Target Area: Knee
Not Sure if Therapy is Right for You?
Have a free discovery call to talk with one of our therapists.
How can Physical Therapy help me?
Physical Therapy is a trusted healthcare industry dedicated to evaluating and treating certain injuries and illnesses. The goal of Physical Therapists is to ease pain by helping you to move, live, and function better. [Source: bls.gov]. Also known as...
Identifying the Source of Knee Pain
Knee pain is a common issue that can stem from various factors, ranging from traumatic injuries to overuse, arthritis, or specific mechanical problems within the joint. It’s crucial to identify the root cause for effective treatment. Often, instability or injuries in other parts of the leg, such as the hip or ankle, can contribute to knee pain because the leg functions as an interconnected system. Understanding these relationships can help explore alternatives to knee surgery.
Causes of Knee Pain
In addition to injuries, knee pain can be caused by degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis, where the protective cartilage in the knee gradually wears down, resulting in chronic pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, can also affect the knee joint, causing pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Mechanical issues, such as patellar maltracking, where the kneecap moves out of its normal alignment, can lead to pain, particularly when bending or straightening the knee.
Moreover, knee pain can be a symptom of problems in other parts of the body. For instance, instability or injury in the hip or ankle can lead to compensatory movements that put extra strain on the knee, exacerbating pain. This is because the leg functions as a connected system, where issues in one joint can impact others. Therefore, addressing these contributing factors through alternatives to knee surgery, like physical therapy, is vital for lasting relief.
How Physical Therapy for Your Knee Pain Can Help
Physical therapy offers effective alternatives to knee surgery by focusing on reducing pain, improving function, and overall joint health. Our clinics throughout South Louisiana offer a wide range of treatments designed to meet your specific needs, whether you’re managing arthritis, recovering from surgery, or looking to avoid surgery. By targeting both the symptoms and underlying causes of knee pain, physical therapy can be an excellent solution.
Customized Physical Therapy Treatment Plans
Once the cause of your knee pain is identified, we create a personalized physical therapy plan to address your condition. For example, if you’re recovering from an ACL injury, your treatment may include progressive strengthening exercises to rebuild the muscles around your knee, improve stability, and restore full range of motion. If osteoarthritis is the cause, your therapy might focus on exercises to maintain joint mobility and reduce stiffness. These treatments can serve as effective alternatives to knee surgery for many individuals.
In situations where knee pain is caused by issues in the hip or ankle, our therapists incorporate exercises that target the entire kinetic chain. This holistic approach ensures that we not only address the symptoms in your knee but also correct any underlying problems that could be contributing to your pain.
Why Choose Precision Rehabilitation
Precision Rehabilitation’s skilled physical therapists are committed to helping you restore your mobility and get back to the activities you enjoy. For those seeking alternatives to knee surgery, physical therapy offers an effective solution tailored to your specific needs. If you’re dealing with knee pain, don’t wait – reach out to us today by calling 337-993-2766.
Common Knee Pain Conditions
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Sprain or Tear
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Sprain
- Meniscus Tear
- Baker’s Cyst
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
What & How We Treat
Assessment and Diagnosis
Our therapists begin with a comprehensive examination to determine the exact cause of your knee pain. This includes assessing joint stability, strength, and range of motion.
Strengthening Exercises
We prescribe targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calf to improve joint support.
Range of Motion Exercises
These are gentle exercises designed to improve mobility and flexibility in the knee joint – while also reducing stiffness.Balance and Proprioception Training
We prescribe exercises to improve balance and proprioception (awareness of body position) – while also increasing joint stability and reducing risk of further injuries and falls.Manual Therapy
Our physical therapists utilize techniques including massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation, which improves joint mobility and reduces muscle tension.