Going up and down stairs is a good way to improve your fitness in just a few minutes every day. However, this relatively simple task can be much tougher if you’re feeling sharp knee pain when going down stairs. 

Knee pain is a common scourge among American adults. In 2012, a medical survey found that 40 million Americans over the age of 18 reported feeling chronic knee pain. Many issues can make your knee joint feel painful when you go down stairs, including osteoarthritis, ligament sprains and cartilage damage. 

A physical therapist can help you take steps toward reducing your knee pain. These specialists can do so as part of a personalized therapy plan that’s designed to fit your specific needs. 

Three ways physical therapists can help with knee pain you feel when going down stairs

1. Evaluating your knee — Floundering around trying various treatments at random isn’t a physical therapist’s style. Instead, these medical professionals will use their skills to determine the precise source of your pain. Only then will they work to help you address your pain. 

2. Educating you about your pain — Most physical therapists would agree that a well-informed patient tends to be a more involved partner in the PT process. That’s why your physical therapist may take some time during your initial session to talk to you about your condition. They may reveal the other symptoms you may develop. Additionally, your physical therapist may talk about the potential factors that may have led to your knee issue. 

3. Treating your pain — Your physical therapist can use multiple techniques to help reduce your pain. For instance, joint mobilization might be used during your sessions. This technique is designed to help improve joint movement and soft tissue flexibility, which can reduce your pain. They might also use aquatic therapy and dry needling to address your knee pain. 

Find help with the knee pain you feel when going down stairs at Rehab Access

Do you feel pain in your knee when you’re walking down the stairs at your home or workplace? Our team at Rehab Access Physical Therapy is ready to spring into action to help you address your pain. We can help you determine the cause of your knee pain by doing a free screening on your knee. Then, our physiotherapy team can build you a PT plan that’s customized to your specific condition and needs. 

Contact our team today for more information about how we can help people with knee pain or to schedule an initial appointment to begin addressing your pain.