Knee Pain Treatment

The knee is one of the most commonly injured joints in the body. It bears significant load during walking, running, and stair climbing, and its function depends heavily on the strength and coordination of the muscles above and below it — particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calf muscles. When any part of this chain is weak or tight, the knee often pays the price.

Common knee conditions we treat at The Back Clinic include:

• Patellofemoral pain syndrome — aching at the front of the knee, often worse with stairs, squatting, or prolonged sitting
• Meniscus tears and degeneration — catching, locking, or swelling in the knee joint, common in both athletes and older adults
• Ligament sprains (ACL, MCL) — instability or giving way after a twisting or impact injury
• Patellar tendinitis — pain just below the kneecap, typically aggravated by jumping, running, or kneeling
• Knee osteoarthritis — stiffness and aching that worsens with activity and improves with gentle movement

Knee pain can also be driven by hip weakness, foot mechanics, or training errors that place abnormal stress on the joint. Physical therapy is the first-line treatment for most knee conditions and has been shown to produce results equivalent to surgery for many common diagnoses, including degenerative meniscus tears and mild to moderate osteoarthritis.

Our approach addresses not just the knee itself, but the entire lower extremity chain that influences knee function. Treatment begins with a thorough assessment of your strength, mobility, alignment, and movement patterns so we can identify the specific factors driving your pain.

Your individualized plan may include:

• Quadriceps and hip strengthening — the most critical component for nearly all knee conditions, building muscular support that protects the joint and reduces load on damaged structures
• Patellar mobilization — manual techniques to improve kneecap tracking and reduce anterior knee pain
• Manual therapy — joint mobilization and soft tissue work to restore full range of motion and decrease swelling
• Neuromuscular training — balance and coordination exercises to improve knee stability during walking, stairs, and functional activities
• Gait and movement analysis — identifying and correcting movement patterns that overload the knee during daily tasks or exercise
• Taping and bracing — when appropriate, to provide additional support during activity and reduce pain

Every session at The Back Clinic is one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist. You will never be passed off to an aide or left to exercise unsupervised. This hands-on model means your therapist can make real-time adjustments, closely monitor your response to treatment, and ensure exercises are performed safely and effectively.

Your evaluation includes specific tests to identify which knee structures are involved, strength testing of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip musculature, assessment of patellar tracking, and gait and functional movement analysis. Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the knee — shorts or athletic pants are ideal.

Most patients with knee pain begin feeling improvement within three to four weeks of consistent treatment and exercise. A typical course of care runs six to ten sessions, with emphasis on building a home strengthening program that provides long-term joint protection and reduces the risk of recurrence.

For patients with knee osteoarthritis, we focus on building an ongoing exercise routine that manages symptoms and maintains joint health. Research clearly shows that appropriate exercise is the single most effective intervention for knee osteoarthritis — more effective than medication, injections, or supplements. We help you find the right exercises and intensity for your joints.

We work with most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicare Advantage. In Delaware, you do not need a physician referral to start physical therapy, so you can schedule your evaluation directly. Our front desk team will verify your benefits before your first visit so you know what to expect. Call (302) 998-7681 or use our online scheduling tool to book your appointment.