Knee

Knee pain benefits from early physiotherapy assessment to facilitate accurate diagnosis and ensure the initiation of appropriate management in the early stages. Longer term rehabilitation following a knee injury is also important for future injury prevention and restoration of normal knee function.

Knee arthroscopy is the main diagnostic and treatment procedure performed by specialist knee surgeons for knee pain, as it clearly visualises the interior structures of the knee. Many conditions such as meniscal tears can be treated by arthroscopy which is minimally invasive and allows a rapid and short rehabilitative period back to normal function.

Severe knee pain is common in elderly people and is primary due to the “wear and tear” changes associated with Osteoarthritis. Conservative physiotherapy management can effectively maintain range of movement, function and relieve the acute discomfort however eventual joint replacement is a very successful surgical intervention for the later stages of degenerative disease.

Treatment for knee conditions may consist of RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) in the acute phase; joint mobilisations; soft tissue mobilisations; stretching; strengthening, electrotherapy; Acupuncture; participation classes and a tailored home exercise programme.

Other Conditions:

• Ligament injuries (Cruciate and Collateral ligaments)
• Meniscal tear
• Joint replacement
• Osteoarthritis
• Baker’s cyst
• Patellar dislocation
• Patellar-femoral joint dysfunction
• Jumper’s knee