Weakness or tightness in Lower Body Muscles?

Knee pain is a very common problem which can result in difficulty with many daily activities. People commonly come to physical therapy with different complaints involving the knee. The number one complaint is knee pain that is under or around the knee cap that can greatly limit your functional mobility. Some people also experience stiffness in and around the knee causing difficulty moving the joint and generalized weakness in the affected leg. Having pain or stiffness in your knee can cause difficulty walking, pain with going up or down the stairs, pain with squatting, difficulty standing up from a chair, and inability to kneel. You will likely also have difficulty with lifting, pushing, or pulling objects. Stiffness in the knee can cause pain in the morning, difficulty moving after staying in a prolonged position, or inability to sit for a period of time. These restrictions can really limit your normal daily routine and become a serious problem.
Knee problems can stem from many different causes. The most common cause of knee pain and dysfunction is weakness of the muscles of surrounding the hip and the knee resulting in abnormal joint mechanics.  When the knee joint is not moving properly there is unnecessary rubbing and pressure in the joint that will cause pain and inflammation. Pain and inflammation can cause even more muscle weakness and tightness which will result in further stress on the knee joint. Prolonged inflammation will cause slowed tissue healing and can start to negatively affect the tendons, ligaments, and muscles that surround the knee. The longer you experience symptoms, the weaker and stiffer your knee can become, further limiting your mobility.
There are many treatment options for knee pain and associated mobility limitations. A majority of knee problems can be resolved with physical therapy with no need for surgery, prescription medications, or injections. Physical therapy will help will help decrease your pain and improve your mobility regardless if you have been experiencing pain for days or years. Through specific strengthening and stretching exercises physical therapy can help restore normal muscle balance in your legs and off load your knees resulting in improved mechanics and decreased pain.  Physical therapy will also teach you proper movement patterns to ensure proper alignment and resolve or prevent knee problems that are negatively affecting your life. At Loudoun Sports Therapy Center, we will fully evaluate your knee and associated symptoms and help restore your full function and get you back to your normal lifestyle.

CLICK HERE for a simple test you can try to assess knee strength and stability.