3 ways that physical therapy can be helpful for your knee pain

physical therapy for knee pain

The knees are one of the most crucial joints of the body. They are responsible for walking, sitting, standing and carrying the weight of the body. Almost all body movement involves the knees. That’s why when you’re having knee issues, it could feel like your entire quality of life has declined. 

Fortunately, physical therapy for knee pain is a noninvasive way to help treat the symptoms you are experiencing and restore your quality of life. Some of the most common conditions that cause knee pain include:

  • ACL injury.
  • Bursitis.
  • Osteoarthritis.
  • Patellar tendinitis.

All of these common causes of knee pain can be addressed with physical therapy. In fact, many physicians recommend physical therapy for these injuries and conditions. Here are three ways that physical therapy for knee pain can help you get back on your feet faster:

  1. Physical therapy can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Most patients who have osteoarthritis or other knee conditions have an intimate knowledge of just how painful swelling and inflammation in the knee can be. Physical therapy for knee pain works to address these symptoms by treating the damaged soft tissue and ligaments around the knee joint, as well as strengthening the muscles around the knee to reduce pressure on the joint itself.
  1. Physical therapy can help restore strength and balance. By targeting the muscles and ligaments surrounding the knee joint, physical therapy for knee pain works to restore balance to the body and reduce ongoing symptoms of pain and instability. 
  1. Physical therapy for knee pain reduces the risk of surgery. Many conditions that affect the knee only get worse over time. This is because the knee is typically in constant use, and continually has the weight of the body on it. So any aggravation to the knee will typically worsen over time without treatment. Physical therapy is an effective method of treatment that can reduce your risk of needing knee surgery later on. 

Types of physical therapy for knee pain

If you decide that physical therapy for knee pain is the right option for you, your physical therapist can create a personalized treatment plan for your condition and recovery goals.

Most physical therapy treatments for knee pain will include:

Our team at Whatcom Physical Therapy specializes in knee pain treatment. With our direct access care, you can schedule an appointment today without a referral from your doctor. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.