Close-up of a man's hands gently holding his knee, suggesting discomfort or pain. The image emphasizes the personal and physical impact of knee issues, highlighting the need for care and support.

Managing Knee Pain: When to See a Physiotherapist

Knee pain can be frustrating, whether it’s a minor discomfort or something that interferes with your daily life. Occasionally knee pain will resolve on its own, but when it lingers or worsens, physiotherapy can help. A Winnipeg physiotherapist can assess your knee, identify contributing factors, and guide you toward relief with targeted treatment.

Common Knee Issues

1. Overuse Injuries

Repetitive movements—such as running, ladder climbing, or prolonged kneeling—can sometimes lead to knee pain. Conditions like patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee) or iliotibial (IT) band syndrome are common repetitive strain injuries that can affect the knee.

2. Arthritis and Degenerative Changes

Knee pain isn’t just a problem for athletes. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of knee discomfort, especially as we age. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the knee joint wears down, which can lead to stiffness, pain and difficulty with certain activities or movements.

3. Ligament and Meniscus Injuries

Twisting, sudden stops, or high-impact activities can result in ligament sprains (such as ACL injuries) or meniscus tears. While some minor injuries heal with time, others require rehabilitation to regain stability, strength and balance.

4. Muscle Weakness or Imbalance

Weak hip and thigh muscles can place extra stress on the knee joint. So can tight muscles in the back part of the leg. Physiotherapy can help correct muscle imbalances and improve movement patterns to reduce strain on the knee.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist for Knee Pain?

If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to book an appointment:

●       Knee pain lasting longer than a few weeks

●       Swelling or stiffness in the joint

●       Difficulty bending or straightening your knee

●       Pain that worsens with movement or activity

●       A feeling of instability or weakness in the knee

How Physiotherapy Can Help

A Winnipeg physiotherapist will assess your knee pain, identify underlying issues, and create a customized treatment plan. Physiotherapy can help by:

●       Strengthening the muscles that support the knee

●       Improving mobility of the knee joint and flexibility of the surrounding muscles

●       Reducing pain and inflammation through targeted techniques

●       Teaching movement strategies to prevent future injury

Ignoring knee pain can lead to further discomfort and limitations in daily activities. Beverly Physiotherapy is here to help if you’re dealing with persistent knee issues. Contact us today to book an appointment with a Winnipeg physiotherapist and start moving with confidence again.