Knee Pain Treatment

Acute | Sub-Acute | Chronic | Post-Operative Knee Rehabilitation

Knee pain is one of the most common conditions we treat at Spectrum Physio. Our approach focuses on biomechanics, muscle balance, patella tracking, gait analysis, and joint stability, ensuring rapid and long-lasting recovery

Common Knee Conditions Treated

  • ACL sprain / tear
  • PCL sprain / tear
  • MCL / LCL ligament injury
  • Meniscus injury
  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)
  • Chondromalacia patella
  • Patellar maltracking / instability
  • Quadriceps strain
  • Hamstring strain
  • IT band syndrome
  • Hoffa’s fat pad irritation
  • Popliteus strain
  • Acute trauma / twist injury
  • Early & advanced knee osteoarthritis
  • Tendinitis (quad tendon, patellar tendon)
  • Runner’s knee
  • Jumper’s knee
  • Post-surgical knee rehab

Acute Knee Pain Treatment (0–72 hours)

Common Causes

  • Sudden ligament sprain (ACL, MCL, LCL)
  • Meniscal tear (twisting injury)
  • Patellar dislocation
  • Patellar tendon or quadriceps tendon strain
  • Acute inflammation (sports injury or fall)
  • Fat pad impingement
  • Acute IT band friction
  • Quadriceps / hamstring strain

Our Acute Treatment Approach

Pain & Swelling Control
  • Ice therapy / cryotherapy
  • Compression bandagin
  • Elevation
  • Electrotherapy — TENS/IFT
  • Laser therapy for acute tissue healing
  • Crutch support if required
  • Knee alignment (Varus/Valgus)
  • Patellar position/tracking
  • Ligament stability (gentle testing)
  • Quadriceps inhibition
  • Hamstring guarding
  • Gait deviations
  • Hip and ankle influence on knee mechanics
  • Gentle soft tissue release (no aggressive pressure)
  • IT band relaxation
  • Hamstring release
  • Popliteus soft release
  • Myofascial release around patella
  • Kinesio taping for:
  • Patellar tracking
  • Ligament support
  • Tendon unloading
  • Rigid taping if instability is present
  • Pain-free knee bending/straightening
  • Patella glides (superior/inferior/medial)
  • Heel slides
  • Ankle-pump activation
  • Quadriceps setting
  • VMO activation
  • Hamstring isometrics
  • Glute activation to reduce knee load
  • ACL tear signs
  • Locked knee (meniscal tear)
  • Patellar dislocation
  • Large swelling indicating ligament rupture

Goal

Reduce pain, protect the knee, restore basic ROM, and prevent muscle inhibition.

Sub-Acute Knee Pain Treatment (3 days – 6 weeks)

Common Causes

  • Healing ligament injury
  • Sub-acute meniscal irritation
  • Patellofemoral tracking issues
  • Quadriceps/hamstring imbalance
  • Tendinitis (patellar/quad)
  • IT band syndrome
  • Fat pad inflammation
  • Early osteoarthritis flare
  • Running or sports-related knee pain

Our Sub-Acute Treatment Approach

Restore Knee Biomechanics
  • Patella mobilization (medial/lateral tilts & glides)
  • Femur–tibia alignment correction
  • Hip strengthening to correct knee valgus
  • Pronation/supination correction for foot influence
  • Gait retraining
  • Quadriceps deep release
  • Hamstring MFR
  • IT band release
  • Popliteus release
  • Adductor release
  • Myofascial cupping
  • Full ROM restoration
  • Patellar mobility
  • Deep quadriceps stretching
  • Hamstring + calf stretching
  • Hip flexor & glute mobility
  • Quadriceps strengthening (VMO focus)
  • Hamstring strengthening
  • Hip abductors & external rotators
  • Glute medius activation
  • Closed-chain exercises:
  • Mini squats
  • Wall sits
  • Step-ups
  • Terminal knee extension (TKE)
  • Laser therapy for tendinitis
  • Ultrasound for inflammation
  • Taping for patellar stability
  • Ligament protection taping
  • Sit-to-stand mechanics
  • Stair climbing mechanics
  • Balance and proprioception
  • Landing control for athletes

Goal

Normalize knee mechanics, rebuild muscle strength, and restore full mobility.

Chronic Knee Pain Treatment (6+ weeks)

Common Causes

  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome
  • Osteoarthritis (early to moderate)
  • Weak VMO / patellar maltracking
  • Chronic IT band syndrome
  • Runner’s knee
  • Jumper’s knee
  • Meniscal degeneration
  • Chronic ligament laxity
  • Trendelenburg gait
  • Chronic tendinitis
  • Cartilage wear

Our Chronic Treatment Approach

Comprehensive Biomechanics Analysis
  • Knee–hip–ankle kinetic chain
  • Gait & running pattern
  • Hip abductor weakness
  • Foot posture (flat foot, high arch)
  • Patellar glide restrictions
  • Muscle imbalance mapping
  • Joint mobilization (Grade III–IV)
  • Tibial/femoral correction techniques
  • Patellar mobilization
  • Deep fascia release
  • Trigger point release for quads/hamstrings
  • IT band decompression
  • Cupping & dry needling
  • VMO strengthening
  • Hip abductors and external rotators
  • Hamstrings and calf strengthenin
  • Closed-chain strength
  • Squats
  • Lunges
  • Step-down corrections
  • Strengthening for running mechanics
  • Landing mechanics
  • Knees-over-toes control
  • Balance and proprioception
  • Plyometrics (if athlete)
  • Cycling and treadmill retraining
  • Heat therapy
  • Ultrasound
  • TENS/IFT
  • Laser for chronic tendinitis

Goal

Improve knee stability, correct patellar tracking, restore strength, and return to full activity.

Post-Operative Knee Rehabilitation

Surgeries Covered

  • ACL reconstruction
  • PCL reconstruction
  • MCL/LCL repair
  • Meniscus repair/meniscectomy
  • Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
  • Arthroscopy (clean-up, debridement)
  • Patella realignment surgery
  • Tendon repair

Phase-Wise Post-Op Rehabilitation

Phase 1: Protection & Mobility (0–2 weeks)
  • Pain & swelling control
  • Cryotherapy
  • Ankle pump
  • Gentle ROM
  • Quadriceps activation
  • Assisted walking
  • Brace management if required
  • Patella mobility
  • Quad strengthening (especially VMO)
  • Hamstring activation
  • Closed-chain exercises
  • Gait retraining
  • Balance training
  • Functional training
  • Step-up/down
  • Mini squats, lunges
  • Hip strengthening
  • Proprioception
  • Cycling, elliptical
  • Running retraining
  • Sports drills
  • Plyometrics (if needed)
  • Full functional return
  • Endurance strengthening

Goal

Achieve full ROM, strong and stable knee, proper patella tracking, and a safe return to daily life or sports.

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