physiotherapy for Knee Pain in Cheltenham

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 physiotherapy 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.

We successfully provide relief from knee pain including: anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, torn meniscus, knee bursitis, patellar tendinitis, post-operative issues, as well as issues that stem from issues in other bodily areas, such as hips, ankles and feet. We’ll identify the cause and develop a customised rehabilitation plan, tailored to your specific injury and recovery goals.

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 one or more of the bursae in the knee. The pain and discomfort associated with bursitis can build gradually or come on suddenly depending on the underlying cause.

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 physically demanding sports where a lot of pressure is placed on the knee joint such as football or squash. 

Physio for knee bursitis can help reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee and restore mobility in the knee through targeted therapeutic exercise. Physiotherapy generally involves treatment for 2-8 weeks with swelling management, stretching, and strengthening exercises, with Pilates being beneficial in the rehabilitation stage. Other services such as acupuncture is effective at reducing inflammation and pain inthe affected area and shockwave therapy can be used to flush out the inflammation, relieve pain and speed up healing.

The ligaments are one of the primary structures providing stability of the knee joint, there are four main ligaments and components of the knee which include: lateral collateral ligament (LCL), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and medial collateral ligament (MCL). Ligaments are like ropes made up of lots of thin collagen fibres that are bunched into groups to form the ligament. If a force exceeds the strength of the ligament then it will tear causing knee pain and inflammation. 

Knee 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. Management of a ligament injury depends on the type of ligament involved and the severity of the injury. 

Physio for knee ligament injury focuses on strengthening the quadriceps, hamstring and gluteal muscles, while restoring normal mobility as the ligament heals. Massage applies deep pressure on the ligament causing new scar tissue and enabling it to heal, manual therapy later in the rehabilitation stage helps to reduce pain and improve joint mobility, acupuncture can decrease inflammation and pain which helps to restore function, and shockwave therapy can promote healing of ligaments as well as reducing pain. Pilates is excellent at strengthening and aligning the knee muscles, and improving joint mobility.

“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