Knee Pain
Knee pain can mean aching, swelling or a knee that feels like it will give way, and the cause may be a tendon, the cartilage, a ligament or worn joint surfaces. Physical therapy finds which one is behind yours and treats it with exercise, hands-on care and training in how you move. Xcelerate Physical Therapy treats knee pain in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
What is behind your knee pain
The same sore knee can come from very different problems, so the first job is working out which one you have.
Runner's knee and patellofemoral pain
Patellofemoral pain, often called runner's knee, is an ache around or behind the kneecap. It tends to show up as knee pain going up stairs, knee pain when squatting, or soreness after sitting for a long time.
Patellar tendinitis and IT band syndrome
Patellar tendinitis, also called jumper's knee, hurts just below the kneecap with jumping and landing. IT band syndrome causes pain on the outside of the knee, often during running or cycling.
Meniscus tears
A meniscus tear can come from a twist or from gradual wear, and may cause catching, swelling or pain deep in the joint.
Ligament sprains and ACL tear
A sprain stretches a ligament. An ACL tear is a more serious ligament injury that often makes the knee feel unstable during pivoting and cutting. Many knee injuries are rehabbed with exercise, and when surgery is needed, therapy before and after it matters.
Signs it is time to have your knee looked at
- Pain when you go up or down stairs
- Pain when you squat, kneel or get out of a low chair
- Swelling that comes back after activity
- Catching, clicking or locking
- A knee that feels unstable or gives way
How we treat the knee
Strength and control
Therapeutic exercise builds the hip and thigh muscles that take load off the knee, and neuromuscular training teaches the knee to stay in line when you land, turn and step.
Hands-on care and taping
Manual therapy eases stiff joints and tight tissue, and taping can support the kneecap while you rebuild strength.
Moving better every day
We work on how you walk, climb stairs and squat, so the plan fits what you want to do again, from daily errands to your sport.
Knee arthritis, and surgery on either side of the knee
Knee arthritis causes stiffness and aching that is worse after rest. Strengthening and joint mobilization are a central part of care, and our arthritis page explains why the right exercise helps rather than harms joints.
If you have had or are heading toward ACL reconstruction or a knee replacement, we follow your surgeon's protocol before and after the operation. The details are on post-surgical rehab, and athletes returning after a knee injury will find more on sports injury rehab.
Hips and feet affect the knee too
A weak hip or a rolling ankle can pass extra stress down to the knee, so your evaluation looks above and below it. Read about hip pain and foot and ankle pain, and see Insurance or call to ask about your plan before your first visit.
Knee pain care in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
Xcelerate Physical Therapy treats knee pain at our Newtown Square clinic, 214 S. Newtown Street Road.
In Pennsylvania you can see a physical therapist without a physician’s referral, but your insurance may require one: call the number on your insurance card to check, or call us before your first visit.
Meet the people who treat you on our team page.