Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, and effective management depends on a clear diagnosis and a structured rehabilitation plan. At North Shore Physiotherapy, we treat everything from ACL and MCL ligament injuries to kneecap pain, meniscus tears, fractures, and osteoarthritis. Evidence strongly supports physiotherapy as a first-line treatment for most knee conditions, often proving just as effective as surgery. Our lead physiotherapist, Chris, brings four years of advanced hip and knee practice experience from the UK, ensuring expert, research-backed care for every patient.
Knee pain can arise for many different reasons, from sudden ligament injuries to gradual wear-and-tear conditions like osteoarthritis or meniscus degeneration. Because the knee is a complex joint involving bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and soft tissue structures, each injury requires tailored advice, education, and management. At North Shore Physiotherapy, we provide comprehensive assessment and evidence-based treatment to help restore strength, confidence, and function.Our team regularly works with patients experiencing a wide range of knee injuries, including:Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprains
Meniscus (cartilage) tears
Patellar subluxation (kneecap instability)
Patellofemoral pain
Patella tendinopathy
Osteoarthritis
Fractures
General knee pain and overuse injuries
You can feel confident knowing our lead physiotherapist Chris spent four years in the UK as an advanced hip and knee practice physiotherapist, bringing extensive specialist knowledge into your rehabilitation process.
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in nearly every type of knee condition. Whether you are managing an acute injury, preparing for surgery, avoiding surgery, or recovering afterwards, research consistently shows that targeted rehabilitation leads to better function, less pain, and long-term improvement.
Below is a comprehensive overview of how physiotherapy supports recovery across the most common knee conditions we treat.
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Studies show that physiotherapy prior to ACL reconstruction leads to:Better knee function
Improved quality of life
Better outcomes and return to sport rates at 2-year follow-up
These benefits remain long after surgery, showing the importance of building knee strength, mobility, and control before undergoing reconstruction (see here)
Regardless of whether an ACL injury is managed surgically or non-surgically, physiotherapy is essential. A tailored rehabilitation plan includes:Quadriceps strengthening
Hip and lower limb muscle conditioning
Neuromuscular training
Balance and control work
Single-leg stability
Jumping, hopping, landing, and change-of-direction mechanics
Return-to-sport testing
Physiotherapy ensures a safe, structured return to sport and reduces the risk of re-injury. See here for more details.
Patellofemoral pain is one of the most common knee issues, often triggered by muscle imbalance, joint overload, poor biomechanics, or rapid increases in training load. International guidelines consistently recognise physiotherapy as the gold-standard treatment.Recommended management typically includes:International guidelines support at least 6–8 weeks of targeted strengthening
Focus on both hip and knee muscle groups
Movement control training
Education and load management advice
Functional retraining for everyday tasks
Patients often notice significant improvement when the entire lower limb is addressed, rather than the knee alone.
The meniscus provides shock absorption, joint stability, and smooth knee movement. Whenever possible, preserving the meniscus is preferable to removing or trimming it surgically.
Research suggests that keyhole surgery for degenerative meniscus tears may be:No more effective than placebo surgery at 5-year follow-upMay slightly increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis over time.
Because of this, physiotherapy is often recommended as the first-line treatment.
Traditionally, surgery was recommended more readily for younger patients with traumatic tears and mechanical symptoms. However, newer research indicates:Similar symptom improvement with physiotherapy and optional delayed surgery
Comparable knee function at 24-month follow-up
No significant difference in ability to return to sport
This means that even for younger individuals (ages 18–45), physiotherapy remains an excellent and evidence-supported option.
Individualised strengthening for knee and hip muscles
Balance and proprioceptive training
Control-based exercises
Activity modification advice
Progressive loading tailored to symptoms and goals.
Osteoarthritis is a common cause of knee pain, especially in adults over 40. It involves gradual degeneration of the joint cartilage, often accompanied by stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.Physiotherapy is proven to:Reduce pain
Improve strength and function
Delay or prevent the need for surgery
Build confidence in movement
Improve quality of life
With personalised exercise therapy, load management strategies, and education, many patients achieve strong, long-lasting results without surgical intervention.
✔ Specialist knee expertise
Chris brings advanced clinical knowledge from working as a hip and knee advanced practice physiotherapist in the UK.
✔ Evidence-based assessment and treatment
We use the most up-to-date research to guide rehabilitation.
✔ Individualised rehabilitation plans
Every treatment programme is tailored to your diagnosis, goals, activity level, and lifestyle.
✔ Advanced movement and biomechanics training
We focus on the entire lower limb, not just the site of pain.
✔ Clear communication and education
Understanding your diagnosis is a critical part of successful treatment.
✔ Support for athletes, active adults & everyday injuries
From sports injuries to age-related changes, we help people of all levels return to the activities they enjoy.
✔ Strong relationships with local hip specialists
In addition to physiotherapy, we can make a referral to a specialist if required.
1. Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist for knee pain?
No. You can book directly with our physiotherapists without a GP referral.
2. Is physiotherapy as effective as surgery for meniscus tears?
For many people, especially those with degenerative tears physiotherapy is just as effective as surgery, with fewer risks and faster recovery.
3. How long will knee rehabilitation take?
This varies depending on the diagnosis and your individual circumstances, but approximate timeframes may look like this - Patellofemoral pain: typically 8-12 weeks
ACL rehabilitation: 9–12 months for full return to sport
Meniscus tears: 8–16 weeks depending on severity
Your physiotherapist will outline a personalised timeline.
4. Do you treat sports injuries?
Yes. We treat athletes of all ages and levels, from recreational runners to competitive sports players.
5. Can physiotherapy help avoid knee surgery?
In many cases, yes. A large body of research shows physiotherapy can reduce pain, improve function, and delay or prevent surgery for several knee conditions.
6. What happens at my first appointment?We assess your knee, diagnose the cause of pain, discuss your goals, and create a tailored treatment plan including exercises, movement retraining, and hands-on therapy if needed.
