Knee Injuries & Pain
About the Injury
Knee pain can interfere with walking, climbing stairs, exercising, and even sitting or sleeping comfortably. Physical therapy provides a safe, non-invasive approach to reducing pain, restoring strength and mobility, and helping you return to the activities you enjoy.
Your physical therapist will evaluate the underlying causes of your knee pain. Your physical therapist will complete a comprehensive evaluation including movement patterns, strength, mobility, meniscal tests, ligamentous integrity, and function. . Based on this assessment, a personalized treatment plan is developed to match your symptoms, goals, and activity level.
Treatment may include hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and ease discomfort. Strengthening and stretching exercises help support the knee, improve flexibility, and enhance balance. Your therapist may also guide you through proper movement mechanics, such as squatting, climbing stairs, and walking more efficiently.
Physical therapy focuses on improving function and addressing the root cause of pain. Many patients experience reduced pain, improved stability, increased confidence in movement, and better overall function. With consistent care and expert guidance, you can move more comfortably and stay active.


Symptoms
- Swelling and stiffness
- Redness and warmth around the joint
- Weakness or a sense of instability
- Popping, clicking, or grinding sensations
- Difficulty straightening or bending the knee fully
- Loss of balance or history of falls
- Pain during or after activity
What to Expect
- Your therapist will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms and movement
- You will receive a personalized treatment plan based on your needs and goals
- Treatment may include hands-on techniques to improve mobility and reduce stiffness
- Exercises will focus on strengthening, flexibility, and balance
- You will be guided through proper movement mechanics for daily activities
- Guidance may include footwear and exercise adjustments
- You will receive strategies to address the root causes of pain
- Education supports long-term relief and injury prevention


Treatments
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Balance Interventions
- Gait Training
- Functional Training
- Patient Education
- Manual Therapy
- Trigger Point Dry Needling
- Myofascial Decompression (Cupping)
- Aquatic Therapy
- Custom At-Home Exercises
Featured Blog Posts
The Benefits of Strength Training for Osteoporosis: Building Stronger Bones and a More Confident Life
Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because it develops gradually and may not cause symptoms until a fracture occurs. For millions of people, especially older adults and postmenopausal women, osteoporosis can increase the risk of broken bones, reduce mobility, and affect quality of life. The good news is that there are effective ways to support bone health, and one of the most powerful tools is strength training.
Garden Strong: A PTs Guide to Weeding Out the Aches & Pains
Sore knees, aching backs, stiff shoulders, and fatigue are common complaints among gardeners of all ages. The good news? A few simple changes can help you garden more comfortably, reduce your risk of injury, and keep you enjoying your favorite hobby for years to come.
Ice After an Injury? From RICE to PEACE and LOVE
For years, the go-to advice for a new injury was to grab a bag of frozen peas and follow the R.I.C.E. method—Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate. The belief was that this would reduce inflammation, ease pain, and speed up recovery. But new research, including findings as recent as 2025, suggests it’s time to rethink that approach.
Request an Appointment
Knee pain? Let our physical therapists help you reduce pain, restore movement, and return to daily activities. Based in Lake Mills, Optimal Physical Therapy proudly serves Lake Mills and surrounding communities including Cambridge, Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Watertown, Marshall, Waterloo, Deerfield, and Johnson Creek.



