Is Knee Pain Keeping You On The Sidelines? A PT Could Help!
Do you ever worry that your knees will “give out” when you are standing? Do you hunt for the nearest parking spot at your favorite store or steer clear of establishments with a lot of stairs? Do you turn down an invitation from a friend or family member because you are afraid your knee pain will ruin their experience? If this sounds like you, you have found the right place for finding knee pain relief.
Knee discomfort can be extremely debilitating. It can prohibit you from doing the things you want to do and from creating some truly unforgettable moments!
Excel Physical Therapy believes that without the use of harmful drugs or intrusive surgery, you can still get back to doing the activities you enjoy. To go back to a healthy, active lifestyle, make an appointment at our Oshkosh or Appleton, WI clinic today!
Common Causes Of Knee Pain
While your knee is a considered hinge joint with only forward and backward movement it is actually far more complicated, involving gliding and rotation guided by ligaments and muscles . Did you know that your knees must sustain six times your body weight to squat? If your knees are functioning properly, you should be able to do motions like standing, walking, running, and dancing with ease. Your body will not allow you to achieve the things you want without suffering if it is not correctly aligned.
Knee pain can be brought on by many things, included but not limited to:
Fractures
The bones of the knee, particularly the kneecap (patella), can be damaged if you fall or are in a car accident. If you have osteoporosis-related weakening bones, a knee fracture might occur simply by taking an incorrect step.
ACL injury
Our thigh bone is connected to our shinbone by four ligaments, one of which is the ACL. People who play sports like soccer, basketball, or other games that demand quick changes in direction are more likely to sustain an ACL injury.
Torn meniscus
Between your shinbone and thighbone is the meniscus, which acts as a shock absorber. This thick, rubbery cartilage may rip if you twist your knee rapidly while bearing weight on it.
Knee bursitis
Inflammation in the bursae, the small sacs of fluid that cushion the outside of your knee joint, can occur as the result of a knee injury, preventing the tendons and ligaments from gliding smoothly over the joint.
Patellar tendinitis
Tendons are fibrous, thick structures that connect muscles to bones. Tendonitis can develop if they become irritated and inflamed. The patellar tendon goes from the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone, allowing you to kick, run, and jump. Patellar tendinitis is most commonly seen in runners, skiers, cyclists, and people who participate in jumping sports and activities.
Knee arthritis
Healthy cartilage in the knee joints is very strong and extremely slippery. With age and injury, some people experience weakening, thinning of the cartilage and reduced lubrication resulting in pain and joint damage.
Seeing a licensed physical therapist at Excel Physical Therapy for a thorough evaluation of your condition is the best way to determine the true cause of your knee pain. Request an appointment today!
How Does Physical Therapy Relieve Knee Pain?
Knee pain does not have to keep you from doing what you want to accomplish; physical therapy in Oshkosh or Appleton, WI can make sure of that!
One of our physical therapists will assess your knees for evidence of misalignment or structural damage, as well as evaluate your stance, posture, gait, and range of motion during your first appointment.
A personalized treatment plan will be created to remove unnatural tension and strain on your knees, and you and your doctor will work together to enhance your overall joint function so you can return to your regular activities with more flexibility and less pain.
You will be given specific exercises to improve the stability of your knees and relieve your pain. Joint mobilization may also be included in your treatment plan to improve joint movement or other soft tissue treatments that relieve pain and promote the healing of damaged tissues.
The physical therapy treatments at Excel Physical Therapy might be able to help you avoid having to undergo costly and painful surgery as well.
We have experienced therapists that are board certified in orthopedic physical therapy with the knowledge to treat patients after many surgeries of the knee including but not limited to the following:
- Total knee replacement
- Meniscus Repairs
- ACL /PCL reconstruction
- Re alignment surgeries
- Quadriceps /patellar tendon repair
- Lateral Release.
Find True Relief From Knee Pain With Physical Therapy
Now is the time to take control of your knee pain and keep it from hindering your life any further. Get started on the path toward long-term pain relief today! Make an appointment at Excel Physical Therapy today to speak with one of our dedicated physical therapists.