Knee Injury Treatment & Therapy Options in Melbourne

Knee injuries commonly occur in sports such as football, with the most well known injury likely the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) particularly in female athletes. Physiotherapists have an integral role in assisting athletes recovery from acute knee injury with research indicating that rehabilitation is paramount to successful return-to-sport outcomes. Physiotherapists frequently manage all types of knee problems including acute/traumatic injuries such as ACL tears, meniscal tears and chronic/niggling issues such as patella tendinopathy.

The knee joint is formed where the thigh bone (femur) connects to shin bone (tibia). Cartilage lines the ends of these bones, and helps your knee move freely. There are many ligaments that support the knee joint and control the movements of the bones. Ligaments of the knee include the cruciate ligaments (anterior and posterior) and the collateral ligaments (medial and lateral). The menisci (cartilage) are another part of the knee that is commonly referred to. Muscles support the knee joint enabling good function, strength and resistance to injury. The front of the knee includes the ‘patella-femoral joint’. This is where your knee cap (patella) rests at the front of your knee. Literature shows that foot and hip function, muscle imbalance, and core muscle weakness may also contribute towards patella-femoral pain. We will analyse all of these factors in your initial assessment and get you back on track as quickly and safely as possible.

Over time, from constant loading though the knee, being overweight and generally getting older can be related to osteoarthritis and affects many people in our society. Although we can’t cure osteoarthritis, our Physiotherapists can help manage your condition and reduce pain. We have extensive experience in manual therapy, rehabilitation and the development of a specific osteoarthritis program for you. We can also direct you to our network of experienced specialists including orthopaedic surgeons, radiology, sports physicians and general practitioners if needed. We work as part of the broader health team with our Physiotherapists, Podiatrists and Dietitian to manage your condition. There are many options available to help you – speak to your Physiotherapist about ways we can help.

Assessment & Diagnosis

Your first session with your Physiotherapist will include an assessment of your knee. A thorough history of your injury/condition witll be taken. In this session it is likely the Physiotherapist will conduct a series of Clinical Tests to identify what the primary cause is. At the end of the session you will have a clear picture of what is happening to your knee and why this may have occurred. You will leave with a clear managment plan to meet YOUR goals.

Treatment

Your treatment pathway will be based upon your assessment findings. Some knee injury treatment modalities that may be utilised include manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilisations and soft tissue release . These can help improve range of motion, correct alignment and optimise muscle activity patterns. Other treatments Physios may use for knees as part of the broader plan are bracing and taping methods. Usually these manual knee injury therapy techniques will be used in conjunction with specific evidence-based knee injury rehabilitation exercises to ensure your injury does not recur.

Rehabilitation & Prevention

Rehabilitation exercises for the knee describes a series of flexibility, strength or stability exercises aimed at fixing your knee injury. Exercises are given based on research that shows them to be effective as well as our years of clinical experience in managing knee injuries. Physiotherapists are experts at rehabilitation through our extensive university and clinical experiences. We will devise an individual program with progressions to return you to sport or your usual activities. Get the right advice for rehabilitaiton and speak to your Physio today.