Would a Physio Treat My Knee Pain?

If you’ve been struggling with knee pain—whether it started suddenly after a run, built up slowly over months, or flares up when you climb stairs—you might be wondering: “Is this something a physiotherapist can help with?” 

The simple answer is yes: physiotherapists commonly treat knee pain, regardless of whether it’s caused by sports injuries, arthritis, overuse, or general wear and tear. Let’s explore how physiotherapy can help, what to expect, and why seeing a physio could be an important step toward long-term relief. 

Why Knee Pain Happens 

Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, and its causes can vary widely. Some typical examples include: 

● Overuse injuries, such as runner’s knee or jumper’s knee 

● Ligament injuries, like ACL or MCL sprains 

● Meniscus tears (cartilage injuries) 

● Osteoarthritis, which leads to joint stiffness and pain 

● Patellofemoral pain syndrome, often linked to muscle imbalances or alignment issues ● Pain referred from the hip or lower back 

The good news is that physiotherapy doesn’t just treat the symptoms—it focuses on identifying the root causes of your knee pain, whether they’re related to posture, movement patterns, muscle weakness, or flexibility issues. 

What a Physiotherapist Will Do 

1. Thorough assessment

Your physio will start by asking about when your pain started, what makes it worse or better, and how it affects your daily life. They’ll then assess your knee’s range of motion, muscle strength, balance, and how you walk or move. They may also check related areas, such as your hips, ankles, or lower back, since knee pain often stems from issues elsewhere in the body. 

2. Tailored exercise program 

Exercise is one of the most effective tools for managing knee pain. Depending on your condition, your physiotherapist may create a program to: 

● Strengthen supporting muscles like the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves ● Improve flexibility in tight muscles that may strain the knee 

● Correct muscle imbalances that contribute to pain 

● Build balance and stability to protect your knee during daily activities 

3. Manual therapy 

Hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, or soft tissue release can help reduce stiffness, relieve pain, and make movement easier. 

4. Movement retraining and posture 

Physios often look for habits that might overload your knee—like poor walking or running form—and help you learn healthier patterns. 

5. Advice and education 

You’ll learn how to manage your knee pain day-to-day: which activities to modify (not necessarily avoid!), how to warm up properly, and when to rest. 

6. Adjunctive treatments 

Depending on your condition, some physiotherapists may also use treatments like taping, dry needling, ultrasound, or heat therapy for short-term relief. 

Why Physiotherapy Matters

Unlike simply resting or taking painkillers, physiotherapy helps address the root cause of knee pain. By strengthening muscles, improving movement patterns, and boosting flexibility, you’re less likely to experience recurring pain or future injuries. 

Physiotherapy can help whether your knee pain is: 

● New or chronic 

● Sports-related or from daily activities 

● Mild or severe 

● With or without a clear injury 

When to See a Physiotherapist 

If you experience knee pain that: 

● Lasts more than a few days 

● Keeps coming back 

● Affects your daily activities (e.g., walking, climbing stairs, getting up from a chair) ● Came on after an injury, twist, or fall 

… then it’s worth booking an appointment with a physiotherapist. Even if the pain seems manageable, early treatment often leads to quicker recovery and fewer complications. 

Final Thoughts 

So, would a physio treat your knee pain? Absolutely. Physiotherapy offers a safe, personalized, and research-backed approach to relieve pain, restore movement, and help you return to your normal life with more confidence and less discomfort. 

If you’re dealing with knee pain—whether it’s new, ongoing, or just starting to limit your daily activities—consider seeing a qualified physiotherapist. It could be your first step toward lasting relief and stronger, healthier knees.