At Barwon Sports Physio, we understand how challenging it can be to deal with a knee injury. They can make simple daily activities difficult and limit your mobility. Since the knee is a critical structure that provides support and facilitates movement, it’s no surprise that it’s prone to injury. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, fitness lover, or simply enjoy staying active, it’s essential to know about the most common knee injuries and how physiotherapy can help in their recovery.
What Do We Mean by a Knee Injury?
A knee injury refers to any damage to the knee area, including ligaments, cartilage, tendons, or bones. These injuries can be caused by sports, accidents, repetitive strain, or wear and tear as we age.
Knee injuries include conditions such as strains, ligament tears, bruises, sprains, fractures, bursitis, arthritis, or other joint disorders. Regardless of severity, every injury should be treated promptly and effectively. At Barwon Sports Physio, we offer personalised physiotherapy programs to help you recover and reduce the chances of reinjury.
1. ACL Injuries (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)
The ACL is a vital ligament that stabilises the knee joint. ACL injuries often occur in sports involving quick turns, sudden stops, or falls, such as football or skiing.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty bearing weight on the leg.
- How Physiotherapy Helps:
At Barwon Sports Physio, we tailor rehabilitation plans to help you regain movement, strengthen muscles, and prevent future injuries. If surgery is required, pre- and post-operative physiotherapy significantly improves recovery outcomes.
For non-surgical cases, we design specific exercises to enhance joint stability, enabling you to return to your regular activities with confidence.
2. Meniscus Tears
Meniscus tears are a common injury caused by twisting or turning the knee forcefully, often during sports or physical activities. The meniscus is a cartilage that cushions the knee, acting as a shock absorber.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, stiffness, and sometimes a “locking” sensation in the joint.
- How Physiotherapy Helps:
Conservative physiotherapy is often sufficient for mild cases. Our approach includes exercises to reduce pain, improve flexibility, and strengthen surrounding muscles. We also address any biomechanical issues to prevent reinjury.
If surgery is required, physiotherapy after the procedure ensures full recovery and helps prevent long-term complications.
3. Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
This overuse injury affects the patellar tendon, located at the front of the knee. It’s commonly seen in athletes who jump or run frequently.
- Symptoms: Pain at the front of the knee, stiffness, and discomfort during activity.
- How Physiotherapy Helps:
At Barwon Sports Physio, we aim to reduce inflammation, promote tissue healing, and address the root causes of jumper’s knee. Treatments may include soft tissue therapy, specific stretches, and strengthening exercises.
We also guide you in modifying your activities to avoid placing excessive stress on the knee as it heals.
4. Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where the cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time. It’s more common in older adults or those with a history of joint injuries.
- Symptoms: Chronic joint pain, inflammation, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
- How Physiotherapy Helps:
Physiotherapy can slow the progression of osteoarthritis and improve your quality of life. At Barwon Sports Physio, we use low-impact exercises, hydrotherapy, and joint mobilisation techniques to enhance mobility and reduce discomfort.
Strengthening the muscles around the knee also helps support the joint, reducing stress and improving function.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where the cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time. It’s more common in older adults or those with a history of joint injuries.
- Symptoms: Chronic joint pain, inflammation, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
- How Physiotherapy Helps:
Physiotherapy can slow the progression of osteoarthritis and improve your quality of life. At Barwon Sports Physio, we use low-impact exercises, hydrotherapy, and joint mobilisation techniques to enhance mobility and reduce discomfort.
Strengthening the muscles around the knee also helps support the joint, reducing stress and improving function.
5. Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
Runner’s knee is an overuse injury that affects the area around the kneecap. It often results from repetitive strain or poor alignment.
- Symptoms: Dull, aching pain on or behind the kneecap, particularly during running, stair climbing, or prolonged sitting.
- How Physiotherapy Helps:
We identify and address the underlying causes, such as muscle imbalances or poor biomechanics. Strengthening hip and thigh muscles and using alignment-focused exercises can relieve pressure on the knee.
Taping or bracing may also be used to provide additional support while the injury heals.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Treating Knee Injuries
At Barwon Sports Physio, we take a holistic approach to treating knee injuries:
- Pain Relief: We use manual therapy, hydrotherapy, and specific exercises to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Restoring Function: Our goal is to improve your strength, flexibility, and mobility so you can return to your activities.
- Preventing Recurrence: By addressing the root causes of your injury, we help reduce the likelihood of future problems.
Our Knee Injury Rehabilitation services are designed to guide you through recovery and help you regain confidence in your movements.
Tips for Preventing Knee Injuries
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to reduce your risk of knee injuries:
- Strengthen Supporting Muscles: Regularly exercise muscles around the knee, such as quadriceps and hamstrings.
- Focus on Flexibility: Stretching keeps your joints mobile and reduces the risk of strain.
- Wear Proper Footwear: Supportive shoes help maintain proper alignment and absorb shock.
- Listen to Your Body: Avoid overusing your muscles if you feel pain or discomfort.
Conclusion
Knee injuries can be painful and disruptive, but with the right approach, recovery is achievable. Physiotherapy offers effective solutions for relieving pain, restoring movement, and preventing future injuries. At Barwon Sports Physio, we’re here to support you with personalised care through our Knee Injury Rehabilitation services.
If you’re dealing with a knee injury or want advice on maintaining healthy knees, get in touch with us today. Together, we’ll help you get back to moving freely and comfortably.
