The Top Causes of Knee Pain — And How Physiotherapy Can Help You Recover Faster

Knee pain is one of the most common reasons Australians visit a physiotherapist, affecting people of all ages — from runners and weekend athletes to older adults dealing with arthritis. In fact, knee problems account for up to 25% of all musculoskeletal GP visits in Australia (RACGP clinical guidelines).

At Body Fit Physiotherapy in North Adelaide, knee pain is one of the conditions we treat most frequently, and with the right assessment and targeted treatment, the vast majority of patients make a strong recovery.

This article explains:

• The most common causes of knee pain

• Why knee pain occurs

• The evidence-based treatments that physiotherapy offers

• When you should seek help

• What you can do today to protect your knee health

Why Is Knee Pain So Common?

Your knee is a large, complex, weight-bearing joint. Every step sends force through it — and running multiplies that force up to 4–6 times bodyweight (Bennell et al., 2011). Over time, small weaknesses or biomechanical changes can trigger pain.

The most common causes include:

1. Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)

Knee OA is extremely common after age 50. It involves gradual thinning of cartilage and changes to the bone, leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain with walking or stairs.

Key facts:

• OA affects 1 in 5 Australians over 45 (AIHW, 2023).

• Exercise is the single most effective non-surgical treatment (OARSI guidelines).

• Strengthening your quadriceps can reduce knee pain by 20–30% even without imaging changes (Fransen et al., 2015).

2. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)

Often called “runner’s knee,” this is pain around or behind the kneecap.

Common in:

• Runners

• Adolescents

• Office workers who sit long hours

• Anyone doing repeated squatting/lunging

It typically results from poor kneecap tracking, hip weakness, or training overload.

3. Meniscus Tears

Your meniscus is a shock-absorbing cartilage pad in the knee. Tears can happen gradually (degenerative) or suddenly (twisting injury).

Good news:

Most degenerative tears improve with exercise therapy, not surgery, according to a landmark 2017 BMJ trial.

4. Tendinopathies (Patellar Tendon / Quadriceps Tendon)

Common in jumping sports (basketball, netball), heavy lifters, or people who suddenly increase their training load.

They respond extremely well to progressive strengthening, particularly heavy slow resistance (HSR).

How Physiotherapy Helps Knee Pain — What the Evidence Says

Physiotherapy is the first-line treatment for almost all forms of knee pain. At Body Fit Physiotherapy North Adelaide, we combine hands-on treatment, strength training, load management, and education.

Here’s what works:

1. Strengthening the Muscles Around the Knee

Research consistently shows strengthening is the most effective approach for knee pain.

Key muscles include:

• Quadriceps

• Glutes

• Hamstrings

• Calf muscles

• Core stabilisers

Studies show:

➡️ Quadriceps strengthening alone can reduce knee OA pain by 30% or more.

➡️ Hip strengthening reduces patellofemoral pain by significant clinical levels (Barton et al., 2018).

2. Manual Therapy

Hands-on treatment helps reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore normal movement patterns.

This may include:

• Joint mobilisation

• Soft tissue release

• Patellar mobilisation

• Dry needling (if appropriate)

Manual therapy is most effective when paired with exercise, not as a stand-alone treatment.

3. Taping & Bracing

Knee taping can:

• Reduce patellofemoral pain

• Improve kneecap alignment

• Provide confidence during activity

OA bracing can redistribute load and improve walking comfort.

4. Movement & Load Management

A huge percentage of knee pain comes down to too much, too soon.

We help you adjust:

• Running volume

• Walking distance

• Gym training loads

• Cycling intensity

So your knee can recover without losing fitness.

5. Education & Long-Term Prevention

A core part of physiotherapy is helping you understand:

• What causes your pain

• Why rest alone won’t fix it

• How to keep active safely

• How to prevent future flare-ups

People who understand their condition recover significantly faster and with less fear.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

You should book an appointment if you experience:

• Pain lasting more than 1–2 weeks

• Knee pain that worsens with stairs

• Clicking or catching that is painful

• Trouble kneeling or squatting

• Swelling that returns repeatedly

• Feeling of knee “giving way”

• Pain that stops you walking, running, or exercising

• New pain after increasing your training load

Early intervention prevents small issues from becoming long-term problems.

How Body Fit Physiotherapy North Adelaide Can Help

At Body Fit Physiotherapy, your knee assessment includes:

✔ A full movement and strength analysis

✔ Joint and muscle testing

✔ Running or walking assessment (if relevant)

✔ Personalised exercise and loading plan

✔ Hands-on treatment to reduce pain

✔ Guidance on training, sport, and daily activities

✔ Long-term strategies to maintain mobility and prevent recurrence

Our goal is not only to fix your knee pain — but to help you move, walk, run, and live with confidence again.

Key Takeaways

• Knee pain is extremely common and affects mobility at any age.

• The most common causes include OA, patellofemoral pain, meniscus tears, and tendinopathies.

• Exercise and strengthening are the most proven treatments.

• Physiotherapy provides targeted exercises, manual treatment, advice, and prevention strategies.

• Early treatment leads to better outcomes and faster recovery.