Knee Pain Treatment in Guelph & Wellington County

Knee pain is one of the top three joints we assess at Eramosa Physiotherapy Associates, and our approach follows our Path to Improved Health. Knee pain spans the age spectrum — from teenagers stopped in their tracks by sharp pain on the stairs, to athletes who hear a loud “pop” during a plant-and-twist, to adults whose knee swells after an everyday bend.

Many patients simply notice a gradual decline in how their knee works. For some it is knee pain, for others swelling or the loss of regular knee movement — often without a specific incident they can point to.

Common causes of knee pain

The knee is somewhat unique in that the source of knee pain is not always where it hurts. Research points to the muscles of the hip and thigh as critical in providing a sound foundation for the knee. Structures and factors leading to knee pain include:

• Tears in the meniscus or cartilage
• Sprains and tears of the ligaments — most commonly the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL)
• Osteoarthritis in the joint space
• Loose bodies in the joint space
• Poor biomechanics between the hip, knee and foot
• A stiff knee joint or restricted kneecap movement
• Obesity and general inactivity

Medical diagnoses for knee pain

Knee pain can stem from several specific medical conditions. Each one has its own causes, symptoms, and treatment considerations — and identifying the right one shapes your treatment plan:

• Patellofemoral pain syndrome — pain around or behind the kneecap, often aggravated by stairs, squatting, or sitting for long periods
• Knee ligament sprain — injury to the ligaments that stabilize the knee, usually from a sudden twist or impact
• ACL tear — an injury to one of the knee’s main stabilizing ligaments, often during a plant-and-twist movement
• Meniscus or cartilage tear — an injury to the knee’s shock-absorbing cartilage that can cause pain, swelling, or catching
• Knee osteoarthritis — degenerative changes to the joint surfaces that cause pain and stiffness
• Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee) — overload of the patellar tendon, common in jumping and running sports
• Fractures from trauma — following significant impact; these require medical assessment before physiotherapy begins

How we treat knee pain

Knee physiotherapy, regardless of the source of the pain, often requires a diverse, multi-modal approach. Through our Path to Improved Health, treatment may include:

• Hands-on physiotherapy such as mobilization, traction, and soft tissue techniques to regain as much movement as possible
• Modalities for pain control — electrotherapies, heat, ice, or acupuncture — to help minimize knee swelling
• Strengthening exercises that recover muscle function and progress to sport-specific performance training
• Balance and proprioception exercises to improve control of knee position
• Education on vulnerable knee positions and exercises known to be preventative for many sources of knee pain
• Consideration of knee bracing when appropriate

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