physiotherapy for Knee Pain in Cheltenham
your path to stronger, pain-free knees
If your knee pain is not going away or is worsening over a period of 2-3 weeks, or it is interfering with your everyday activities such as your knee hurts when going down stairs, then you should see a knee pain physiotherapist. Equally, if the pain isn’t stopping your everyday activities, but your in pain for more than 6 weeks, then you should see a physiotherapist.
We have helped many patients avoid surgery by using techniques that target the cause of the knee pain. We have successfully treated knee discomfort including: anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries; torn meniscus; knee bursitis; patellar tendinitis, post surgery knee issues; as well as issues that stem from issues in other bodily areas.
At Straight Back Physio, our experienced team of physiotherapists successfully diagnose and treat knee injuries, helping our patients regain function and return to their daily activities with confidence. You don't need to let your knee pain hold you back, book an appointment with us today and take the first step towards a pain-free life.
Causes of knee pain
Knee pain is common during growth spurts in children, or with trauma from sport or falls, or it may come on as we age with wear and tear. The shoes we wear have an enormous influence on our foot position and stability and subsequently on the stresses put through the knee.
The goal of physio on the knee is to increase the flexibility and mobility of the knee joints and to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joints, helping to reverse any damage and prevent further episodes of pain.
Types of knee pain
Anterior knee pain
Anterior Knee Pain is a general term used to describe pain originating from the structures at the front of your knee. The most common structures that cause pain in this area are the joint between your knee cap and your thigh bone, and the patella tendon which attaches your thigh muscles to the bone, just below the knee cap. It is usually linked to overuse rather than injury and is often seen in young sporting adults, although anyone can be affected.
Physio for anterior knee pain treatment is the preferred option, we aim to identify which factors are influencing your knee joint pain and to correct these with rehabilitation exercises to help strengthen the hip and knee region, improve flexibility of your hamstrings, and we will talk to you about reducing pain in your activities. Manual therapy can help correct the alignment of the knee joint and
acupuncture is effective at reducing inflammation and pain.
Knee Bursitis
Sometimes referred to as housemaid's knee, bursae are small fluid filled sacs that reduce friction between moving parts of the body's joints, and bursitis is inflammation or irritation of the bursae in the knee.
There are many causes including a heavy blow to the knee, jobs that require long periods of kneeling, fungal or bacterial infection, rheumatoid arthritis, prolonged periods working in front of a computer, and playing sports where a lot of pressure is placed on the knee joint such as football or squash.
Physio for knee bursitis treatment can reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee, and restore mobility in the knee. Treatment for 2-8 weeks will swelling management, stretching, and strengthening exercises.
Knee cartilage damage
The menisci and articular cartilage don’t have their own nerve supply (which transmits pain) however normally when the cartilage is damaged, surrounding structures are damaged too, causing pain. Knee joint cartilage damage is often due to a trauma where you twist your knee while your foot is planted and knees are bent as in squash, but it can also be due to repeated wear and tear of the meniscal cartilage as you get older.
Physiotherapy is often recommended as a non-invasive treatment so that surgery can be avoided, but it is also required after knee cartilage surgery. Physiotherapy strengthens your knee and helps to regain full range of motion. Manual therapy helps to stretch out the tension in the soft tissue surrounding your knee, and reduces swelling. Acupuncture helps reduce pain and inflammation in the healing knee cartilage, but high-quality rehabilitation is required to address the underlying cause.
Knee ligament injury
Knee ligaments are like ropes made up of lots of thin collagen fibres that are bunched in groups to form the ligament. If a force exceeds the strength of the knee ligament it can tear causing pain and inflammation. Ligament damage may be caused by trauma, such as a car accident, or by a blow, stretching or twisting of the knee in sports such as a football tackle, but can also be caused from a fall or twisting when stepping down from a step.
Physiotherapy treatment for knee ligament injuries focuses on strengthening muscles, while restoring mobility as the ligament heals. Massage applies deep pressure on the ligament causing new scar tissue and enabling it to heal, manual therapy helps to reduce pain and improve joint mobility, acupuncture can decrease inflammation and pain, and shockwave therapy can promote healing of ligaments and reducing pain. Pilates is good at strengthening and aligning the knee muscles, and improving mobility.
Patellar tendonitis
Also known as jumpers knee is a relatively common soft tissue injury, it can occur in sports that mainly involve running and jumping such as tennis and football, but can be seen with too much weighted squats and hill running. It is classed as an overuse injury that occurs when the tendon is unable to adapt to the level of strain placed on it causing tendon fiber damage.
Patellar tendonitis treatment includes manual therapy to improve movement, reduce muscle stiffness, and soft tissue massage. Rehabilitation exercises based on loading and muscle strength to correct weaknesses and imbalances in the muscles. Acupuncture can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Certain exercises in Pilates can help reduce inflammation and bring back normal tendon function. Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for all soft tissue injuries.
“Straight Back Physio treated the root cause of my knee issue, not just the symptoms. I was also given exercises and advice to build on the treatment at home. My knee now feels great and I’m back training and racing. I would definitely recommend Straight Back Physio!”
David H
physiotherapy for knee injury
- Pain relief: We use a variety of techniques, such as massage, stretching, and exercise, to help alleviate pain and discomfort in the affected area.
- Lasting results: We address the symptoms and the underlying causes of the pain. This means we can help you achieve long-term relief.
- Avoiding surgery: By using non-invasive techniques to target the pain, we can help you avoid more invasive treatments. This can save you time, money and discomfort.
- Improved flexibility: By using targeted stretches and exercises, we can help you improve your range of motion and flexibility in the affected knee, reducing the risk of future injuries.
- Improved mobility: We can help you regain range of motion in the affected knee by using targeted exercises and stretches - increasing joint freedom.
- Safe and non-invasive: We offer a safe and non-invasive form of treatment for knee pain. Unlike surgery or medication, physiotherapy does not carry the risk of side effects or complications.
- Reduced risk of further injury: Using targeted exercises and stretches, we can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, which improves stability and reduces the risk of future injuries.
Book now
Schedule an appointment with a knee pain physiotherapist in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, we provide a comprehensive approach to knee pain treatment, utilizing various recommended therapies specifically designed to help you stay free from pain and injuries. Our preventative services are aimed at supporting your overall well-being and boosting your activity levels.
Recover faster, our chartered physios can usually get you back to redoing the activities you can't do now within 4 to 8 sessions.
We understand that some people may want to find out a bit more about the cost before they book an appointment at our physiotherapy clinic. Our unique
save as you recover packages can save you up to 20% on the cost of a single session.
Insured
For insured clients we can either work directly with your insurance provider or offer receipts for cash-based plans, allowing you to reclaim your expenses.
Not Covered by Insurance
If you want see the best physiotherapist in your area, feel free to book an appointment at our Cheltenham physiotherapy clinic without needing a referral from your GP.
Why Choose Us
No other local physiotherapy clinic can match our level of expertise and rehabilitation services, thanks to our extensive experience and in-house gym facilities. You'll receive the full benefits of physiotherapy through a tailored combination of interventions designed to guide you on your path to recovery.