CONDITIONS
Knee Pain
The knee is a major weight-bearing joint in the body. It is one of the most commonly injured
parts of the body. The types of knee injuries can be classified into three categories:
1) sprains, strains and overuse injuries
2) contusions
3) meniscus or ligamentous injuries
Treatment
In order to determine the diagnosis, a thorough evaluation is required. Once the physical therapist can determine the root cause(s) of knee pain, then treatment will be implemented to address the impairments (range of motion deficits, pain, strength deficits and swelling).
Osteoarthritis
A common cause for knee pain in the aging population. Osteoarthritis is characterized as pain, stiffness, and at times loss of range of motion. The knee is comprised of multiple joints. When the articular cartilage wears out there is more bone-to-bone contact. This causes joint friction and thus leads to pain.
Treatment
In the earlier stages of Osteoarthritis physical therapy can be very effective in relieving pain, restoring function and reducing range of motion deficits.
In the later stages of Osteoarthritis surgery may be warranted to replace or repair the worn-out knee joint (partial knee replacement or total knee replacement). After knee replacements surgeons typically refer patients to physical therapy to rehab their knee(s).
