Paspa Physical Therapy

Knee Injuries

A man doing knee exercises during physical therapy to treat a knee injury in Manhattan, New York.

Knee injuries can cause significant discomfort and impact daily activities, making walking, bending, or engaging in physical exercise difficult. Understanding the causes of knee pain and seeking timely medical attention is crucial for recovery. 

At Paspa Physical Therapy, located in Manhattan, New York, we provide expert one-on-one care tailored to each patient. Our experienced physical therapists specialize in treating knee injuries using advanced techniques and individualized treatment plans. Contact us today to schedule an appointment! 

Common Conditions That Cause Knee Pain

Knee pain can result from various conditions and injuries, some of which are more common than others. Below are some of the most common knee injuries and conditions we treat:

  • Strain/Sprain: Overstretching or tearing of the muscles or ligaments around the knee joint can result in strains or sprains, causing pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear/Sprain: One of the most common knee injuries. Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament occur frequently in sports involving sudden changes in direction, jumping, or awkward landing. A torn ACL can lead to severe knee pain and instability.
  • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Sprain/Tear: MCL injuries commonly occur in contact sports or accidents where the knee is pushed inward.
  • Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Sprain/Tear: Lateral collateral ligament tears are less common. They occur in sports that involve direct impact to the inner knee.
  • Meniscus Injuries/Tears: The meniscus is the cartilage in the knee that acts as a cushion between the bones. A torn meniscus often results from twisting or turning while bearing weight, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee.
  • Degenerative Joint Disease/Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, leads to the gradual breakdown of knee cartilage. In a healthy knee joint, cartilage helps the knee bones glide smoothly, but in conditions like arthritis, this cartilage wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee joint.
  • Patella Fractures: A broken kneecap (patella) can be caused by a direct blow or fall, resulting in pain, bruising, and difficulty extending the leg.
  • Patella Tendonitis: Also known as “Jumper’s Knee,” is one of the more frequently occurring knee tendon injuries. This condition involves inflammation of the patellar tendon, leading to pain just below the kneecap.
  • Chondromalacia Patella: This condition involves the softening and breakdown of cartilage on the underside of the kneecap, leading to pain and discomfort when bending the knee.
  • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee): Often seen in athletes, this condition causes pain around the front of the knee, especially when running, jumping, or climbing stairs.
  • Iliotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome: ITB syndrome occurs when the iliotibial band, a thick tissue running along the outside of the thigh, becomes tight or inflamed, leading to pain on the outer side of the knee.
  • Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome (IBFS): Similar to ITB syndrome, IBFS is caused by friction between the iliotibial band and the knee joint, often aggravated by repetitive motion like running or cycling.
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament Tears: Injuries to the posterior cruciate ligament are less common but can cause significant knee instability, particularly after a fall or direct impact to the knee.
A physical therapist massaging the knee of a patient to relieve pain and improve mobility in Manhattan, New York.

When to See a Doctor

It’s essential to consult a doctor if knee pain is persistent, worsens over time, or is accompanied by severe swelling, difficulty bearing weight, or a popping sensation. These could indicate serious conditions like torn cartilage, ligament tears, or fractures that require prompt medical attention. Ignoring symptoms may lead to worsening conditions or permanent damage, such as chronic instability or arthritis.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process for knee injuries. At Paspa Physical Therapy, our physical therapists use a combination of manual therapy, targeted exercises, and rehabilitation techniques to restore mobility, strength, and function in the knee.

For injuries like patellofemoral pain syndrome or medial collateral ligament injuries, physical therapy helps to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and prevent further injury. In more severe cases, such as after surgery for a torn meniscus or total knee replacement, rehabilitation is essential to regain full functionality.

By working one-on-one with a highly experienced physical therapist, patients receive individualized treatment that addresses the root cause of their knee pain and ensures a faster, more effective recovery.

A physical therapist doing leg stretches to treat a knee injury in Manhattan, New York.

Treatments Offered for Knee Injuries

Paspa Physical Therapy offers a range of treatments to address knee injuries and conditions, including:

  • Physical Therapy for Knee Injury: Tailored rehabilitation programs for injuries such as ACL tears, MCL sprains, and meniscus injuries.
  • Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive surgery used to diagnose and treat various knee conditions, including torn meniscus and ligament injuries.
  • Meniscal Repair: A surgical procedure to repair a torn meniscus and restore knee function.
  • Patella Realignment: Surgery to correct patella tracking issues and reduce pain caused by conditions like chondromalacia patella.
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction: Surgery to reconstruct a torn ACL and restore knee stability.
  • Total Knee Arthroplasty/Replacement: Joint replacement surgery for advanced arthritis or degenerative joint disease.
  • Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Injections to lubricate the knee joint, often used for osteoarthritis to reduce pain and improve mobility.

Start Your Journey to Pain-Free Movement

Knee injuries can severely limit your mobility and quality of life, but with the right care and treatment, recovery is possible. Paspa Physical Therapy provides one-on-one, personalized care for patients dealing with various knee injuries. 

Whether you’re recovering from surgery or managing chronic knee pain, our experienced physical therapists are here to help you regain strength, mobility, and function. Contact our office in Manhattan, New York, to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward healing your knee!

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