Physical Therapy Can Help You Resolve Unwanted Knee Pain

March 2026 Newsletter

Knee pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages, often hindering their ability to perform everyday activities and enjoy a high quality of life. Whether resulting from injury, arthritis, or overuse, knee pain can be debilitating.

Fortunately, physical therapy at PacificPro Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine offers hope for those seeking relief. This article shares the journey of Alex, a 40-year-old marathon runner, who found relief from persistent knee pain through the expert care of our skilled therapists.

The Onset of Pain

Alex’s passion for running was undeniable. Completing several marathons each year, he was no stranger to the physical demands of long-distance running. Unfortunately, Alex began experiencing sharp pains in his right knee, particularly during and after runs. Initially dismissing it as regular wear and tear, he soon realized the pain was not subsiding but worsening with time.

Seeking Help

After several weeks of persistent pain, Alex knew he needed professional help. His search for a solution led him to PacificPro Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, known for our team of experienced physical therapists specializing in sports injuries. From the moment he walked in, Alex felt a sense of hope. The clinic’s approach was about alleviating pain, understanding its root cause, and preventing future issues.

The Physical Therapy Journey Begins

Alex’s journey began with a comprehensive assessment that included a detailed discussion of his running habits, knee pain history, and a physical examination to assess his knee’s strength, flexibility, and alignment.

Our clinic’s expertise in sports injuries came to the forefront with a detailed analysis of Alex’s running gait. His therapist identified several inefficiencies in his running form contributing to his knee pain.

His therapist determined Alex was dealing with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), a common issue among runners characterized by pain around the kneecap. His therapist explained that Alex’s pain was likely due to a combination of overuse, improper running technique, and muscular imbalances.

Tailored Treatment Plan

Understanding the specifics of Alex’s condition, the therapist devised a personalized treatment plan. The multifaceted plan addressed Alex’s knee pain symptoms and underlying causes.

Manual Therapy

Alex’s treatment started with manual therapy. His therapists used hands-on techniques to free up restrictions and tension in the soft tissues around his knee. This approach helped reduce Alex’s pain and increase his range of motion, setting a solid foundation for further therapeutic interventions.

Strengthening Exercises

Recognizing the importance of muscular support for knee stability, Alex was guided through a series of strengthening exercises focused on building up the muscles around his knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings. These exercises were designed to absorb shock more effectively, reduce the burden on his knee during runs, and prevent future injuries.

Motor Control Exercises

To address any dysfunctional movement patterns contributing to Alex’s knee pain, the therapists introduced motor control exercises. These exercises aimed to correct his movement patterns, ensuring that he adopted more efficient movement strategies during running and daily activities, thereby reducing strain on his knee.

Education and Preventive Strategies

Beyond immediate treatment, education played a vital role in Alex’s therapy. He learned the importance of proper footwear, adequate warm-up and cool-down routines, and strategies to gradually increase running distances without overloading the knees.

The Road to Recovery

Alex’s dedication to physical therapy paid off as he noticed a significant reduction in knee pain, improved running efficiency, and a newfound awareness of protecting his knees from injury. The holistic approach at PacificPro Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine addressed Alex’s pain and equipped him with the knowledge and tools to maintain knee health in the long run.

But Alex’s journey was about more than just overcoming knee pain. It was a transformative experience that reshaped his relationship with running. He emerged from physical therapy as a runner and an informed athlete, mindful of his body’s signals and the importance of balance in training.

Conclusion: A Testament to the Power of Physical Therapy

Alex’s story is a testament to the effectiveness of physical therapy in resolving unwanted knee pain. At PacificPro Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, the combination of expert assessment, personalized treatment, and a commitment to patient education proved to be a winning strategy.

Alex’s journey offers hope and inspiration for anyone struggling with knee pain. If you’re dealing with knee pain, call our team and schedule a consultation today!

Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7661565/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32161824/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6829001/

Call Us Today To Request An Appointment

The mission of our physical therapy clinic is to use compassion, encouragement, and motivation in the treatment of our patients and clients. We provide outstanding and personalized skills as movement and rehabilitation physical therapists through exceedingly high customer service and results!

Our goal is to positively impact people’s lives and improve their quality of life. Your therapy will be centered around helping you get back to doing the things you love without pain. We understand that no two pain conditions are alike, and no two treatment plans should be either.

If you’re struggling with a painful condition or experiencing a physical limitation, our therapists will work with you to ensure your success!

Call us today to schedule an appointment!

Request Appointment

Exciting News: PacificPro Physical Therapy is Expanding!

We’re thrilled to announce that PacificPro Physical Therapy is opening a brand-new location this month! This expansion allows us to serve even more patients and provide the same expert care in a convenient new spot.

New Clinic Address:
Ontario Ranch
3055 S. Archibald Ave., Suite C-2
Ontario, CA 91761

Phone: (909) 460-6487
Fax: (909) 930-3577

Whether you’re looking for injury recovery, pain relief, or performance enhancement, our team is ready to help you reach your goals. Stop by our new location or give us a call to schedule your visit!

Debunking the Myth That Running Causes Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and impaired mobility. While there is a common misconception that running contributes to the development of OA, numerous studies have shown this to be a myth.

Running has various health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness and weight management, which support joint health. In addition, movement, including running, helps keep the cartilage in the knee healthy.

Research has highlighted other factors that are contributors to the development of knee OA:

Age: Aging is the most significant risk factor for OA. As individuals age, the cartilage in their joints naturally undergoes wear and tear, making them more susceptible to degeneration.
Genetics: Genetic factors play a crucial role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to OA. Certain genetic variations have been associated with an increased risk of developing OA in various joints, including the knee.
Previous joint injuries: Previous knee injuries, such as ligament or meniscus tears, can predispose individuals to OA later in life. The trauma from these injuries can accelerate the degenerative process in the affected joint.
Obesity: Excess body weight places additional stress on the knee joints, leading to accelerated cartilage breakdown and an increased risk of developing OA. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of OA.
Joint misalignment or instability: Abnormalities in joint structure or function, such as malalignment or instability, can lead to uneven distribution of forces within the knee joint, contributing to cartilage degeneration and OA development.

The bottom line is that running does not cause knee OA. At PacificPro Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, our therapists understand the risk factors associated with knee arthritis and will provide programs to preserve your joint health and reduce the burden of OA so you can keep running!
Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9983113/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27519678/

Our Patients Get Great Results

“Could not be happier I found Erin at PacificPro. I had vertigo for about a decade untreated. Within a month of seeing Erin my vertigo is gone! She is very knowledgeable with vestibular therapy and I cannot recommend her enough. So so happy to finally feel like I can function normally again.”

— J. B.

Exercise of the Month

Ankle Alphabets

Start by sitting up straight in a chair. Raise one leg out in front of you. Slowly write the letters of the alphabet with your foot, only moving
at your ankle joint. 3 Sets, 10 Reps. (Materials needed: chair)

No-Bake Caramel Brownies Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Brownies
- 1 ½ c pitted medjool dates
- 1 c walnuts
- ½ c hazelnuts
- ⅓ c cocoa powder
Salted Caramel
- ½ c almond butter
- ¼ c maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon almond milk
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Brownie: Combine all ingredients in a food processor until it reaches a brownie consistency. Press down into lined loaf pan.

Salted Caramel: Stir together all ingredients until smooth and pour over top of brownie layer. Place in the freezer to firm (about 1hr.)

Once set, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, slice into 10-12 squares, and enjoy! Best stored in the freezer.

Physical Therapy Can Help You Resolve Unwanted Knee Pain