Bridge RoadKnee pain
Knee pain physiotherapy in Richmond
Knee pain can come from a single injury or build up over weeks of running, jumping, squatting or stairs. I work out what is driving yours and build a plan around the activity you want back.
Common knee problems I see
- Pain around or behind the kneecap with stairs, squats, running or sitting.
- Tendon pain below the kneecap with jumping or running.
- Ligament sprains, including MCL and ACL injuries, with or without surgery.
- Meniscus injuries, with pain, swelling or catching.
- Knee osteoarthritis: pain, stiffness and swelling with walking or stairs.
- Pain on the outside of the knee in runners and cyclists.
- Rehabilitation after knee surgery, including ACL reconstruction.
You do not need a referral to book. Not sure your problem fits? Call 0458 007 583 and ask.
What the first appointment involves
The initial consultation is 45 minutes, one to one with me. It covers:
- How it started, and what brings on pain or swelling.
- Knee movement, stability, and the strength of the thigh and hip muscles.
- How the knee handles squatting, stairs, hopping, running or sport, as appropriate.
- Your training load and what you need to return to.
- Screening for anything that needs a doctor’s review.
Exercise and education are the recommended first treatment for knee osteoarthritis in Australian guidelines, and many knee injuries are managed without surgery. When a scan or a surgical opinion would help, such as after a significant twisting injury, I will explain why and organise the next step with you or your GP.
How rehabilitation works
- Understand. What is causing the pain and what the options are.
- Settle. Adjust aggravating activity, such as running volume, stairs or deep squats, while staying active.
- Rebuild. Progressive strength and control work for the knee, hip and calf.
- Return. Step back into running, jumping or sport in stages, using strength and function measures rather than the calendar alone.
When to get medical help first
Call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department now if you have:
- a knee you cannot put weight on after an injury, or one that looks deformed
- a hot, red, swollen knee with fever, or feeling unwell
- calf pain or swelling with chest pain or shortness of breath
See your GP promptly, or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222, if you have:
- calf pain, swelling or redness, especially after surgery, a long flight or time in a brace or cast
- a knee that locks and will not straighten
- a child or teenager with knee pain and a limp, because hip problems can be felt in the knee
Common questions
Not always. Many knee injuries are diagnosed from the history and examination. A scan helps when the result would change the plan, such as a suspected ACL or significant meniscus injury.
Not always. Many runners keep running with changes to distance, speed or terrain while the knee settles. What to change is worked out at the assessment.
Yes, both after reconstruction and for people managing an ACL injury without surgery. Return to sport is based on strength and function measures, not time alone.
Other areas
Bridge Road Physiotherapy also treats sports and everyday injuries, gym and lifting injuries, running injuries and cricket injuries.
Get your knee assessed.
Choose a time online, or call if you want to ask something first. You will speak directly with Thihan.