An In-Depth Look at Physiotherapy and Knee Pain

Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people see a physiotherapist, and the causes are genuinely varied — from acute sporting injuries to gradual osteoarthritis. Understanding the many possible sources of knee pain is the first step to effective treatment.

Common causes of knee pain

• Ligament injuries — ACL, MCL and other ligament sprains or tears, often from sport or sudden twisting
• Meniscal tears — damage to the knee's shock-absorbing cartilage, common with twisting movements
• Patellofemoral pain — pain around or behind the kneecap, common in runners and active people
• Osteoarthritis — gradual wear of the joint surfaces, more common with age
• Tendinopathy — overuse-related pain in tendons around the knee, such as the patellar tendon
• Bursitis — inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee

Why an accurate diagnosis matters

Because the knee is a complex joint with many possible sources of pain, an accurate diagnosis is essential to effective treatment — what helps a ligament injury may not help patellofemoral pain, and vice versa. A thorough assessment includes understanding your history, how the pain started, and specific tests to identify which structures are involved.

How physiotherapy helps knee pain

Most causes of knee pain — including many ligament and meniscal injuries, as well as osteoarthritis and tendinopathy — respond well to physiotherapy. Treatment typically includes hands-on manual therapy, a progressive strengthening program targeting the muscles that support and control the knee, movement retraining where technique is a contributing factor, and load management to allow irritated tissue to settle while staying active.

When is more than physiotherapy needed?

Some knee conditions — significant ligament tears, advanced osteoarthritis, or mechanical issues like a locked knee — may need imaging or surgical opinion alongside physiotherapy. Your physiotherapist can guide you on when this is appropriate and refer you to the right specialist if needed.

Whatever the cause of your knee pain, an accurate diagnosis and a tailored plan make all the difference. Book an assessment with our team in the Sutherland Shire.