Knee Pain
Knee pain can come from a sprained ligament, a torn meniscus, an irritated tendon, arthritis or the way the hip and ankle move. Physical therapy finds which one it is and rebuilds strength and control around the joint. We treat knee pain at our Edgemere and Physicians clinics in El Paso, Texas.
Knee problems we treat
Runner's knee
Pain around the kneecap, called patellofemoral pain, often from muscle imbalance or poor movement. We improve how your muscles work together and teach better movement habits. Knee pain going up stairs and knee pain when squatting are classic signs.
Meniscus tear
A meniscus tear can cause pain, catching and swelling. Whether or not you have surgery, we guide strengthening and hands-on therapy to get you moving.
ACL tear and ligament sprains
An ACL tear or an MCL sprain affects stability, usually from sports or a sudden twist. Rehab rebuilds strength and control, before or after surgery.
Jumper's knee and IT band syndrome
Patellar tendinitis, or jumper's knee, hurts just below the kneecap. IT band syndrome causes pain on the outside of the thigh or knee. Stretching, massage, strengthening and movement training ease both.
Knee arthritis
Knee arthritis means joint cushioning wears down and the knee gets stiff and sore. Exercises that strengthen the muscles around the joint can help you stay active. See Arthritis & Joint Pain.
Stiff knees and weak muscles
Stiffness and limited movement respond to stretching and hands-on techniques, and weak muscles that let the joint take too much load respond to strengthening.
Often the knee is the victim
A knee that hurts may be taking the load that a weak hip or a stiff ankle should be sharing. We watch you squat, step and walk, and we test the hip and foot as well as the knee. That is why Hip Pain and Foot & Ankle Pain are linked to this page.
Treatment that fits the knee you have
Care usually combines manual therapy to improve joint movement, strengthening for the hip and knee, and gait and balance training. Dry needling can release muscle tension and neuromuscular re-education, including neuromuscular stimulation, helps retrain movement.
When a sore knee needs less load, our heated aquatic therapy pool at the Physicians clinic uses buoyancy to take weight off the joints, and the anti-gravity treadmill does it on land.
Before and after surgery, and getting back to sport
Surgery
Therapy before and after ACL reconstruction or knee replacement helps you regain strength and motion. See Post-Surgical Rehab.
Sport
Return to running, cutting and jumping is covered on Sports Injury Rehab.
Knee questions
Do I need an MRI or a referral first?
Not always. A physical therapist learns a great deal from your symptoms, movement and strength, and Texas allows direct access, so in many cases you do not need a referral. If imaging or another opinion is needed, we will say so.
Can a torn meniscus or ACL be rehabbed without surgery?
Some can. Your therapist tests the knee and tells you whether to try rehab or see an orthopedic surgeon.
Knee care in El Paso, Texas
Call or request an appointment at our Edgemere or Physicians clinic and tell us what the knee will not let you do.
We see patients at our Edgemere and Physicians clinics in El Paso, Texas.