Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people seek physiotherapy. Whether it starts suddenly after an injury or gradually builds over time, knee pain can affect walking, running, cycling, navigating stairs, getting in and out of the car, standing up from sitting, and everyday life. At Therapy X, our physiotherapists help people identify the root cause of their knee pain and create a plan to get them moving comfortably again.
This guide explains common knee pain causes, frequent knee injury diagnoses, and how physiotherapy can be an effective, long-term knee pain treatment.
Knee pain rarely has a single cause. It often develops due to a combination of movement patterns, strength imbalances, training load, and tissue stress. Some of the most common knee pain causes we see include:
People often notice knee pain during specific activities, such as knee pain going down stairs, prolonged sitting, squatting, or kneeling.
Understanding the diagnosis behind your knee pain is key to choosing the right treatment. Some of the most common knee injuries and conditions treated with physiotherapy include:
Often felt as pain around or behind the kneecap, this condition is common in runners and active individuals. It is frequently associated with knee pain from running or knee pain after running, especially when going downhill or down stairs.
A meniscus tear can cause sharp pain, swelling, locking, or catching in the knee. Many people report knee pain inside of the knee, particularly with twisting, deep bending movements, or simple movements such as stepping off a curb.
Ligament injuries usually occur after a sudden twist, pivot, or impact. Physiotherapy plays a critical role in both non-surgical management and post-surgical rehabilitation.
This condition affects the tendon below the kneecap and is common in runners, and athletes who jump, sprint, or change direction frequently.
Frequently seen in runners and cyclists, IT band syndrome can cause outer knee pain and discomfort during repetitive activities such as knee pain from cycling.
Degenerative changes in the knee joint can lead to stiffness, swelling, and pain with weight-bearing activities. Physiotherapy helps manage symptoms and improve function at any stage.
Running and cycling place repetitive loads through the knee. Knee pain from running or knee pain after running is often linked to training errors, footwear, strength deficits, or altered running mechanics. Similarly, knee pain from cycling may stem from bike setup issues, muscle imbalances, or excessive training volume.
Physiotherapy addresses these factors through movement analysis, strength training, and load management rather than just treating symptoms.
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective, evidence-based approaches to knee pain treatment. At Therapy X in South Granville, Vancouver, our approach focuses on understanding why your knee hurts and what your knee needs to heal.
Your physiotherapy program may include:
Rather than resting indefinitely, physiotherapy helps you return to movement safely and efficiently.
Specific knee pain exercises are essential for recovery. Exercises help strengthen the muscles that support the knee, improve joint control, and reduce stress on painful structures.
Exercises are always individualized based on your diagnosis, goals, and current ability. The right exercises performed consistently can significantly reduce pain and prevent recurrence.
If you are searching for physiotherapy for knee pain in South Granville, Vancouver, Therapy X offers one-on-one, personalized care focused on long-term results. We work with active individuals, runners, cyclists, and people managing everyday knee pain.
Our clinic is conveniently located in South Granville and serves clients from across Vancouver who want expert assessment and practical, long-term solutions for knee injuries and knee pain.
Knee pain can develop from overuse, muscle weakness, poor movement mechanics, or gradual tissue overload, even without a specific injury.
Not always. Many cases of knee pain from running can be managed by adjusting training, improving strength, and correcting movement patterns with physiotherapy guidance.
Knee pain going down stairs often points to issues with load control around the kneecap or weakness in the quadriceps and hip muscles.
Yes, physiotherapy is a proven treatment for knee osteoarthritis and focuses on improving strength, mobility, and daily function.
Recovery time depends on the cause and severity of the knee injury. Many people notice improvement within a few weeks of consistent physiotherapy and exercise.
Not always - a detailed physiotherapy assessment can often identify the cause of knee pain without imaging, and many conditions respond well to conservative care.
If knee pain is limiting your movement or performance, physiotherapy can help. Book an assessment at Therapy X in South Granville, Vancouver, and take the first step toward lasting relief.
With Care,
Therapy X Collective