Physio Explains: Will Physio Help Your Knee Pain?
All Things Knee Pain
Do you have knee pain? If so, you are not alone. Knee pain is a very common symptom I see in private practice among all age groups, with knee arthritis being one of the leading causes of knee replacement surgery.
In this blog post, we will discuss how physiotherapy helps knee pain, some common questions that physiotherapists get about knee pain management, and more!
Will Physio Help Your Knee Pain?
Managing knee pain is not always as simple as resting the knee, icing it up, and waiting for it to go away. This is where a physiotherapist can meet with you, meet you in the middle, you share your experience of knee pain and they share their knowledge to help you feel better and stronger.
Physio Assessment For Knee Pain
Instead, the best place to start is with a thorough assessment of all factors that may contribute to knee pain including muscle strength around the knee joint and entire lower body, core, hips, knees, ankle, and feet, nerve function in your leg which regulates movement, and your general movement patterns, how you walk, jog, run, squat, and jump.
Physio Treatment For Knee Pain
After an assessment, your physio will start treating your knee pain. The first step is usually to improve your function by reducing pain and irritation at the knee joint.
Laser Therapy For Knee Pain
Laser therapy uses light applied over the painful area. For knee osteoarthritis, NICE does not recommend laser or other electrotherapy, although some trials of low-level laser have found short-term pain relief. Exercise remains the main treatment. If you'd like to try laser, we'll discuss the evidence with you first and use it only alongside exercise. See laser therapy for knee pain.
Exercise Therapy For Knee Pain
After your knee pain has significantly subsided your physio will then work with you to regain strength, stability, and coordination of the knee, and hip, ankle, and foot. You will be active exercise sessions supervised by your physio and you will do home exercises too. If you want to return to sports after a knee injury your physio can also work with you on sport-specific exercises.
Hands-on Therapy For Knee Pain
Physios may use massage, joint mobilisations and stretching to help ease pain and stiffness around the knee. For osteoarthritis, guidelines recommend hands-on treatment only alongside exercise, not on its own.
How Long Do You Need To See A Physio For Your Knee Pain To Improve?
It is impossible to give a definitive answer, but I generally find knee pain takes around 8-12 weeks to settle and for strength and stability to improve. But it differs for everyone depending on the severity of knee pain and injury.
Who Should Consider Getting Physiotherapy For Knee Pain?
Anyone who has knee pain, knee arthritis, or a knee injury from sports or other activities may benefit from physiotherapy.
I would recommend seeing a physio if knee pain has not subsided after a week or two.
Should You Get Surgery For Knee Pain?
If surgery has been suggested, discuss the options, risks and expected recovery with your consultant, and ask about physiotherapy before or after surgery.
Should I Wear A Knee Brace Or Compression Sleeve?
Yes and no. I would always say try and be as natural as possible and regain that stability through strengthening your muscles, ligaments, and tendons, instead of an external brace. But if you feel more comfortable and confident wearing a brace or sleeve for an important sporting event, like a marathon – wear it. But not all the time – only during the event.
Our bodies can function without aims and bandages if you use them correctly and strengthen them and keep them moving.
Conclusion
I hope this blog was helpful to discuss knee pain with your physio! If you have knee pain it is important to seek physiotherapy treatment as there is a lot your physio can do with you to help you feel better. Like, I say it takes about 8 to 12 weeks for knee pain to reduce but it differs for everyone.
References
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26554281/
[2] https://www.medscape.com/slideshow/evaluatingkneepain-6006108