The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body, and one we rely on constantly for everyday movement. From walking and stairs to running, sport, and lifting, the knee absorbs significant load – up to 4 times your body weight during higher impact activities.
The knee joint connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone), with the patella (kneecap) gliding over the front to assist movement. Between the bones sit the menisci, which act as shock absorbers, while a network of ligaments and muscles provide stability and control.
Due to this complexity and load, the knee is vulnerable to both acute injuries (such as twists, tackles, or awkward landings) and gradual overload from poor biomechanics, muscle imbalance, or training errors. Injury can result in pain, swelling, stiffness, instability, or reduced confidence with movement.
At Physio Mechanics, we take a comprehensive approach to knee injuries – not just treating the knee itself, but identifying contributing factors from the hips, ankles, and overall movement patterns. Your assessment will include joint integrity, ligament stability, muscle strength, control, and functional movement patterns such as squatting, landing, and gait.
Treatment is hands-on and may include joint mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, strapping/taping, and where appropriate, dry needling to reduce pain and improve muscle function. This is combined with a progressive, targeted exercise programme to restore strength, stability, and confidence.
We also assess biomechanics and may incorporate orthotic therapy where required to reduce load through the knee and support long-term outcomes. For ACC-related injuries, we can also assess, fit, and organise funding for knee bracing where appropriate, providing additional support during rehabilitation and return to activity. Our goal is to not only settle your symptoms, but to restore full function and prevent recurrence – whether that’s returning to sport, work, or everyday activity.
The menisci are cartilage structures that act as shock absorbers between the thigh and shin bones. These can be irritated or torn with twisting or loaded movements. Symptoms often include joint line pain, swelling, stiffness, and pain with twisting or deep bending. Larger tears may cause clicking, catching, or locking of the knee.
Accurate assessment is key, as management ranges from rehabilitation through to referral for imaging or surgical opinion where required.
The knee ligaments provide stability by controlling forward, backward, and sideways movement. Injuries typically occur with sudden force – such as a change of direction, awkward landing, or direct impact. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and a feeling of instability or the knee “giving way.”
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in both non-surgical management and post-operative rehabilitation, restoring strength, control, and confidence.
This is one of the most common knee complaints and is often linked to poor movement patterns and muscle imbalance. The kneecap does not track optimally in its groove, leading to irritation and pain around or behind the kneecap. Symptoms are commonly aggravated by stairs, squatting, running, or prolonged sitting.
Treatment focuses on correcting biomechanics, improving muscle balance (particularly through the hips and quadriceps), and restoring efficient movement patterns.
Knee osteoarthritis involves gradual wear and tear of the joint surfaces and cartilage over time. This can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility, often worse after activity or during colder months.
Physiotherapy is highly effective in managing symptoms and slowing progression through strength training, movement optimisation, and load management. Early intervention is key to maintaining function and delaying or avoiding surgical options.
Take control of your recovery with confidence. Reach out today.
