Knee

Our Downtown Toronto knee physiotherapy program treat a lot of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, which are often called a sprain. A sprain occurs when the threads or fibers of the ligament stretch or are torn. In order for the knee to function correctly, it uses the ligaments and bone to help bend the knee. When a ligament gets torn or sprained, moving the knee becomes very difficult or sometimes even impossible. While these injuries can occur in people of any age, these strains and tears are some of the most common in people who participate in sports or vigorous workout routines. This is because certain types of physical activities will put more strain on the joints. Depending on the severity of the ligament tear or sprain, the symptoms might include: a sudden popping or snapping sound when the injury occurs, swelling, tenderness, a feeling that the knee is loose, and difficulties moving the knee.

Our Downtown Toronto knee physiotherapy program deals with a number of dislocated kneecaps.  It is a common injury that normally takes about six weeks to heal. It’s often caused by a hit to the knee or a sudden change in direction when the leg is firm to the ground, such as during sports or dancing. The kneecap (patella) normally sits over the front of the knee. When the kneecap is dislocated, it can slip sideways to the outside of the knee. If you dislocate your patella, you may feel as if you knee if giving in and cannot support your weight, there will be some localized tenderness as well as pain when standing and lack of mobility. A dislocated knee cap sometimes goes back into place on its own, sometimes a doctor must push it back.

Fat pad impingement is a syndrome that can affect young athletes, runners, cyclists, soccer players, and others that participate in vigorous workouts. Get a personalized approach with our Downtown Toronto knee physiotherapy program. is a common condition affecting the knee joint and may also be referred to as Hoffa’s Syndrome. The fat pad is a small mass of fatty tissues that is found just underneath the bottom half of your kneecap and patellar tendon. This fat pad helps to lubricate the knee joint, whilst also acting as a bit of a shock absorber. The fat pad is aggravated by activities that require repetitive straightening of the knee such as in rowing sports. Over-extension of the knee can also be caused by a traumatic injury or a fall onto the knee. Fat pad impingement will cause pain on either side of the knee cap where the fatty tissue sits. The pain may be worse with jumping, prolonged standing or any other position that causes the knees to be straightened.

Patellofemoral Pain refers to a pain in the kneecap when it rubs on the femur bone underneath which results in the irritation of the cartilage under the kneecap. The initial cause of kneecap pain is most likely overuse such as training, high intensity jumping, and knee bending. It is also common in people who play a lot of sports and in adolescent females. Symptoms include an aching pain in the knee joint, particularly at the front of the knee around and under the patella. There is often tenderness along the inside border of the kneecap and swelling will sometimes occur after exercise. Patellofemoral pain is often worse when walking up and down hills or sitting for long periods of time.

Our Downtown Toronto knee physiotherapy protocol for knee replacement is excellent.  A total knee replacement can help relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. The procedure involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone and kneecap and replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers. Knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful and common surgical practices done today. It can drastically provide pain relief, while most people regain range of motion, physical ability, and quality of life.