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What Are Knee Injuries?

The knee is a complex joint made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles that work together to provide support and movement. Knee injuries can affect any of these structures and range from minor sprains and strains through to more significant ligament, cartilage or meniscal injuries. The severity of symptoms and recovery time varies depending on the type and extent of the injury.

Common Symptoms of Knee Injuries

Symptoms vary between individuals but may include:

✔ Knee pain

✔ Swelling around the knee

✔ Stiffness

✔ Difficulty walking

✔ Pain when climbing stairs

✔ Knee weakness

✔ Reduced range of movement

✔ Clicking, locking or catching sensations

✔ Instability or giving way

✔ Reduced ability to participate in work, sport or exercise

Common Causes of Knee Injuries

Knee injuries may occur due to a variety of factors, including:

✔ Sporting injuries

✔ Workplace injuries

✔ Falls and accidents

✔ Twisting injuries

✔ Ligament sprains

✔ Meniscus injuries

✔ Tendon injuries

✔ Overuse injuries

✔ Sudden increases in physical activity

✔ Previous knee injuries

Because knee pain can arise from multiple structures within and around the joint, an individual assessment is important before deciding on the most appropriate rehabilitation approach.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Your clinician will discuss your symptoms, medical history, work demands, sporting activities and rehabilitation goals. The assessment may include knee movement testing, strength assessment, balance testing, walking assessment, functional testing and review of imaging reports where available. The aim is to identify the structures involved, determine how the injury is affecting your function and develop an appropriate rehabilitation plan.

How Physiotherapy May Help

Physiotherapy may assist with improving movement, reducing pain, restoring mobility and supporting recovery following injury. Treatment may include education, mobility exercises, strengthening programs, hands-on treatment where appropriate, movement retraining and guidance on returning safely to work, exercise and sport. The specific approach will depend on your assessment findings and rehabilitation goals.

Related Service: Physiotherapy

How Exercise Physiology May Help

Exercise Physiology plays an important role in knee injury rehabilitation. Exercise physiologists develop individualised exercise programs designed to improve strength, balance, flexibility, endurance and overall lower limb function. Programs may focus on rebuilding muscle strength, improving knee stability, restoring confidence with movement and helping you safely return to work, sport and physical activity.

Related Service: Exercise Physiology

Hydrotherapy for Knee Injuries

Hydrotherapy may provide a low-impact environment for knee rehabilitation. The buoyancy of the water reduces the load placed through the knee joint, allowing movement and exercise to be performed with greater comfort. Hydrotherapy may assist with improving mobility, strength, endurance and confidence with movement. It is often used alongside physiotherapy and exercise physiology as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.

Related Service: Hydrotherapy

Knee Rehabilitation Programs

Some individuals with significant injuries, post-surgical recovery requirements or persistent symptoms may benefit from a structured rehabilitation program. Rehabilitation may focus on restoring strength, improving mobility, rebuilding stability, increasing activity tolerance, returning to work or sport and developing long-term strategies to support knee health.

Related Service: Rehabilitation Programs

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

While many knee injuries respond well to rehabilitation, medical assessment may be necessary if symptoms develop following significant trauma, severe swelling occurs, the knee is unable to bear weight, locking persists, instability is significant or symptoms are rapidly worsening. Your clinician may also recommend further medical review where appropriate.

Why Choose Illawarra Rehabilitation Clinic?

✔ Physiotherapy

✔ Exercise Physiology

✔ Hydrotherapy Pool

✔ Rehabilitation Gym

✔ Work Rehabilitation Services

✔ NDIS Services

✔ Individualised Rehabilitation Plans

✔ Convenient Warilla Location

At Illawarra Rehabilitation Clinic, we provide a multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation from our purpose-built facility in Warilla. Our team works with people recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions and improving their ability to work, exercise and stay active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can physiotherapy help knee injuries?

Physiotherapy may help improve mobility, function, strength and movement while supporting recovery and reducing the impact of symptoms.

Can exercise help a knee injury?

Appropriate exercise is often an important part of rehabilitation and may help restore strength, stability, balance and confidence with movement.

Is hydrotherapy suitable for knee rehabilitation?

Hydrotherapy may provide a comfortable and supportive environment for exercise while reducing stress on the injured knee.

Will I need surgery for my knee injury?

Many knee injuries can be managed successfully with rehabilitation. However, some injuries may require orthopaedic assessment or surgical management depending on their severity.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery times vary depending on the type of injury, severity, treatment approach and individual factors. Your clinician can provide guidance based on your specific condition.