Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people in Somerville and the surrounding Somerset County area seek physical therapy. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who’s simply noticed your knee acting up during everyday activities, understanding what’s causing your pain is the first step toward getting back to the life you love.
At Progression PT, we see knee pain patients every week — from local runners training along the Raritan River path to golfers at nearby courses, gardeners tending their yards, and people who just want to climb the stairs at home without wincing. Here’s what you need to know about knee pain, common injuries, and when it’s time to get it checked out.
Why the Knee Is So Prone to Injury
The knee is a complex hinge joint that bears enormous load with every step, squat, and jump. It relies on a delicate balance of ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and surrounding muscles (especially the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip stabilizers) to function smoothly. When any one of these structures is overloaded, weakened, or injured, pain and dysfunction often follow — sometimes gradually, sometimes all at once.
Common Knee Injuries We Treat
ACL Tears (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Common in sports involving sudden stops, pivots, or jumps — think soccer, basketball, and skiing. An ACL tear often comes with a distinct “pop” and immediate swelling. Recovery typically involves either surgical reconstruction followed by structured rehab, or in some cases, a non-surgical strengthening approach depending on activity level and knee stability.
Meniscus Tears The meniscus is the cartilage cushion between your thighbone and shinbone. Tears can happen from a sudden twist during sports or gradually from age-related wear and tear. Symptoms include swelling, stiffness, and a sensation of the knee “catching” or “locking.”
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee) This is one of the most common complaints we see, especially among runners and cyclists in our area. It presents as an achy pain around or behind the kneecap, often worse with stairs, squatting, or prolonged sitting. It’s usually driven by muscle imbalances or tracking issues with the kneecap rather than structural damage.
Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee) An overuse injury common in athletes who do a lot of jumping — volleyball, basketball — but also seen in anyone who’s ramped up activity too quickly. It causes pain right below the kneecap that worsens with activity.
IT Band Syndrome The iliotibial band runs along the outside of the thigh to the knee. When it becomes tight or irritated, it causes sharp pain on the outer knee, particularly common in runners and cyclists putting in higher mileage.
Osteoarthritis A gradual breakdown of cartilage that leads to stiffness, swelling, and pain, especially with weight-bearing activity. It’s one of the leading causes of chronic knee pain in adults over 50, but the right exercise program can significantly reduce symptoms and improve function.
MCL/LCL Sprains The collateral ligaments on the inner (MCL) and outer (LCL) sides of the knee can be sprained from a direct blow or awkward twist, common in contact sports.
When Should You See a Physical Therapist?
You don’t need to wait until knee pain becomes unbearable. Consider scheduling an evaluation if you notice:
- Pain that persists more than a few days despite rest
- Swelling that doesn’t go down
- A feeling of instability or your knee “giving way”
- Difficulty putting full weight on the leg
- Clicking, locking, or catching sensations
- Pain that limits your ability to work, exercise, or enjoy daily activities
How Physical Therapy Helps
At Progression PT, we don’t just treat the knee in isolation — we look at the whole kinetic chain, including hip and ankle mechanics, movement patterns, and strength imbalances that may be contributing to your pain. A typical plan of care might include:
- Manual therapy to reduce pain and improve joint mobility
- Targeted strengthening for the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and hip stabilizers
- Balance and proprioception training to restore stability
- Gait and movement analysis, especially for runners
- A gradual, personalized return-to-activity or return-to-sport plan
Serving Somerville and the Surrounding Community
We’re proud to help our neighbors throughout Somerville, Bridgewater, Raritan, and the greater Somerset County area move better and feel stronger. Knee pain doesn’t have to sideline you from the activities you love — whether that’s a morning run, a round of golf, or simply playing with your kids without discomfort.
If knee pain has been holding you back, we’d love to help you figure out what’s going on and build a plan to get you moving pain-free again.
Ready to get started? Contact Progression PT in Somerville to schedule your evaluation today.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for a professional medical evaluation. If you’re experiencing knee pain, consult with a licensed physical therapist or physician for a personalized assessment.
