How Physical Therapy Can Help Resolve Your Knee Pain

How Physical Therapy Can Help Resolve Your Knee Pain

August 2026 Newsletter

Imagine struggling to play your favorite sport, spend time with your kids, or simply walk your dog because of nagging knee pain. It’s incredibly frustrating, isn’t it? 

Knee discomfort is a relatively common ailment ranging from a dull ache to a sharp, debilitating pain. However, in some cases, it can dramatically affect mobility and quality of life.

Fortunately, the team at PacificPro Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine offers several options for addressing, managing, and resolving knee pain. That way, you can find the relief you need to get back to the activities you love.

Targeting Your Knee Pain Right At The Source

We don’t want to just mask your knee pain symptoms. Instead, we want to address the underlying cause of your discomfort for long-term relief and improved function.

That’s why our physical therapists will always begin with a comprehensive assessment. We’ll evaluate your mobility, strength, walking patterns, and more. Our goal is to identify the specific factors contributing to your knee pain so we can develop the right treatment plan for your needs.

Common Knee Injuries or Conditions We See at Our Clinic

Osteoarthritis

• This degenerative joint disease causes the breakdown of cartilage in the knee, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Risk factors include age, obesity, previous knee injuries, and family history.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

• This refers to pain around the kneecap, often caused by overuse, muscle imbalances, or poor tracking of the kneecap itself. This condition is more common in young athletes, women, and people with flat feet or weak thigh muscles.

IT Band Syndrome

• The IT band is a thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh. If irritated or inflamed, it can cause pain on the outer side of the knee and is common in runners and cyclists.

Meniscus Tears

• The meniscus is a ring of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in the knee. A tear in the meniscus can cause pain and limited movement. Sudden twisting movements, sports injuries, and advanced age are common risk factors.

Sprains

• Sprains occur when the ligaments that stabilize the knee joint are stretched or torn. They’re common sports injuries and can result from quick pivoting movements or falls.

When Knee Pain Is More Than Just The Knee

One crucial thing about knee pain is that it doesn’t necessarily stem from an issue with the knee itself. Sometimes, knee pain doesn’t stem from an injury or osteoarthritis but from dysfunction in your lower body mechanics. 

Your knee depends on the function of the hip, ankle, and foot to operate smoothly. When these areas fall out of balance, stress is transferred to the knee. For example:

• Muscular imbalances can pull joints out of alignment, forcing the knee to absorb excess stress
• Weak hip muscles can allow the thigh to rotate inward, increasing strain on your knee’s soft tissues
• A stiff ankle can limit forward movement, shifting the load to the knee during activities like walking, squatting, or climbing stairs
• Flat feet can force the knee into unnatural positions, leading to irritation over time

How PacificPro Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Can Help Resolve Your Knee Pain

Once we’ve determined the source of your knee pain, we’ll work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment program to address it directly. While every program is personalized to your needs, here’s a general overview of what you can expect: 

Pain Management

We use various techniques to reduce acute pain, including hands-on manual therapy techniques, advanced modalities such as ultrasound therapy, and therapeutic exercises.

Improved Mobility

We’ll help you restore your knee’s range of motion through targeted stretches and exercises to make everyday movements easier.

Enhanced Strength

Strengthening the muscles around your knee provides better support and stability to the joint, reducing strain and preventing future injuries.

A Safe Return to Activity

We know you’re eager to get back to your favorite activities. Whether you want to get back in the game or the garden, we’ll design a personalized, progressive plan to help you do so safely.

Don’t Let Knee Pain Hold You Back!

No matter the reason for your knee pain, our team of movement specialists will help you find an approach that works for you. Contact PacificPro Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine today to schedule your initial evaluation and take the first step to effective knee pain management.

Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542185, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37874571/