Knee Pain
Expert Physiotherapy in Bromley & Shortlands
Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people seek physiotherapy — and one of the most frequently mismanaged. It affects everyone from weekend runners to people simply climbing stairs, and the underlying cause is not always where the pain is felt. A thorough assessment of the whole lower limb is often the difference between temporary relief and lasting recovery.
At Physio Squared in Shortlands, knee pain is assessed with a biomechanical approach — looking at hip and foot mechanics alongside the knee itself, since problems above and below the joint frequently drive what's happening at the knee.
What Causes Knee Pain?
Sudden increases in training load A rapid rise in running distance, added weight, or a new activity is one of the most common triggers for knee pain, particularly patellofemoral and tendon-related problems. The tissue simply hasn't had time to adapt.
Poor movement patterns The way the hip, knee, and foot work together during walking, running, and squatting has a direct effect on the forces travelling through the knee. Weakness or poor control higher up the chain — particularly at the hip — is one of the most common underlying drivers of persistent knee pain.
Muscle weakness or imbalance Reduced strength in the quadriceps, hamstrings, or hip stabilisers changes how load is distributed through the knee joint, often leading to irritation of the patellofemoral joint or surrounding tendons.
Direct injury Twisting injuries, impacts, and falls can affect the ligaments, meniscus, or joint surfaces of the knee, and require careful assessment to establish the extent of the injury and appropriate management.
Common Knee Conditions Treated
Patellofemoral pain syndrome Pain around or behind the kneecap, often worse with stairs, squatting, or after sitting for long periods. Frequently linked to hip and quadriceps control rather than a problem with the kneecap itself.
Tendinopathy Including patella tendinopathy ("jumper's knee") and quadriceps tendinopathy — overuse conditions affecting the tendons around the knee, common in runners, jumpers, and those who have recently increased training load.
Ligament injuries Sprains or tears of the ACL, MCL, LCL, or PCL, ranging from mild to severe. Physiotherapy plays a central role in both non-surgical management and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Meniscal problems Tears or degeneration of the meniscus can cause pain, swelling, catching, or locking. Many meniscal problems respond well to physiotherapy-led rehabilitation without surgery.
Osteoarthritis Degenerative changes in the knee joint causing stiffness and pain, typically worse after rest and with activity. Physiotherapy — particularly strength and movement work — is a first-line, evidence-based treatment.
How Knee Pain is Treated
Biomechanical assessment A full assessment of hip, knee, and foot mechanics to identify what's really driving the problem — not just treating where it hurts.
Strength and conditioning Progressive strengthening of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles, tailored to your specific presentation and goals.
Load management A structured plan for adjusting training or activity levels to allow injured tissue to recover while staying as active as possible — particularly important for runners and athletes.
Movement retraining Correcting movement patterns during running, squatting, or landing that may be placing excess strain on the knee.
Manual therapy Hands-on treatment to address joint stiffness, muscle tightness, and soft tissue restrictions contributing to your symptoms.
Serving Shortlands, Bromley & Surrounding Areas
Physio Squared is based in Shortlands and sees patients from across the Bromley borough including Beckenham, Hayes, West Wickham, Sundridge Park, Penge, Orpington, and Crystal Palace.
This information is for general education only and does not constitute medical advice. A personalised assessment is recommended for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
