Your knees take a beating. They carry your body weight with every step and bend hundreds of times a day, and they soak up the impact every time you run or jump. So when something inside the knee is not happy, you notice it fast: going up stairs, getting out of a chair, kneeling in the garden or jogging for the bus.
Most knee pain responds well to physiotherapy, and you rarely need to rest it completely or rush into surgery to get there. At Pimpama Physiotherapy we assess and treat knee pain for runners, weekend athletes, tradies, older adults and people recovering from surgery. You can see us at our Pimpama clinic or at home across the Gold Coast, Logan and Brisbane.
Common Causes Of Knee Pain We Treat
Knee pain can come from the joint itself, from the muscles and tendons around it or from problems further up or down the chain at the hip, foot or ankle. A good assessment works out which of these is driving your symptoms.
These are some of the most common causes we see at our Pimpama clinic:
Patellofemoral pain (runner’s knee)
Pain at the front of the knee and around the kneecap, often worse with stairs, squatting, running or sitting for long periods.
Knee ligament injuries
Sprains and tears of the ACL, MCL, PCL or LCL, usually from a twist, an awkward landing or a contact knock in sport.
Knee bursiti
Irritation of the small fluid-filled sacs around the knee, which can cause swelling and tenderness.
Knee osteoarthritis
Wear-related arthritis of the knee joint, more common from middle age onwards, with stiffness and aching that often eases once you get moving.
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
Pain just below the kneecap that flares with jumping, running and change of direction.
Post-surgical knee pain
Recovery after procedures such as ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair or a total knee replacement.
Meniscus and cartilage injuries
Damage to the cartilage cushions inside the knee, which can cause catching, swelling or a feeling that the knee might give way.
ITB (iliotibial band) syndrome
Pain on the outside of the knee, common in runners and cyclists who have ramped up their training.
How Physiotherapy Helps Knee Pain
Most knee pain responds well to physiotherapy. Australian clinical guidelines recommend exercise, education and, where it is relevant, weight management as first-line care for knee osteoarthritis, ahead of surgery or long-term medication.
A knee physio assessment looks at how your whole leg moves, not just the sore spot. Weakness or stiffness at the hip, poor control through the foot or the way you load the knee can all feed into your symptoms. Once we understand what is going on, treatment usually combines a few things:
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Hands-on techniques and gentle movement to settle pain and restore range of motion early on.
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Targeted strengthening for the muscles that support the knee, especially the quadriceps, hamstrings and the hip and glute muscles.
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Graded loading, so the knee is gradually built back up to handle what you want to return to, whether that is running, lifting at work or getting up and down off the floor with the grandkids.
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Practical advice on activity, footwear and load management so you can stay active while things settle.
For arthritic or post-surgical knees that do not love impact, hydrotherapy (exercise in a warm pool) lets you build strength and movement with much less load on the joint. We are also honest about what physiotherapy can and cannot change. Some knees need imaging or a specialist opinion, and if yours does, we will tell you and help coordinate it.
Rehab After Knee Surgery Or A Serious Injury
​​A serious knee injury or an operation does not have to mean a slow or uncertain recovery. We guide structured post-operative rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, knee fractures and total knee replacement, working closely with your surgeon so your program matches their protocol and your goals.
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Early rehab focuses on settling swelling, restoring movement and getting basic strength and control back. From there we progress your loading and add the movements that matter for your sport, your job or simply getting around with confidence.
When Should You See A Physio For Knee Pain?
It is worth getting your knee looked at if pain has not started to settle within a week or two, keeps coming back or is getting in the way of work, sport or sleep. Booking sooner rather than later usually means a simpler, faster recovery.
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Some signs need prompter attention. See a physiotherapist or doctor without delay if you have:
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A knee that gave way, locked or could not take your weight after an injury.
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Significant swelling that came on quickly.
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An obvious change in the shape of the knee after a knock or fall.
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Numbness, pins and needles or a cold or pale lower leg and foot.
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Fever with heat and redness around a swollen knee, which can point to infection.
If you are not sure how serious your knee pain is, you are welcome to call and ask. We would rather help you work out the right next step than have you guess.
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Knee Physiotherapy In Clinic Or At Home
You can see us for knee pain at our Pimpama clinic at 29 Dixon Drive, or we can come to you. Home visits suit people who find it hard to travel, who are early in their recovery or who simply prefer to be seen at home. We cover the northern Gold Coast, Logan and Brisbane.
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We also work with a range of funding options, so cost is not the only thing standing between you and getting started. Depending on your circumstances you may be able to use:
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Medicare, for eligible patients on a chronic disease management plan from their GP.
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NDIS, for self-managed and plan-managed participants.
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DVA, for eligible veterans.
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WorkCover, if your knee was injured at work.
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Private health funds with extras cover for physiotherapy.
If you are a participant of the National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland (NIISQ), you may be eligible for rehabilitation services under the scheme. Contact us to discuss your situation. Eligibility for any funding pathway depends on your individual circumstances and plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book A Knee Physio Assessment In Pimpama
Ready to get your knee moving again? Book an assessment online or request a home visit across the Gold Coast, Logan and Brisbane. If you are not sure where to start, get in touch and we will point you in the right direction.
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Phone 0432 730 386 or email admin@pimpamaphysio.com.au.