Healthy knees make it possible to do basic activities without any pain or discomfort. If you struggle with stiff joints while using stairs or walking, consider implementing expert-approved techniques for managing knee pain. The professionals at Park North Physical Therapy in Morningside Heights and Harlem share their preferred methods for reducing knee pain in this helpful guide.
Common Causes of Knee Pain in Upper Manhattan
While people suffering from knee pain can use physical therapy and exercises to strengthen their joints, the exact cause of their symptoms can differ.
Dr. Sam Morjaria, owner and physical therapist at Park North Physical Therapy commented on the common causes of knee pain,
“Anytime someone comes into the office with knee pain, the first place I look is at the core, hips and ankles. Usually the source is found in the hips. Weakness in the hips and core puts more pressure on the knees. Also, weak ankles and a tight big toe can cause increased strain on the knee.”
Sports or overuse injuries can also affect knee pain while diseases like arthritis can have a chronic impact on your joints. Some patients suffer from prolonged knee pain because of excess weight putting additional strain on their joints. In this case, regular exercise and weight management tactics can help relieve the strain.
Upper Manhattan Physical Therapist’s Tips for Managing Knee Pain
What are the best techniques for managing knee pain? Physical therapy professionals recommend the following tips for overcoming an injury or chronic pain.
RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
The RICE method remains beneficial for anyone trying to recover from an injury. For knee pain, in particular, this method provides the following advantages:
- Resting prevents further injury to the joint.
- Ice reduces inflammation and offers fast pain relief.
- Compression helps reduce swelling.
- Elevating your leg promotes good blood circulation.
If these steps don't improve your knee pain after a few days, consult a physical therapist in Upper Manhattan to start a specialized treatment plan.
Acupuncture and Temperature Therapy
Holistic treatments like acupuncture and hot and cold therapy have positive effects on those dealing with knee pain. Acupuncture, a form of ancient Chinese medicine, targets certain pressure points in the body to relieve pain and inflammation. Putting ice and warm compresses on the knee in 15-minute intervals helps relax the body and combat inflammation.
Use a Walking or Compression Aids
The use of walking or compression aids might not seem appealing, but they play a key role in reducing strain on your knee joints. Doctors may recommend this along with other techniques for managing knee pain for relief. Common walking aids may include crutches, canes, knee braces or compression sleeves.
Consider Physical Therapy Devices
Innovative physical therapy technologies can provide significant relief for knee pain. At Park North Physical Therapy in Harlem and Morningside Heights, we utilize technologies such as low-level laser therapy and the NEUBIE device to help patients with knee pain recover more effectively.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-intensity lasers to reduce pain and inflammation. The laser light penetrates the skin and tissues, stimulating cellular repair and reducing inflammation. It's a painless procedure that can accelerate the healing process and provide relief from chronic knee pain.
The NEUBIE (Neuro-Bio-Electric Stimulator) is a cutting-edge device that uses electrical stimulation to promote muscle re-education and pain relief. Unlike traditional electrical stimulation devices, the NEUBIE targets the neurological origin of pain and dysfunction, helping to restore normal movement patterns and reduce pain more effectively. It's particularly beneficial for chronic knee pain and post-injury rehabilitation.
Benefits of Using Physical Therapy to Manage Knee Pain
If your knee pain persists and keeps you from doing what you love, it's time to consider physical therapy as a solution. The techniques mentioned above offer pain relief but they don't prevent an injury from reoccurring. Physical therapists can assess your knee pain and its cause and guide you through exercises that bring the following benefits.
Improved Mobility
A walking aid can stabilize your knee and reduce stress on the joint but you don't want to rely on it long-term. A major part of evaluation and treatment planning in physical therapy involves assessing your mobility and focusing on exercises that help you walk without knee pain.
Better Balance
Intense knee pain makes it difficult to stand and walk evenly. Physical therapists have the skills and resources to improve a patient's balance so they lower their risk of falling and injuring themselves further.
Increased Range of Motion
If you're an athlete longing to get back to your sport, you have to look beyond techniques for managing knee pain and focus on fully recovering from an injury. Physical therapy helps strengthen the joint and surrounding muscles so you have a full range of motion in your lower extremities. Combining physical therapy with other pain relief methods can get you back on the playing field faster.
Choose Park North Physical Therapy in Harlem and Morningside Heights for Help Overcoming Knee Pain
Whether you're suffering from knee pain due to arthritis, a sports-related injury, or other common causes, the team at Park North Physical Therapy in Upper Manhattan is here to help you find relief. We incorporate a variety of techniques for managing knee pain in our physical therapy sessions and encourage you to continue these treatments on your own so you can make a faster recovery.
To start your road to recovery, give us a call at (212) 222-6525 or book an appointment here.
