Knees

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) are key stabilizers of the knee joint. Injuries to these ligaments often occur during sports involving sudden stops, pivots, or collisions. A torn ligament can cause instability, pain, and loss of function. Therapy is critical whether the injury is managed conservatively or surgically repaired, focusing on rebuilding strength, restoring knee control, and protecting the joint for future activity.

Symptoms may include:

• A popping sensation at the time of injury
• Knee swelling within a few hours
• Instability or “giving way” of the knee
• Pain when walking or turning
• Difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee

The menisci are two C-shaped pieces of cartilage that cushion and stabilize the knee joint. Tears can happen from sudden twisting injuries or gradually due to degeneration with aging. Meniscus tears can lead to joint stiffness, catching sensations, and pain with movement. Early therapy helps restore mobility, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the muscles supporting the knee to improve stability.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain along the joint line
• Swelling or stiffness in the knee
• Catching, locking, or clicking with movement
• Difficulty squatting or twisting
• Instability when walking

Patellofemoral pain syndrome, sometimes called “runner’s knee,” occurs when the kneecap does not move properly over the femur, causing irritation. It often results from muscle imbalances, poor tracking of the kneecap, or overuse. Left untreated, it can limit athletic performance and daily activities. Therapy focuses on correcting alignment issues, strengthening the quadriceps and hip muscles, and optimizing knee mechanics.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain behind or around the kneecap

• Worsening pain when squatting, climbing stairs, or sitting for long periods
• Grinding or popping sounds with movement
• Tenderness around the front of the knee
• Weakness in the quadriceps

Osteoarthritis of the knee occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joint wears away, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. It is a progressive condition but symptoms can be managed effectively with therapy and lifestyle changes. Strengthening the muscles around the knee helps offload the joint and improve mobility. Early intervention can slow progression and reduce the need for surgical intervention.

Symptoms may include:

• Morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes
• Pain that worsens with activity
• Swelling or tenderness around the joint
• Grinding or creaking sounds with movement
• Reduced range of motion

Runner’s knee is a general term used to describe several conditions that cause pain around the kneecap. It is often related to muscle imbalances, improper footwear, or training errors. Without treatment, runner’s knee can lead to chronic inflammation and performance limitations. Therapy addresses the underlying biomechanical issues to relieve pain and improve endurance and movement patterns.

Symptoms may include:

• Dull, aching pain around the kneecap
• Pain during or after running
• Swelling around the front of the knee
• Tenderness along the patellar tendon
• Difficulty fully extending the knee

The MCL (medial collateral ligament) and LCL (lateral collateral ligament) provide side-to-side stability in the knee. Sprains occur when these ligaments are overstretched or torn, often due to direct blows or awkward landings. Mild sprains may cause only soreness, while severe injuries can lead to instability. Therapy focuses on restoring stability, strength, and flexibility to prevent further injury.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain along the inside or outside of the knee
• Swelling and tenderness around the affected ligament
• Instability with side-to-side movements
• Pain with pivoting or twisting motions
• Difficulty bearing weight on the leg

Quadriceps tendinopathy involves degeneration or inflammation of the tendon connecting the quadriceps muscle to the kneecap. It usually develops from repetitive stress or sudden increases in activity levels. Without treatment, the tendon may weaken, increasing the risk of rupture. Therapy focuses on controlled loading, strengthening, and restoring optimal movement mechanics to reduce stress on the tendon.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain at the top of the kneecap
• Tenderness along the quadriceps tendon
• Stiffness after periods of inactivity
• Pain with jumping, running, or stair climbing
• Weakness in the quadriceps muscle

Hamstring strains or tears can occur suddenly during activities that involve sprinting, jumping, or rapid acceleration. These injuries cause pain in the back of the thigh and may affect hip and knee function. Therapy emphasizes controlled healing, flexibility restoration, and strength rebuilding to prevent re-injury and optimize performance.

Symptoms may include:

• Sharp pain in the back of the thigh
• Swelling or bruising along the hamstring
• Difficulty bending the knee
• Tenderness with pressure or movement
• Weakness when walking or running

Bursitis occurs when one of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) around the knee becomes inflamed, usually from repetitive kneeling, direct trauma, or infection. Bursitis can cause swelling, tenderness, and restricted movement. Therapy focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pressure, and correcting any contributing movement issues.

Symptoms may include:

• Swelling at the front, side, or back of the knee
• Tenderness over the affected area
• Pain with movement or pressure
• Warmth and redness if infected
• Stiffness in the joint

Knee replacement surgery is a common solution for severe arthritis, significant joint degeneration, or major injuries. While surgery restores the joint structure, a structured rehabilitation program is critical for regaining strength, balance, flexibility, and function. Therapy after knee replacement focuses on gradually restoring range of motion, rebuilding muscle strength, and optimizing walking patterns. A well-designed rehab plan can dramatically improve recovery speed and long-term outcomes. Our goal is to help patients return to normal daily activities, hobbies, and even sports, safely and confidently.

Post-knee replacement recovery challenges may include: may include:

• Stiffness and limited motion after surgery
• Pain or swelling around the joint during activity
• Weakness in the quadriceps and surrounding muscles
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods
• Fatigue or imbalance during movement