Knee Pain

Find relief and reclaim your active lifestyle without limits

At Dr. Megan Mullin Physical Therapy, we specialize in providing comprehensive and modern approaches to treating knee pain, helping our patients overcome discomfort and regain their strength and mobility. Our skilled team of physical therapists offers personalized treatment plans that include hands-on therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises, advanced modalities, and patient education. With a focus on addressing the root cause of knee pain and promoting healing, we empower our patients to achieve lasting relief and prevent future injuries.

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Learn more about Physical Therapy for Knee Pain

Knee pain can be a challenging and uncomfortable condition that affects people of all ages and lifestyles. Whether it’s a dull ache or sharp, stabbing pain, understanding the root cause of your knee discomfort is crucial for effective treatment and management. At Dr. Megan Mullin Physical Therapy, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge about their condition. Let’s explore some common causes of knee pain, the symptoms associated with each, and how to identify knee pain:

1. Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time. Symptoms of osteoarthritis may include:

  • Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
  • Stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity
  • Swelling and tenderness around the knee joint
  • Decreased range of motion and difficulty bending or straightening the knee

2. Ligament Injuries: Ligament injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears or medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprains, are common causes of knee pain, particularly among athletes and individuals who engage in high-impact sports. Symptoms of a ligament injury may include:

  • Sudden onset of pain, often accompanied by a popping sensation
  • Swelling and bruising around the knee joint
  • Instability or a feeling of the knee “giving way”
  • Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected knee

3. Meniscus Tears: The meniscus is a rubbery, C-shaped disc that cushions the knee joint and helps distribute weight evenly. Tears in the meniscus can occur due to sudden twisting or bending of the knee, leading to symptoms such as:

  • Pain along the joint line, especially with twisting or squatting
  • Swelling and stiffness, particularly in the days following the injury
  • Locking or catching sensation in the knee joint
  • Difficulty fully extending or flexing the knee

4. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee): Patellofemoral pain syndrome, also known as runner’s knee, is a common overuse injury that affects the kneecap (patella) and surrounding structures. Symptoms of patellofemoral pain syndrome may include:

  • Dull, aching pain around the front of the knee, especially during activities that involve bending or squatting
  • Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, kneeling, or climbing stairs
  • Grinding or popping sensation in the knee joint
  • Swelling and tenderness around the patella

5. Bursitis: Bursitis is inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the knee joint and reduce friction between the bones, tendons, and muscles. Symptoms of knee bursitis may include:

  • Localized pain, swelling, warmth, and tenderness around the affected area
  • Pain that worsens with movement or pressure on the knee
  • Limited range of motion and difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
  • Redness and warmth over the bursa

6. Tendonitis: Tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of the tendons that attach muscles to bones in the knee joint. Symptoms of knee tendonitis may include:

  • Pain, tenderness, and swelling near the affected tendon
  • Pain that worsens with movement or activity, particularly repetitive motions
  • Stiffness and weakness in the affected tendon
  • Crepitus or crackling sensation with movement

Knee pain can significantly impact your daily life, making it difficult to walk, climb stairs, or participate in your favorite activities. At Dr. Megan Mullin Physical Therapy, we understand the challenges associated with knee pain, and our team of skilled physical therapists is dedicated to helping you find relief and regain mobility. Let’s explore how we approach the treatment of knee pain through comprehensive physical therapy:

1. Individualized Assessment: Our treatment process begins with a thorough evaluation of your knee pain, including an assessment of your medical history, symptoms, and functional limitations. We take the time to listen to your concerns and understand your goals, allowing us to tailor a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

2. Hands-On Therapy: We utilize a variety of hands-on therapy techniques to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore function to the knee joint. Manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and myofascial release are effective in reducing muscle tension, increasing flexibility, and promoting healing.

3. Therapeutic Exercises: Exercise is a fundamental component of our treatment approach for knee pain. We prescribe therapeutic exercises designed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, improve joint stability, and enhance overall function. These exercises may include:

  • Strengthening exercises to target the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles
  • Range of motion exercises to improve flexibility and joint mobility
  • Balance and proprioception exercises to enhance stability and reduce the risk of falls

4. Functional Training: We incorporate functional training into our treatment plans to help you perform everyday activities with ease and confidence. By simulating real-life movements and tasks, we can improve your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, and engage in sports or recreational activities without pain or limitation.

5. Modalities and Therapeutic Techniques: In addition to hands-on therapy and exercise, we may use modalities and therapeutic techniques to complement your treatment plan and enhance pain relief. Modalities such as heat therapy, cold therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and therapeutic taping can help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and promote tissue healing.

6. Education and Home Exercise Program: Education is a key component of our treatment approach. We take the time to educate you about your condition, teaching you how to prevent further injury and manage your symptoms effectively. We also provide you with a customized home exercise program consisting of exercises and stretches that you can perform independently between sessions to reinforce your progress and maintain optimal function.

7. Progress Tracking and Adjustments: Throughout your treatment journey, we continuously monitor your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. We use objective measures to track improvements in pain, function, and range of motion, ensuring that you are on the path to recovery and achieving your goals.

8. Collaborative Approach: We believe in taking a collaborative approach to care, working closely with you and other healthcare providers as needed to optimize your outcomes. Whether you require referrals to orthopedic specialists, pain management specialists, or other allied health professionals, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Are you tired of living with knee pain? At Dr. Megan Mullin Physical Therapy, we understand how knee pain can impact your quality of life, making it difficult to perform everyday activities and enjoy your favorite hobbies. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized physical therapy services to help you find relief and get back to doing the things you love. Here are some of the benefits of choosing us for your knee pain treatment:

1. Expert Care from Skilled Physical Therapists: Our team of skilled and experienced physical therapists specializes in the evaluation and treatment of knee pain. We have the knowledge, expertise, and hands-on skills to effectively diagnose the underlying cause of your knee pain and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.

2. Holistic Approach to Healing: At Dr. Megan Mullin Physical Therapy, we take a holistic approach to healing that considers the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. We believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms, and we address the root cause of your knee pain to promote long-term relief and improved overall well-being.

3. Individualized Treatment Plans: We understand that every patient is unique, which is why we take the time to conduct a thorough assessment and develop an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific condition, lifestyle, and goals. Whether you’re recovering from a sports injury, managing arthritis pain, or rehabilitating after surgery, we’ll work with you to create a plan that meets your needs and helps you achieve optimal results.

4. Comprehensive Range of Services: At our state-of-the-art facilities, we offer a comprehensive range of physical therapy services to address all aspects of knee pain and dysfunction. From manual therapy and therapeutic exercises to modalities and functional training, we have the tools and techniques to help you overcome knee pain and regain function and mobility.

5. Pain Relief and Improved Function: Our primary goal is to help you find relief from knee pain and improve your overall function and mobility. Through targeted interventions and personalized treatment plans, we can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, restore range of motion, and enhance strength and stability in the knee joint, allowing you to move more freely and comfortably.

6. Education and Empowerment: We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge and skills to take control of their health and well-being. During your treatment, we’ll educate you about your condition, teach you proper body mechanics and ergonomics, and provide you with strategies and exercises you can do at home to support your recovery and prevent future injuries.

7. Supportive and Compassionate Environment: At Dr. Megan Mullin Physical Therapy, we pride ourselves on providing a supportive and compassionate environment where you can feel comfortable and cared for throughout your treatment journey. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and support you every step of the way as you work towards your goals.

Dr. Megan Mullin is a consummate professional and a gifted physical therapist. The wide array of healing modalities that she uses is inspiring and impactful. I cannot recommend Megan highly enough.

-Gail Straub, Empowerment Institute

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joan c physical therapy patient testimonial

Dr. Mullin is extremely caring and kind. She listens fully and is attentive to your needs. Megan is truly gifted, intuitive & has helped me so much. She is delightful to work with and I actually look forward to my physical therapy appointments!

-Joan C., Patient

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joan c physical therapy patient testimonial
david g physical therapy patient testimonial

Megan is a body wizard. She is also a student of the most cutting-edge
body healing modalities. You could not be in better hands
working with Megan.

-David Gershon, Entrepreneur

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david g physical therapy patient testimonial
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orthopedic physical therapy san luis obispo ca & woodstock ny

Take the Next Step

If you’re struggling with knee pain and looking for comprehensive and modern approaches to physical therapy, schedule an appointment with Dr. Megan Mullin Physical Therapy today. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to helping you overcome knee pain, improve your mobility, and get back to doing the things you love. Let us be your partner in health and wellness, and together, we’ll help you achieve a pain-free and active lifestyle.

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