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KNEE PAIN
Knee Pain Physiotherapy in Richmond
See below how Richmond Physiotherapist can help you
Knee Pain: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Knee pain is one of the most common conditions treated in physiotherapy and can affect people of all activity levels. It may develop gradually over time due to overuse or appear suddenly following an injury.
The knee is a complex joint that absorbs significant load during walking, running, and sport. Pain can occur in different areas of the knee depending on the cause, including the front (patellofemoral pain), inside or outside (ligament or meniscus), or back of the knee.
At Richmond Physiotherapist, we provide physiotherapy treatment for knee pain in Richmond focused on reducing pain, improving strength, and restoring movement so you can return to your normal activities.
What Causes Knee Pain?
Knee pain can arise from a variety of structures including muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and the joint itself.
Common causes include:
- patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee)
- tendon irritation (jumper’s knee)
- meniscus tear or irritation
- ligament injuries (ACL, MCL, LCL)
- muscle imbalances in the hips and legs
- poor movement mechanics or overuse
Symptoms of Knee Pain
Symptoms can vary depending on the underlying issue but commonly include:
- pain when walking, running, or squatting
- pain going up or down stairs
- stiffness or reduced range of motion
- swelling or inflammation
- clicking or discomfort with movement
- a feeling of instability or weakness
How Physiotherapy Helps Knee Pain
Physiotherapy focuses on identifying the root cause of knee pain and addressing the factors contributing to it.
At Richmond Physiotherapist, your assessment will include evaluation of knee movement, strength, and how your hips, ankles, and lower back may be contributing.
Treatment is tailored to your specific condition and goals.
Physiotherapy Treatments for Knee Pain
Treatment for knee pain may include:
- exercise rehabilitation to improve strength and stability
- manual therapy to improve joint mobility
- dry needling (IMS) to reduce muscle tension
- shockwave therapy for chronic tendon-related pain
- movement retraining and education
When to See a Physiotherapist
You should consider physiotherapy if:
- knee pain persists for more than a few weeks
- walking, stairs, or exercise cause discomfort
- your knee feels unstable or weak
- swelling does not improve
- pain is limiting your activity or sport
Early treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening and speed up recovery.
You can also learn more about sports injury physiotherapy in Richmond and how targeted rehab supports recovery and long-term knee health.
Frequently Asked Questions
My knee hurts going down stairs but not up. What does that mean?
That’s a classic sign the issue is under the kneecap. Going downstairs loads the patellofemoral joint way more than going up, because your quad has to brake your body weight with the knee bent. It usually points to tracking or strength issues rather than something structurally torn.
Is cracking and popping in my knee a bad sign?
Not by itself. Painless clicking is incredibly common and usually just gas bubbles or tendons moving over bone. It becomes worth investigating when the popping comes with pain, swelling, or a feeling of the knee catching or giving way. Pain plus noise is a different story than noise alone.
At what point should I get an MRI for knee pain?
If there’s been a specific injury with swelling, if the knee locks or gives way, or if you’ve done 6 to 8 weeks of good physio with zero improvement. For gradual onset knee pain with no trauma, an MRI early on usually just shows age-related changes that don’t change what we’d do in treatment.
Can you still help if my knee pain is arthritis?
Absolutely. Arthritis doesn’t mean the knee is bone on bone and hopeless. Strengthening the quads, glutes, and calves takes load off the joint and most people with knee arthritis feel significantly better with the right program. Surgery is a last resort, not the starting point.
Book an appointment
Your recovery starts with one visit.
Every session is 1-on-1, built around your body and your goals. We bill your insurance directly, so you can focus on getting better.