Knee pain can affect almost everything you do on your feet: walking, climbing stairs, kneeling, running or getting up from a chair. It might feel like an ache around or behind the kneecap, sharp pain with twisting, stiffness after sitting, swelling after activity, or a sense that the knee is not quite stable. Knee pain can follow a specific injury, such as a twist during sport, or build up gradually from overuse or age-related changes. At Blockline Physiotherapy & Wellness in Kitchener, our physiotherapists assess your knee and help you get back to the activities that matter to you.
Common causes
- Pain around the kneecap, often linked to running, stairs, squatting or a sudden increase in activity
- Ligament sprains from twisting or a change of direction during sport
- Meniscus (cartilage) irritation or injury
- Tendon irritation above or below the kneecap from jumping or running
- Osteoarthritis and age-related changes in the joint
- Weakness or reduced control in the hip and thigh muscles
- Recovery after knee surgery
How physiotherapy can help
Your physiotherapist will begin by asking how your knee pain started, what activities bring it on, and what you would like to be able to do again. They will assess your knee’s movement, swelling, strength and stability, and look at how your hips, ankles and feet work together when you walk, squat or balance. They will then explain their findings and discuss your treatment options.
Depending on your assessment, your plan may include:
- Exercise — a progressive program to build strength and control in the thigh, hip and calf muscles, restore movement, and improve balance.
- Manual therapy — hands-on techniques that may help ease stiffness and discomfort around the knee.
- Activity planning — advice on adjusting training, work or daily activities while the knee settles, then gradually building back up.
- Kinesio taping — kinesio taping may be used in some cases to support comfortable movement.
- Custom braces — where appropriate, your physiotherapist may discuss custom braces and orthoses as part of your plan.
- Laser or shockwave therapy — for certain conditions, laser therapy or shockwave therapy may be discussed alongside exercise.
If your knee pain is related to running or sport, our sports physiotherapy focuses on a safe, gradual return to play. If you have had knee surgery, our post-operative rehabilitation can support your recovery. For joint-related knee pain, see our page on arthritis.
When to see a doctor first
Some knee symptoms need medical assessment before physiotherapy. See a doctor or go to the emergency department if you have:
- A significant injury after which you cannot put weight on the leg
- Obvious deformity, or a kneecap that has moved out of place
- Rapid, large swelling soon after an injury
- A hot, red, swollen knee, especially with fever or feeling unwell
- Calf pain, swelling and redness, particularly after surgery, a long trip or a period of inactivity
- A knee that is locked and will not straighten
If you are unsure, check with your doctor. Your physiotherapist will also screen for these signs during your assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stop exercising if my knee hurts?
Not necessarily. Many people with knee pain do better when they stay active in a modified way. Your physiotherapist will help you find which activities are appropriate now and how to progress safely.
Can physiotherapy help before or after knee surgery?
Yes, physiotherapy is commonly part of preparing for and recovering from knee surgery. Your physiotherapist will work with you based on your surgeon’s guidance and your goals.
Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist for knee pain?
No. In Ontario you can see a physiotherapist without a doctor’s referral. Some insurance plans do require one for reimbursement, so it’s worth checking your plan before your first visit. We offer direct billing to most insurance providers.
If knee pain is getting in the way of your day, you don’t have to sort it out alone. Book a free 15-minute consultation to talk with a physiotherapist about what you’re experiencing, or book an assessment online through Jane. Prefer to talk to someone? Call us at 519-576-1777. We’re open seven days a week, with evening appointments on weekdays, at our clinic on Block Line Rd in Kitchener.