By Graham Glennie, MScPT
Knee pain is one of the most common complaints we see in the clinic – and for good reason. Whether it’s caused by a sports injury, overuse from repetitive movement, or conditions like arthritis, knee discomfort can significantly limit your ability to move with confidence and enjoy daily life.
The good news? There are proven ways to manage and even resolve many types of knee pain—starting with understanding the root cause.
1. Assessment & Diagnosis
The first step is a thorough assessment with a physiotherapist. We look at your strength, flexibility, joint alignment, and movement patterns to identify what’s contributing to your pain – no guesswork involved.
2. Strengthening Exercises
Your knees rely on a strong support system, especially from the surrounding muscles like the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. Exercises like straight leg raises, bridges, and controlled squats help build strength and stability in a way that protects your knee while reducing pain over time.
3. Stretching & Mobility Work
Tight muscles can pull on the knee joint, making movement uncomfortable or even painful. We often incorporate stretches for the hamstrings, calves, quads, and hip flexors to improve joint mobility and reduce stress on the knee.
4. Manual Therapy & Modalities
Hands-on techniques like joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, and dry needling can all play a role in improving circulation, reducing stiffness, and calming irritated tissue. We may also use heat, cold, or electrical stimulation to support your recovery and ease discomfort.
5. Activity Modification & Bracing
Healing doesn’t mean stopping everything – it means adjusting. We help patients stay active by modifying how they move, recommending temporary changes to their routines, or incorporating supports like taping or bracing when needed. The goal is always to keep you moving safely, not to sideline you entirely.
At The Joint Physiotherapy, we’ll support you every step of the way!
Check out the original posting in the St. Albert Gazette on June 5, 2025.