Knee problems can affect walking, stairs, running, gym training, work and sport. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness or difficulty loading the leg during particular movements or activities.
The location of knee pain alone does not establish its cause. Assessment considers how the problem started, how symptoms behave, movement, strength, loading tolerance, function and other clinically relevant findings.
When physiotherapy assessment may be appropriate
Physiotherapy assessment may be appropriate when knee symptoms are affecting normal activity, walking, exercise, running, training or sport, or when function is not improving as expected.
The assessment helps clarify the clinical presentation, identify clinically relevant factors and determine whether physiotherapy management may be appropriate.
What rehabilitation may involve
Management depends on the individual presentation. Where appropriate, this may include advice, movement or exercise, progressive strengthening, activity modification and other physiotherapy interventions based on the assessment findings.
Rehabilitation may progress towards the strength, control and physical capacity required for everyday activity, gym training, running or sport.
When further assessment may be needed
Some knee presentations require medical investigation or assessment outside physiotherapy. If the history or clinical findings indicate that another healthcare professional or further investigation is appropriate, referral should take priority.