Knee pain

HOW IS KNEE PAIN TreaTED?

Most knee pain improves within a few weeks, especially in people under 60, with simple, consistent at-home care. While some cases take longer to resolve, staying active is essential for recovery.

Movement matters:


Contrary to the old idea of rest, avoiding movement can actually delay healing. Gentle activity like walking or controlled squats helps maintain joint nutrition, reduce stiffness, and rebuild strength. Avoid movements that clearly worsen symptoms, but don’t stop using the knee out of fear. Sprin supports this recovery approach with reward-driven guided exercises and daily movement tracking to help you stay consistent, confident, and on the move.

Physiotherapy for Knee Pain

A physiotherapist plays a key role in diagnosing and treating knee pain by addressing strength deficits, mobility restrictions, and movement patterns that contribute to joint stress. Through guided care, most people can reduce pain, improve function, and prevent recurrence.

What to Expect in a Knee Pain Treatment Plan


Your physiotherapist will design a personalized plan based on your symptoms, activity level, and goals. This plan typically includes:

• Comprehensive Assessment
  Evaluation of posture, lower limb alignment, gait, muscle imbalances, and mobility to identify root causes of pain.

• Individualized Exercise
  Prescription

Exercises that target the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves, as well as hip and ankle mobility drills to offload the knee joint.

• Goal-Oriented Progression


  A phased program that helps you build tolerance for walking, stairs, squatting, or return to sport, with clear performance milestones.

• Pain Management Strategies


  Guidance on how to pace activity, manage flare-ups, and use techniques like taping, bracing, or self-release when needed.

• Lifestyle and Ergonomic Coaching


  Education on footwear, daily movement habits, and environmental adjustments (e.g., workstation setup or sport technique).

• Return to Activity Guidance


  Structured reintroduction to sports, running, lifting, or work tasks, tailored to your functional demands and recovery stage.

Techniques Used by Physiotherapists


Physiotherapy for knee pain often includes:

• Therapeutic Exercise – Progressive loading for strength and endurance

• Manual Therapy – Hands-on techniques to reduce stiffness or muscle guarding

• Mobility Drills – Targeted movements to restore joint range and tissue glide

• Neuromuscular Re-education – Rebuilding balance, control, and joint stability

• Gait and Movement Training – Optimizing how you walk, squat, or jump

• Education – Empowering you with knowledge to self-manage and prevent recurrence

Benefits of Early Intervention

Addressing knee pain early, before it becomes chronic, is one of the best ways to protect joint function and avoid long-term limitations. Introducing movement and strength work at the right time helps set the stage for a faster, more complete recovery.

• Prevent Stiffness and Deconditioning


  Prolonged rest can weaken the muscles that support the knee and reduce joint mobility, leading to further pain. Early, controlled movement keeps tissues nourished, mobile, and resilient.

• Interrupt the Pain-Avoidance Cycle


  Pain often leads people to move less, which can worsen symptoms over time. Safe, guided activity helps retrain your brain and body to feel confident in movement again.

• Restore Confidence and Function


  Early wins, like walking with less discomfort or completing a full range squat, can boost confidence and motivate you to keep progressing.

• Reduce the Need for Medication or Invasive Treatment


  By staying active and building strength early, many people can reduce their reliance on medications and avoid injections or surgery.

• Lower the Risk of Chronic Pain


  The longer pain persists, the more the nervous system adapts to it. Early intervention reduces this risk and increases the odds of a full, pain-free recovery.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care for knee pain often focuses on improving joint mechanics, lower body alignment, and neuromuscular coordination. Techniques may include soft tissue release, joint mobilizations, or adjustments to the hips, pelvis, or lumbar spine to reduce compensatory strain on the knees. While some individuals find short-term relief through chiropractic treatment, its greatest benefits come when combined with active rehabilitation strategies such as targeted exercise and movement retraining. This integrated approach helps address both the symptoms and root causes of knee discomfort.

Medication Options (When Needed)

Depending on the severity and nature of your knee pain, healthcare providers may recommend:

• Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) to reduce inflammation and pain

• Topical analgesics or anti-inflammatory creams applied directly to the knee

• Short-term use of muscle relaxants if surrounding tension contributes to discomfort

• Prescription medications such as duloxetine, which may be considered for chronic pain management in select cases

As always, follow your healthcare provider’s guidance on medication use. Sprin does not replace medical treatment, but works alongside it to support movement-based recovery.

Invasive Interventions (When Necessary)

If knee pain persists or worsens despite conservative care, more advanced interventions may be considered:

• Cortisone injections to reduce inflammation in the joint

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or other regenerative injections for tendon or cartilage issues

• Hyaluronic acid injections to improve joint lubrication in cases of osteoarthritis

• Radiofrequency ablation for chronic pain that hasn’t responded to physical therapy or medications

• Arthroscopic surgery to address structural problems like meniscus tears, cartilage damage, or loose bodies

These options are typically explored with clinical guidance after non-invasive strategies have been tried. Sprin focuses on helping you stay mobile, strong, and proactive, reducing your reliance on medications or invasive procedures whenever possible.