Physio for knee pain: causes, treatment and when to get checked

Common causes of knee pain

Your knee is a hinge joint held together by ligaments, cartilage and tendons, and moved by the muscles of your hip and thigh. Pain can come from several places:

• Overuse or a sudden jump in activity, such as more running, hills or stairs
• Pain around or behind the kneecap, common in runners and people who sit for long periods
• Ligament sprains from twisting or landing awkwardly
• Irritation or tears of the meniscus, the cartilage cushion in the joint
• Tendon irritation just above or below the kneecap
• Osteoarthritis, which becomes more common with age

Sometimes pain is felt in the knee but starts elsewhere, such as in the hip or lower back. A physio will check these too.

When to see a doctor first

Most knee pain is not dangerous. But get checked promptly, or go to an emergency department, if you have:

• A knee that gives way, locks, or cannot take your weight after an injury
• A knee or leg that looks out of shape
• Sudden swelling soon after an injury
• A red, hot, swollen joint, especially with a fever or feeling unwell
• Pain, swelling or warmth in your calf, or sudden shortness of breath
• Pain at night or at rest that keeps getting worse, or unexplained weight loss

A hot, swollen joint with a fever, or calf pain with shortness of breath, needs urgent medical care. Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.

How a physio can help

A physio will assess your knee, your hip and ankle, and how you walk, squat and step. They look for what is overloading the knee and what you can change.

• Exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your knee, including your thigh and hip
• Advice on adjusting your activity so the knee can settle without stopping everything
• Guidance on stairs, running, work and sport, and how to build back up
• Hands-on treatment for comfort, where it suits
• Advice on footwear, taping or braces, if they are likely to help
• Education about your condition so you know what to expect

Clinical guidelines for knee osteoarthritis recommend education and exercise as first-line care. Exercise can help pain and movement even when a scan shows changes in the joint.

What to expect at your first visit

Your physio will ask how the pain started, what makes it worse, and what you want to get back to. They will look at how you move, test your strength and range of motion, and check the joint. You should leave with a clear explanation and some things to start doing. Our guide to your first physio appointment lists what to bring.

Do you need a scan?

Many knee problems can be assessed without a scan. X-rays and MRI show changes that are also common in people with no knee pain, so they are not always useful on their own. A doctor or physio will suggest one when your history and examination point to a need, for example after a significant injury.

How long does knee pain take to improve?

It depends on the cause. A mild strain may settle in a few weeks. Tendon and kneecap pain often take longer, and conditions such as arthritis are usually managed over time instead of fixed once. Your physio can give you a realistic estimate after assessing you.

If you are having knee surgery, physio before and after is common. Ask your surgeon about timing.

What you can do while you wait

• Keep moving within your comfort. Gentle walking or cycling often suits
• Ease off activities that clearly flare the pain, then build back gradually
• Pace stairs, squatting and kneeling instead of stopping everything
• Wear supportive, comfortable shoes
• Ask a pharmacist or doctor about pain relief that is safe for you

Questions to ask your physio

• What do you think is causing my knee pain?
• What should I do and avoid for now?
• How many visits might I need, and how will we know it is working?
• When can I return to my sport or work?
• Which exercises can I do at home?

Cost and rebates

A referral is not usually needed to see a physio. Private health extras often cover part of the cost, while Medicare usually does not. See how much physio costs and whether Medicare covers physio.

Common questions

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or physio about your own situation.