About knee pain
Knees take the strain of walking, stairs, running and sport, and they are quick to let you know when something is off. Pain at the front of the knee, pain after running, swelling after a twist or stiffness that builds with age are all common reasons people come to the practice.
Because the knee sits between the hip and the ankle, its problems often start above or below it. A physiotherapy assessment looks at the whole chain: strength, control, movement patterns and the load your knee is being asked to handle.
What we assess and treat
Knee problems we commonly assess and treat:
- Patellofemoral pain (runner's knee) and patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
- Iliotibial band (ITB) pain on the outside of the knee
- Ligament sprains, including the medial collateral (MCL) and anterior cruciate (ACL) ligaments
- Meniscus injuries and mechanical symptoms such as catching or giving way
- Knee osteoarthritis and age-related stiffness
- Rehabilitation after arthroscopy, ACL reconstruction or knee replacement
- Knee pain related to hip weakness, foot mechanics or a sudden increase in training
How physiotherapy helps
Treatment is decided by the assessment, not before it. Depending on what we find, your plan may include:
- 01
Assessment
We assess the knee together with the hip and ankle, and look at how you walk, squat and, if relevant, run.
- 02
Load management
Adjusting activity so the knee can settle without you stopping everything.
- 03
Strengthening
A progressive programme for the thigh, hip and calf muscles that protect the knee. Exercise is a recommended first-line treatment for most knee problems, including osteoarthritis.
- 04
Hands-on treatment
Joint and soft-tissue techniques to reduce pain and improve movement where appropriate.
- 05
Return to activity
Clear criteria for getting back to walking distances, stairs, sport or running.
When to see your doctor first
Some symptoms need a medical assessment before physiotherapy
- The knee gave way or you felt a pop, with rapid swelling within a few hours
- You cannot put weight on the leg, or the knee is locked and will not straighten
- A hot, red, swollen knee, particularly with fever
- Obvious deformity after an injury
- Calf pain, swelling or shortness of breath after knee surgery
These are uncommon. If you are unsure, call the practice and we will guide you on the right first step.
Your first visit
- 1
Assessment
We talk through your history and symptoms, then assess how you move to find the cause.
- 2
Treatment
Hands-on treatment starts in the same session, matched to what the assessment shows.
- 3
Your plan
You leave knowing what we are treating, what to do at home, and what comes next.
Common questions
Do I need an MRI before seeing a physiotherapist?
Usually not. Most knee pain can be assessed clinically and treated without imaging. If the assessment points to an injury that needs a scan or a surgical opinion, we will refer you to your doctor.
Is exercise safe if I have knee osteoarthritis?
Yes, and it is recommended. International guidelines place exercise and strengthening among the first-line treatments for knee osteoarthritis. The right type, amount and progression is what your plan sets out.
Can physiotherapy help me avoid knee surgery?
For some conditions, a structured exercise programme is recommended before surgery is considered. Whether surgery is needed is a decision for you and your doctor or surgeon; we work alongside them and report on your progress.
Related conditions
This page is general information about physiotherapy for this condition. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an individual assessment. If you are worried about your symptoms, please contact the practice or see your doctor. Reviewed 2026-09-10. Physiotherapy services are provided by Candice Paulse, BSc Physiotherapy (UCT), registered with the HPCSA (PT 0091502).