It’s estimated that about 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. suffers from chronic pain in their knees. This is just chronic pain alone and doesn’t account for one-time knee problems that may arise from a knee injury or weakness. Since such a high number of Americans suffer from chronic knee pain, it’s safe to say that it’s become a relatively common condition. Of this large number of people in the U.S. who deal with chronic knee pain, not as many feel that they can find relief from their pain. Fortunately, physical therapy is often a beneficial choice for someone struggling with knee pain or a similar issue.

To learn more about why physical therapy can help someone experiencing knee problems, keep reading.

What are some common types of knee problems that could benefit from physical therapy?

• Repetitive stress injury.

• Ligament strains.

• Torn cartilage.

• Inflammation of the tendon.

• Inflammation of the joints.

What are some signs that someone should seek PT for their knee pain?

• Your knee has become excessively swollen.

• Your knee has become excessively painful.

• You have new or worsened discoloration in your knee.

• You feel your knee slip or move out of place frequently.

• Your knee doesn’t feel the same after experiencing an injury.

• You have recently undergone surgery on your knee.

• You can’t fully extend or bend your knee without pain or stiffness.

• Your walking has been affected by your knee problem.

• You hear grinding or popping noises coming from your knee.

How can physical therapy benefit someone who has an issue with their knee?

• Reduce pain — One of the biggest benefits of getting physical therapy for your knee is that it can help reduce the intensity and occurrence of pain. Physical therapists know how to use exercise and special techniques to improve your knee function within your pain threshold and also to reduce inflammation that may occur within the knee.

• Break up scar tissue — Another benefit of physical therapy for the knee is that it can be used to break up scar tissue buildup inside the knee. After an injury, scar tissue forms to help the area of injury heal. In some cases, the body may form excess scar tissue that limits mobility in the area of the injury and can make it tight or hard to move. PT can help patients with excess scar tissue work to break some of that tissue up for better mobility.

• Protect ligaments and joints — Not only may PT reduce pain and break up scar tissue, but it may also protect the ligaments and joints. Physical therapy uses muscles to protect weak or injured ligaments and joints. If you have a weak ligament or joint in your knee that may be the source of your knee problem, it’s helpful to build muscle strength around it. Strong muscles can keep the ligaments and joints in place, to reduce pain and help prevent future injury.

• Improve range of motion — Physical therapy can also benefit your knee by improving your range of motion. Your therapist can guide you through movements and exercises that are specifically designed to improve flexibility in the knee and allow you to extend it more comfortably as you move.

Let Lattimore PT help you get the right physical therapy care for your knee pain or injury

Our team of talented physical therapists spread across the state is dedicated to understanding the treatment that works best for you. We specialize in taking a “hands-on,” interactive approach with each of our patients to provide them with the best care possible. We love to see our patients thrive, which is why we’ll do as much as we can to help get them to that point. The physical therapists at each of our Lattimore locations take pride in their work and do their best to come to the clinic each day with a smiling face. We aim to make each physical therapy session enjoyable yet productive. The ultimate mark of success, to us, is a patient who feels positively impacted by our work. Are you ready to experience “the Lattimore way”?

We’re confident that we can help you manage your knee pain or injury with our efficient and compassionate physical therapy care. Don’t hesitate to get the relief you need for your knee from one of our many talented physical therapists.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.