The bane of every runner is runner’s knee: that dull, aching pain in the front of your knee. It can start mild, but spiral quickly into extreme pain that interferes with your activity. At-home treatments like ice and rest may keep the pain at bay for a while, but it comes back.
If this sounds familiar, you may be looking for the next step in your treatment. Is physical therapy the right choice?
Runner’s Knee vs. Knee Pain
First – you may be wondering if your knee pain is caused by runner’s knee, or if it’s something else. It’s impossible to know for sure without seeing a professional, but if any of the following sounds familiar, it might be runner’s knee:
- Pain in or around the knee – especially when active or after sitting for long periods of time with your knees bent.
- Rubbing or grinding of the knee while moving.
- Clicking of the knee while moving. Sometimes this is a sensation, sometimes it’s an audible click.
- Swollen or tender kneecaps.
- Limited range of mobility in the knees – with pain when you try to move your knee.
If you’re experiencing the above and the pain hasn’t gone away and/or your symptoms worsen, then it’s time to take the next step.
Should I See a Physical Therapist for Runner’s Knee?
Short version: absolutely!
Physical therapy offers two unique benefits for runners experiencing runner’s knee: relief now and preventative care for the future.
Physical Therapy for Runner’s Knee Pain Relief
Physical therapy is an extremely successful method for treating runner’s knee because it goes beyond symptom management and into how your entire body moves together, your daily activities, your ability level, and your running schedule to create a truly customized care plan that will eliminate pain at the root.
Because physical therapy is so customized to each individual, it’s hard to say which treatment option will be most effective for your runner’s knee. That’s another reason to visit one of our experienced Doctors of Physical Therapy – they will match you with the perfect treatment plan and adjust as needed to ensure a healthy, successful treatment.
Read More: Preventative & Performance Therapy for Runners with PRO Therapy
Physical Therapy for Preventing Runner’s Knee
A physical therapist at PRO Therapy can identify and help resolve any missteps in your form and movement – which helps you to prevent future injury. Additionally, physical therapy offers many ongoing performance benefits for runners:
- Improve flexibility and balance
- Increase range of motion
- Improve endurance
- Identify proper gait and balance
Related Content: Can Physical Therapy Really Improve Sports Performance?
Physical therapy will help your runner’s knee in both the short term and long term, for improved performance and a better quality of life.
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