Knee pain can be a pesky issue that affects many people of all ages. There are variety of factors that contribute to knee pain, and they all may vary in severity. Fortunately, the powerful duo of physiotherapy and strength training can be the crucial key in combating your knee pain. In this post we’ll discuss how the two modalities can work together to improve knee health and provide relief.

The Common Causes of Knee Pain

Injury: An injury such as sprains and tears of the cartilage and ligaments of the knee is one of the largest causes of knee pain. Accidents, falls and sports related injuries can lead to any if the above.

Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis leads to the wearing down of the knee joint thus, leading to chronic knee pain.

Tendonitis: Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendons in the knee. This can be the cause of discomfort in the knee especially if the knee pain is associated with activities that involve running and jumping.

Overuse: Knee pain can also be a result of the overuse of the knee point. Repetitive activities such as running and prolonged kneeling can cause pain and discomfort.

The Symptoms of Knee Pain:

Pain: A dull ache, sharp or throbbing sensation can be felt in the affected area.

Swelling: Inflammation and fluid build-up can cause swelling around the knee joint.

Stiffness: Many people who have knee pain find that they are unable to have full range of motion at the knee joint.

Weakness: Reduced strength of the knee is often associated with knee pain, making it difficult to bear weight and engage in physical activity.

Popping and Clicking: Audible or palpable sensations within the knee joint are also common complaints when people are describing knee pain.

Consequences of Untreated Knee Pain:

Untreated knee pain can have detrimental impacts on overall health and quality of life. Some of the consequences of untreated knee pain include

Worsening Pain: The most immediate consequences is worsening pain, what can start out as mild pain, can progress to chronic deliberating pain.

Limited Mobility: Knee pain can lead to the reduction of being able to move freely. Making it difficult to do basic tasks.

Imbalance Issues: Untreated knee pain can lead to a lack of balance, putting you at further risk of injury.

Arthritis Progression: If your knee pain is due to arthritis, leaving it untreated can lead to irreversible joint damage.

Diminished Quality of Life: Chronic knee pain can have a profound impact on your quality of life, affecting your mood, sleep and the reduced ability to engage in social and recreational activities.

Without proper and effective treatment knee pain can lead to a multitude of different problems, which is why it is imperative treat the cause before it is too late.

The Best Treatment for Effective Knee Pain Management:

The key to the effective management of knee pain is addressing the root causes which is where the combination of strength training and physiotherapy shines. There are many short- term options available for knee pain management, but none offer the same benefits as the combination of physiotherapy and strength training.

The Power of Physiotherapy:

Diagnosis and Assessment: With a thorough evaluation by a physiotherapist you will be able to identify the specific factors contributing to your knee pain.

Manual Techniques: Physiotherapists utilise hands on techniques and manual therapies to alleviate pain and increase mobility of the knee. This may include massages, joint manipulation and soft tissue release.

Customised Exercise Programs: Based on your condition a physiotherapist will design a tailored exercise program to target weaknesses and imbalances of the muscles, to improve the overall function of the knees.

Range of Motion Enhancement: Physiotherapy helps restore the knees flexibility and range of motion, allowing you to be able to move without the feeling of stiffness and discomfort.

Pain Reduction: Physiotherapists may use various modalities such as electrotherapy and ultrasound for pain reduction.

The Role of Strength Training:

Muscle Support: Strength training focusing on the main muscle groups such as the quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes will help build robust muscles that provide essential support to the knee joint.

Stability and Balance: Exercises such as squats and lunges improve stability and balance, which is crucial in overall knee health and the prevention the risk factors of knee pain.

Muscle Imbalance Correction: Strength training corrects muscle imbalances, which ensures that the load is being evenly distributed on the knee joint.

Weight Management: Strength training alongside a balanced diet plays a crucial part in weight management. Weight management can reduce the amount of stress being placed on the knee joint, alleviating knee pain.

Pain Relief: Strength training has been proven to help reduce knee pain, particularly in individuals with diagnosed knee conditions.

The Synergy of Physio and Strength Training:

The collaborative efforts of physiotherapy and strength training can yield remarkable results for people who suffer from knee pain. While physiotherapy addresses the immediate pain and mobility issues, strength training provides are more long-term solution by reinforcing the knees stability and resilience.

Other Avenues for Knee Pain Treatment:

As well as the combination of physiotherapy and strength training works in combating knee pain, there are other avenues of treatment that can help in the reduction of knee pain in the short-term.

Pain Relief: Over the counter medication like ibuprofen can help manage pain and discomfort associated with knee pain. However, please consult a medical professional if you are unsure if you will suffer from an adverse reaction because of pain relief.

Injections: In some cases, healthcare professionals may suggest corticosteroid injections to help reduce inflammation.

Surgery: Severe cases or specific injuries may require surgery to fix the damage that has occurred to the knee, and help alleviate pain.

Knee pain does not need to be a lifelong struggle. By combining the expertise of physiotherapists and the benefits of strength training at Melton Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine Clinic, you can effectively manage your pain, restore your knee’s function, and regain a more active, pain free life.

With our passionate physiotherapists and exercise scientists at Melton Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine Clinic you can combine the power of physiotherapy and strength training and stop letting pain, stiffness and discomfort from moving freely. Remember, a holistic approach to knee health, guided by health professionals can make a world of difference.

Allow yourself to be able to move freely again and start enjoying the things that you love without being stopped by pain and discomfort. Book your appointment online with us, where you’ll be guided by a group of passionate and experienced group of health care professionals whose number one priority is YOU and getting you on the track to living life stronger!