. It disrupts even the simplest activities, making daily tasks feel overwhelming. Whether it’s the result of an injury, arthritis, or overuse, knee pain management is essential for regaining control and enjoying life to the fullest.
At Eastside Sports Rehab, we know how frustrating knee pain is. Fortunately, we offer targeted techniques to help reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and restore strength and function, allowing you to get back to doing what you love.
Our personalized plans provide practical solutions for long-term knee pain management. Keep reading to learn more about how we address common sources of knee pain.
Successful Knee Pain Management: Start with the Source
All knee pain isn’t the same, and the first step in managing knee pain effectively is understanding what’s causing it. That way, our therapist can create the best treatment program for your unique needs.
The first thing we’ll do when you visit our Bellevue clinic is conduct a comprehensive assessment to help us understand the source of your pain. Here are some of the common culprits (and what we can do to help):
Osteoarthritis
This is the most common cause of knee pain among older adults. It occurs when the protective cartilage in your knee wears down, leading to stiffness and discomfort. Unfortunately, knee osteoarthritis has no cure, but regular movement and exercise can help manage symptoms and slow the condition’s progression.
Physical therapy is essential in managing pain from knee osteoarthritis. As movement experts, our team can show you exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, which supports the damaged joint, reducing pain and improving mobility.
Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries are another prevalent source of knee pain, especially in active people. They occur when the tendons and ligaments in your knee undergo repetitive strain from high-impact movements like running or jumping. That strain can cause inflammation in the tissues, leading to pain and stiffness, particularly with movement.
Physical therapy helps manage the pain associated with overuse injuries by focusing on exercises that improve strength, mobility, and stability. These exercises help relieve strain on the knee, allowing irritated tendons and muscles to heal. We can also guide you on proper movement techniques to prevent further overuse and keep pain at bay.
Ligament or Cartilage Injuries
Knee pain can also result from tears in the ligaments or cartilage in your knee. You’ve probably heard of athletes suffering ACL tears, which is a good example of this type of injury. They usually occur due to sudden twists or impacts.
Your exact symptoms will vary based on the severity of the tear. A mild tear might only cause pain and stiffness. More severe tears can also cause instability or weakness in the knee and often require medical intervention to heal properly.
That said, physical therapy does play a role in addressing ligament or cartilage tears. Even if you undergo surgery, comprehensive rehabilitation will help you restore full strength and function and help prevent long-term pain and other complications.
Manage Your Knee Pain at Eastside Sports Rehab!
Knee pain management is most effective when a knowledgeable physical therapist can customize it to suit your specific symptoms, condition, and overall goals. Schedule an appointment at our Bellevue clinic to learn more about what our team can do for you!
