Addressing Knee Pain in Athletes

Physical Therapy For Knee Pain Relief In Athletes

Fortunately, knee pain is a common condition for athletes. Whether it’s a sharp ache after a big game, an ongoing throb hindering training, or that sudden tweak signaling something more serious, knee pain in athletes can quickly sideline even the most dedicated on the team.

At Active Sport & Spine Therapy, we specialize in helping athletes understand the root cause of their knee pain and how targeted exercises and proactive measures can help them manage knee pain and prevent it from coming back.

We’ll get to the root cause of your knee pain to help you get back in the gain and perform at your best.

Common Causes of Knee Pain in Athletes

The knee joint is a complex and dynamic structure where the bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles all come together. Knee pain in athletes is especially detrimental because it can’t be ignored when running, jumping, pivoting, and changing directions – all skills that are essential for participation in sports.

Physical therapy helps alleviate knee pain caused by a variety of conditions, like:

Injury:

• Common knee injuries include sprains, strains, and other soft tissue tears.
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL): This common sports-related injury can occur when athletes are required to pivot and quickly change direction.
  • Meniscal Tears: Result of an awkward twist of the knee, improper form when standing up, or as a result of arthritis.
  • Tendon Injuries: Commonly caused by explosive movements (sprinting) or unexpected or awkward movements/activities.

Overuse:

• Microtrauma due to repetitive movements that occur when physical activity and exercise exceed the tolerance level of the knee.
  • Bursitis: Swelling or inflammation of the sac-like structure between bones, tendons, and ligaments that create a cushion between tissues that move against one another.
  • Tendonitis: Tendons are dense connective tissues linking muscles to bones that can become inflamed when subjected to repetitive movements.

Signs of knee injury include pain, swelling, loss of motion, weakness, and instability. Our physical therapists are experts in effective techniques that alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and restore mobility and strength so you can get back to what you like doing best.

Discover Personalized Techniques to Alleviate Your Knee Pain

We’ll begin your program by thoroughly reviewing your health history and existing knee condition. We’ll talk about your goals, concerns, and any questions you have about our process. Then, we’ll proceed to in-depth movement assessments to identify any faulty patterns, weaknesses, and restrictions, as well as your knee’s current range of motion, strength, balance, and coordination.

Next, we’ll create your tailored physical therapy plan with specific knee pain relief techniques.

Knee Pain Relief Techniques

Manual Therapy

• Targeted, hands-on treatments that alleviate pain, improve mobility, and help minimize inflammation.

Therapeutic Exercises

• Prescribed movements designed to correct impairments and restore muscular and skeletal function.
  • Range of Motion (ROM): Physical therapists will assess your specific ROM limitations and develop a plan to improve.
  • Strengthening: Resistance exercises that increase muscle strength, power, and endurance.

Balance

• Exercises designed to challenge and enhance how the body reacts to obstacles and improve your center of gravity.

Braces and/or Taping

• Assistive devices and taping techniques to support your joint as you strengthen the surrounding tissue.

Return To Activity

• Exercises for activity and sport are required so you can get back to what you like best and keep your knee operating at its full potential.

For best results, knee pain should be treated as soon as possible. Call Active Sport & Spine Therapy today for your appointment to discover the most effective physical therapy techniques for relief from knee pain in athletes. Our comprehensive approach provides expert insights and step-by-step instructions to help you regain mobility, get back in the game, and live pain-free.

Let’s get started!