4 physical therapy treatments that may improve pain in the back of the knee

Persistent knee pain can be frustrating, especially when it’s localized around the back of the knee. Pain behind the kneecap is often related to conditions and injuries affecting the soft tissue of the knee. To find relief from your pain, addressing the underlying issue is crucial. Fortunately, solutions are available.

When it comes to treating knee pain, physical therapy is an excellent option. Physical therapists can provide a range of effective, evidence-based treatments designed to reduce pain and discomfort. Physical therapy can also help you work toward recovery, meaning you can experience relief that lasts. Where pain medications tend to address only the surface-level symptoms, physical therapy works to target pain at the root. The comprehensive approach of physical therapy is known for delivering great results. Want to know more about how PT can improve the pain in the back of your knee? Learning about some common PT techniques can help you gain insight into the process for effective knee pain treatment.

Top PT treatments for back-of-knee pain

• Targeted stretches — Stretching can be essential for relieving back-of-knee pain. In many cases, knee pain is related to tension in the area. Tightness in muscles such as the hamstrings or quadriceps can lead to persistent pain and stiffness. By stretching your legs, you can alleviate tension and reduce discomfort around the knee. Your physical therapist may prescribe a set of stretching exercises tailored to your condition and physical capacity. Leg stretches are often fairly simple. For example, your physical therapist might recommend a simple calf stretch. To do a basic calf stretch, start by standing while facing a wall. Using the wall for support, take the leg affected by knee pain and plant it about a foot behind your other leg. Try to press the heel of the rear leg into the floor. You should feel your calf stretching as you press. After holding for a few seconds, you can release this stretch and try stretching your other leg. This exercise is one of many great stretches you can use to address your knee pain.
• Strengthening exercises — Knee pain is often caused by muscle weakness. When the muscles around your knee are unable to support it, you may experience symptoms such as knee buckling and persistent pain while walking. Muscle imbalances can also increase your risk of experiencing major injuries. To prevent further issues and address any current imbalances, strengthening exercises can be highly beneficial. By building strength in the muscles around your knee, you can improve your knee’s stability and support. This helps reduce the risk of painful conditions developing. When doing strengthening exercises, it is important to get input from your physical therapist. Depending on your condition, some exercises may be counterproductive. If you have recently sustained a sports injury, for example, resting may be more helpful. Working with a physical therapist helps ensure safe and effective practices each step of the way toward recovery.
• Manual therapy — Looking for hands-on pain relief treatment? Manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue mobilization can help you find relief. With manual therapy, physical therapists use their hands to manipulate and mobilize tissue. By applying controlled, gentle pressure, your physical therapist can help reduce pain around your knee. Manual therapy can also offer many other benefits in addition to pain relief. Manual therapy techniques can improve circulation, healing and range of motion.
• Dry needling — When it comes to pain relief techniques, few are as effective and fast acting as dry needling. Dry needling is a PT treatment that involves the insertion of dry, sterile needles into painful areas. In addition to pain relief, dry needling can also help address muscle tension and stiffness. Dry needling boosts circulation, which increases the amount of nutrients available to injured tissue. This can accelerate healing, enabling you to make a faster recovery.

What causes pain in the back of the knee?

Pain behind the kneecap can have many different causes. If you want to determine the precise cause of your pain, you should get a professional evaluation. Before developing a treatment plan, physical therapists typically complete a comprehensive physical assessment. This helps them get a deep understanding of a condition and how it can be addressed. Here are some common causes that could potentially be behind your knee pain:

• Tendinitis — Tendinitis refers to inflammation of the tendons. Patellar tendinitis occurs when the tendon that connects to the kneecap becomes inflamed. In addition to knee pain, other common tendinitis symptoms include stiffness and swelling. You may also experience a grating or crackling feeling when you try to move your knee joint. Physical therapy can effectively treat tendinitis through techniques ranging from manual therapy to dry needling.
• Ligament injuries — If you’ve recently injured a knee ligament, you will likely experience lingering pain around the back of your knee. Knee ligament injuries are fairly common. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are one of the most common injuries sustained by athletes. If you are recovering from an ACL tear, you may be feeling pain localized around the center of your knee. With a range of treatments focused on relief and healing, physical therapy can be integral to your recovery.
• Arthritis — Arthritis is a chronic condition that can cause inflammation around the knee joint. Left untreated, arthritis may worsen and lead to more intense symptoms. If the pain in the back of your knee is related to arthritis, intervention is crucial. Your physical therapist can help you find ways to manage your condition and achieve a more comfortable equilibrium. 

How to address pain in the back of the knee when straightening your leg

Are you experiencing pain in the back of your knee whenever you straighten your leg? If you’ve just started to notice your knee pain, here are some of the first steps you should take:

• Rest — Knee pain is often related to repetitive motions and excessive strain. If your knee pain is caused by overuse, continuing to use your knee may worsen your condition. When you first start to experience knee pain, try to avoid the activities that cause acute discomfort. Give your knee time to heal in a comfortable, restful environment. While rest is important, though, it’s not always sufficient for recovery. In addition to letting your knee rest, professional intervention may be necessary. 
• Light exercise — Performing gentle exercises can help you maintain flexibility and strength in your affected leg. Try to work out your knee without causing any further pain. Along with exercises, you may also want to use a knee brace to provide additional support. Your physical therapist can show you how to practice the best light exercises as you work to get back on your feet.
• Physical therapy — After taking immediate steps to manage your pain, it can be important to seek professional help. Seeking physical therapy is one great way to address pain in the back of your knee. With physical therapy, you can get expert guidance and treatment as you work to find a long-term solution for your knee pain.

SSOR can help address your back-of-knee pain

SSOR (Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation) offers a range of treatments designed to address back-of-knee pain. With tailored treatment from our expert team, you can find relief and work toward long-term knee rehabilitation.

Call us or request an appointment today to find knee pain relief.