Condition guide
Knee Pain Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for knee pain linked to sport, training, overuse, or day-to-day movement demands.
Knee pain can affect walking, stairs, running, and exercise. Physiotherapy identifies contributing factors and builds a structured rehabilitation plan.
This guide is general information and does not replace a clinical assessment.
Common Symptoms
Pain during stairs, squatting, kneeling, or running
Swelling, stiffness, or reduced confidence with loading
Discomfort after activity or prolonged sitting
Feeling of weakness or poor control around the knee
Seek Prompt Medical Advice If You Have
Major knee trauma with inability to weight-bear
Rapid swelling and mechanical locking
Sudden severe knee pain, new swelling, hot or changed-colour skin around the knee, or difficulty moving it: seek an urgent GP appointment or NHS 111 advice, even without fever
Persistent instability after injury
If you are unsure, call NHS 111 or seek urgent medical care.
Assessment
History of onset, training load, and symptom behaviour
Knee movement, strength, and control testing
Assessment of hip and ankle contribution to knee loading
Plan with measurable function-based milestones
Treatment
Pain and swelling management strategies
Progressive lower-limb strength and control exercises
Load management for walking, work, and training
Return-to-running or return-to-sport progression
Aftercare & self-management
At your appointment, agree which exercises to do, how often to practise them and when to review your progress.
Reduce high-irritability loads while keeping movement regular
Follow phased strengthening and control exercises
Increase walking/running volume gradually
Use recovery days and monitor swelling response
Plan your visitClinic, prices, insurance and home visits
- Your clinic & directions
- Newham clinic, Plaistow
Newham Leisure Centre, 281 Prince Regent Lane, Plaistow, London E13 8SD
- Self-pay
£60 for a 30-minute physiotherapy appointment.
Prices & self-pay- Health insurance
Cover depends on your plan and chosen physiotherapist.
Insurance & cash-plan guidance
Would a home visit suit you better?
If getting to the clinic is difficult, explore physiotherapy at your visit address. Suitability depends on your condition, care needs, travel and the available clinician; the clinic price and insurance arrangements above do not automatically apply to home treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can knee pain be treated without surgery?+
Many knee problems respond well to rehabilitation. If surgery review is needed, we advise onward referral.
When can I return to running?+
Return depends on pain response, strength, and control. We use staged criteria before increasing impact load.
Should I wear a knee support?+
Some people find temporary support helpful. We prioritise active rehabilitation to improve long-term knee function.
Related care and guides
Further reading
For public health information, self-care guidance and advice on when to seek medical help:
About your care at Nexus: meet our physiotherapists and read our clinical governance information.