Physical Therapy Can Help You Resolve Unwanted Knee Pain

Knee pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages, often hindering their ability to perform everyday activities and enjoy a high quality of life. Whether resulting from injury, arthritis, or overuse, knee pain can be debilitating.

Fortunately, physical therapy at Rebound Fitness & Rehabilitation offers hope for those seeking relief. This article shares the journey of Alex, a high school cross-country runner, who found relief from persistent knee pain through the expert care of our skilled therapists.

The Onset of Pain

Alex’s passion for running was undeniable. As a dedicated member of her high school’s cross-country team, she spent countless hours training, competing, and working toward personal bests. Unfortunately, Alex began experiencing sharp pains in her right knee, particularly during and after runs. Initially dismissing it as a normal part of training, she soon realized the pain was not subsiding but worsening with time.

Seeking Help

After several weeks of persistent pain, Alex knew she needed professional help. Her search for a solution led her to Rebound Fitness & Rehabilitation, known for our team of experienced physical therapists specializing in sports injuries. From the moment she walked in, Alex felt a sense of hope. The clinic’s approach was about alleviating pain, understanding its root cause, and preventing future issues.

The Physical Therapy Journey Begins

Alex’s journey began with a comprehensive assessment that included a detailed discussion of her training schedule, knee pain history, and a physical examination to assess her knee’s strength, flexibility, and alignment.

Our clinic’s expertise in sports injuries came to the forefront with a detailed analysis of Alex’s running gait. Her therapist identified several inefficiencies in her running form contributing to her knee pain.

Her therapist determined Alex was dealing with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), a common issue among runners characterized by pain around the kneecap. Her therapist explained that Alex’s pain was likely due to a combination of overuse, improper running technique, and muscular imbalances.

Our Patients Are Seeing Success

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“Justin Aquino is the best PT I’ve seen, I can’t recommend him enough. After seeing him for post-surgery physical therapy, I have since gone back to him for PT for multiple other injuries because I trust him so much. He’s extremely knowledgeable and insightful, always attentive, and very thoughtful and deliberate with his treatment. Justin is great at connecting with his patients and making you feel comfortable during your sessions. He designs PT exercises with not only the intention of healing your injuries, but also with the intention of strengthening your body to handle the demands of everyday scenarios such as your job’s physical demands or the physical demands of your hobbies and interests. He’s a fantastic PT and genuinely cares about his patients. If you’re looking for the best PT around, Justin is the one to see!”

Spencer

Tailored Treatment Plan

Understanding the specifics of Alex’s condition, the therapist devised a personalized treatment plan. The multifaceted plan addressed Alex’s knee pain symptoms and underlying causes.

Manual Therapy

Alex’s treatment started with manual therapy. Her therapists used hands-on techniques to free up restrictions and tension in the soft tissues around her knee. This approach helped reduce Alex’s pain and increase her range of motion, setting a solid foundation for further therapeutic interventions.

Strengthening Exercises

Recognizing the importance of muscular support for knee stability, Alex was guided through a series of strengthening exercises focused on building up the muscles around her knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings. These exercises were designed to absorb shock more effectively, reduce the burden on her knee during cross-country practices and races, and help prevent future injuries.

Motor Control Exercises

To address any dysfunctional movement patterns contributing to Alex’s knee pain, the therapists introduced motor control exercises. These exercises aimed to correct her movement patterns, ensuring that she adopted more efficient movement strategies during running and daily activities, thereby reducing strain on her knee.

Education and Preventive Strategies

Beyond immediate treatment, education played a vital role in Alex’s therapy. She learned the importance of proper running shoes, adequate warm-up and cool-down routines, and strategies to gradually increase training intensity and mileage without overloading her knees.

The Road to Recovery

Alex’s dedication to physical therapy paid off as she noticed a significant reduction in knee pain, improved running efficiency, and a newfound awareness of how to protect her knees from injury. The holistic approach at Rebound Fitness & Rehabilitation addressed Alex’s pain and equipped her with the knowledge and tools to maintain knee health throughout her cross-country season and beyond.

But Alex’s journey was about more than just overcoming knee pain. It was a transformative experience that reshaped her relationship with running. She emerged from physical therapy not just as a stronger cross-country runner, but as an informed athlete, mindful of her body’s signals and the importance of balance in training.

Debunking the Myth That Running Causes Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and impaired mobility. While there is a common misconception that running contributes to the development of OA, numerous studies have shown this to be a myth.

Running has various health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness and weight management, which support joint health. In addition, movement, including running, helps keep the cartilage in the knee healthy.

Research has highlighted other factors that are contributors to the development of knee OA:

Age: Aging is the most significant risk factor for OA. As individuals age, the cartilage in their joints naturally undergoes wear and tear, making them more susceptible to degeneration.
Genetics: Genetic factors play a crucial role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to OA. Certain genetic variations have been associated with an increased risk of developing OA in various joints, including the knee.
Previous joint injuries: Previous knee injuries, such as ligament or meniscus tears, can predispose individuals to OA later in life. The trauma from these injuries can accelerate the degenerative process in the affected joint.
Obesity: Excess body weight places additional stress on the knee joints, leading to accelerated cartilage breakdown and an increased risk of developing OA. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of OA.
Joint misalignment or instability: Abnormalities in joint structure or function, such as malalignment or instability, can lead to uneven distribution of forces within the knee joint, contributing to cartilage degeneration and OA development.

The bottom line is that running does not cause knee OA. At Rebound Fitness & Rehabilitation, our therapists understand the risk factors associated with knee arthritis and will provide programs to preserve your joint health and reduce the burden of OA so you can keep running!

Meet Our Team

Colleen Levitz

MS, PT

Jianrong Hong

PT, DPT

Brigid Walsh

DPT

Stephanie Berman

ATC, General Manager

Samantha Lodygowski

M.Ed, LAT, ATC

Rennie Stefani

MS, CSCS

Greg Cadichon

ATC, LAT, Founder and Director, Rebound Fitness & Rehabilitation, Inc.

John Brna

MD, Medical advisor and consultant

Christine Strong

DPT

Conclusion: A Testament to the Power of Physical Therapy

Alex’s story is a testament to the effectiveness of physical therapy in resolving unwanted knee pain. At Rebound Fitness & Rehabilitation, the combination of expert assessment, personalized treatment, and a commitment to patient education proved to be a winning strategy.

Alex’s journey offers hope and inspiration for anyone struggling with knee pain. If you’re dealing with knee pain, call our team and schedule a consultation today!

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Ask a PT

Welcome to our “Ask a PT” feature! This is your go-to spot in the newsletter to get real answers to everyday questions about the body, movement, and feeling your best. Whether you’re dealing with an injury, wondering how to stay active, or just curious about how physical therapy works, our team of physical therapists is ready to help. Each month we’ll share responses, tips, and answers based on questions from you, so if there’s something you’ve been wondering about, don’t be shy! Send it in – we’d love to hear from you!

Turkey Avocado Crunch Sandwich

This fresh, protein-packed sandwich comes together in minutes and is perfect for lunch or a quick dinner. Creamy avocado, lean turkey, crunchy slaw, and a drizzle of tahini create a flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

2 slices whole grain bread or sourdough
4–6 slices deli turkey breast
½ ripe avocado, sliced or mashed
½ cup store-bought coleslaw mix
1–2 tablespoons tahini
Tomato slices (optional)
Baby spinach or lettuce (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Toast the bread if desired. Spread avocado on one slice and tahini on the other. Layer the turkey, coleslaw mix, tomato, and spinach. Season with salt and pepper, then top with the second slice of bread. Slice in half and enjoy immediately.

Loaded with lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, this easy sandwich delivers lasting energy while keeping prep time to a minimum.

Sources

Physical Therapy Can Help You Resolve Unwanted Knee Pain