Knee Physiotherapy
Step one: Do you need a Knee Physiotherapist here in Melbourne?
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If you’ve recently had a knee injury doing yoga with your Siamese cat, playing park kick to kick after a couple of vinos or doing the worm at a wedding and there is specific pain in the knee, or you’ve lost function or strength. Then it’s best to see one of us. Even if it’s just to clear it, a Knee Physiotherapist will help you in your quest to recover.
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Knee pain can develop due to various damn frustrating factors, and it often results from issues within the structures of the knee joint and surrounding areas such as the hip and foot. This complexity also makes it susceptible to injury and pain. Furthermore we find if there’s irritation and fluid in the knee, due to a previous knee injury it can continue the cycle of pain and dysfunction.
If you’ve had a niggle for a few weeks in a specific spot in your knee and it hasn’t gone away. Maybe if anything it’s getting more noticeable. Then we need to see you for Knee Physio. These small issues can cause long-term damage to your body (and soul).
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You my friend, need to get your butt in here asap and see one a Knee Physiotherapist. There’s no point having surgery if you don’t do rehabilitation. Who said that you ask? Moses or Confucius did. Surgery without Physiotherapy is like Melbourne without hail in the summer.
We work with all major knee surgeons in Melbourne (more info below) and can help you recover with a long term plan whilst we communicate with your surgeon to keep them updated of your progress.
If you fit into any, or multiple categories here, continue to step two below. If you fit into all three, lord have mercy.
Step two: Book in to see a Knee Physio in Melbourne
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There are two types of Initial Assessments.
A face to face 45-minute session with a Knee Physio at our Physiotherapy clinic. They will talk to you, ask you questions, look at the issue, quickly discuss the weather, palpate and feel around the knee, give hands-on initial treatment (massage, dry needling ect) if they believe it will help, your Knee Specialist will diagnose the issue for you and build a plan long term to get you pain-free and firing on all cylinders. This is by far the best option if you can make it in.
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A 15-minute telehealth session via the old Zoom where we can get an idea from you on what’s going on. From this, we should have a good idea if a Knee Specialist will suit you
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You can book here or using the button below. We have Physio’s working at varying hours. We are popular so sometimes you will have to book in advance, but if you’re in severe pain, give us a call at (03) 9100 3798, and we will try to fit you in.
Melbourne Knee Group Team is here
We have a price page here
However, Initial face-to-face Knee Physiotherapy Assessments are $175
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By Far, the Easiest way is to Book Online via the button below. You can find a time, see the teeth of the practitioner you like, and organise the session to suit you.
If you’d like to call, you can do so on the telephone, (03) 9100 3798, although we manage our own phone. We don’t have any cold reception staff. So if we don’t pick up, it’s because we’re treating. We’ll get back to you if you leave a message.
Alternatively, if there are no times that fit you. Send us an email at info@evolutio.com.au and we’ll give you a callback asap to have a chat
Once you’ve booked in, continue to step three. If you haven’t booked, go back to step two, rinse and repeat
Step Three: Come in for your Initial Knee Physiotherapy Session
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Once you’ve booked in, you’ll receive a confirmation email. In this email, we will give you our secret location.
We’ll also send you a link where you can fill in some more information that your Physical therapist will only see.
You’ll find our Knee Specialist clinic in a set of office units on the corner of Bromham Place in Richmond. From outside, there is a blue Evolutio sign outside our door.
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You’ll think you’ve walked into the set of when Harry met Sally. Our clinic waiting room is here to your left. A large wooden table that we made from reclaimed wood. Have a seat here and your Physio will be with you shortly.
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You can expect that you’ll feel comfortable, there might be unique trip hop music in the background, but we are a highly experienced Shoulder Physio team, who can help you in your recovery from varying sports and high level activities.
We’ll Utilise Our 80 square metre Gym, VALD Testing Equipment, Our minds, and Moccomaster coffee machine to look after you.
Step Four: After your Knee Physiotherapy Session
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Elated, Ecstatic, Euphoric. In all seriousness, you should feel supported, listened to, and understood by your physio, furthermore, you should have a clear understanding of what’s happened or what is going to happen moving forward with your knee rehab.
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You’ll receive an email from your Knee Physiotherapist within two days of your appointment, with a summary of the session, what they found, a diagnosis if it’s possible this early on (sometimes this is tough after one session), and a plan to get you better, with what you need to do, how often you will need to come in and a timeframe for when we think you will be better.
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If you have any questions at all. It’s best to email your physio directly. They will help clear that up, if you weren’t happy or completely satisfied, feel free to touch base with Phill via phill@evolutio.com.au to raise any concerns you have about your session.
Should I see a Knee Physio?
Knee Pain can be astonishingly frustrating to understand and put up with. Specifically, knee pain that develops over time. The reason you should see a specialist knee physio for your knee pain is that to understand knee pain and the causes of that pain, a Knee Physio needs to work like a detective in understanding and assessing your body, from your waist and lower back, through to your hips and your feet and biomechanics. Only then, combined with a detailed medical history, can a knee specialist understand why your pain has developed.
Our knee physiotherapists at our specialised knee physio clinic, bring extensive experience in treating all knee injuries, with a focus on strength training. Firstly, our knee physiotherapists conduct a thorough assessment to identify the root cause of the knee pain. This knee assessment may include examining the patient's posture, joint range of motion, muscle strength, and contributing factors, such as muscle imbalances or improper biomechanics. The physiotherapist can develop a tailored treatment plan by pinpointing the underlying issues.
Secondly, our knee physio’s utilise various techniques to address knee pain and its underlying causes. This often includes a combination of exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, improve flexibility, and correct any imbalances. Manual therapies such as joint mobilisation and soft tissue manipulation may also reduce pain and improve joint function. Additionally, they may provide education on proper body mechanics and techniques to prevent further knee injuries, ensuring patients have the knowledge and tools to manage their condition effectively.
Lastly, our knee physio’s focus on overall rehabilitation and functional improvement. They guide patients through a progressive exercise program, monitor their progress, and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. They also help patients regain confidence in their knee's stability and function, allowing them to return to their desired level of activity and daily life without experiencing ongoing pain. A knee physiotherapist aims to empower individuals with knee pain to achieve long-term pain relief and improved quality of life through targeted, evidence-based interventions and guidance.
What can cause Acute Knee Pain?
Acute knee injuries are sudden and often result from trauma or a sudden impact to the knee joint. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a common acute knee injury. This injury frequently occurs during activities that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, or direct blows to the knee. The ACL is a crucial ligament that helps stabilize the knee joint, and its injury can lead to instability, swelling, and limited range of motion.
Another prevalent acute knee injury is the meniscus tear. The menisci are C-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as shock absorbers in the knee joint. A sudden twist or rotation of the knee, especially while bearing weight, can cause a tear in the meniscus. This injury often results in pain, swelling, and difficulty fully extending or flexing the knee.
Patellar dislocation is also a common acute knee injury, particularly in activities that involve sudden changes in direction or direct impact to the knee. This injury occurs when the patella (kneecap) is forced out of its normal position within the patellofemoral groove. Patellar dislocation can cause immediate pain, swelling, and instability in the knee joint.
Prompt evaluation and treatment by a healthcare professional, often involving imaging studies like MRI, are essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of these acute knee injuries. Early intervention and a comprehensive rehabilitation plan guided by a healthcare provider, such as a physiotherapist, can contribute to a more effective recovery and reduced long-term complications.
What are the Common Knee Injuries that a Knee Physio can help?
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ACL tears are prevalent in sports like AFL, soccer, basketball, football, and skiing. This injury often occurs during rapid changes in direction or sudden stops. Symptoms include swelling, instability, and significant pain.
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MCL injuries are common in sports with high risk of collisions or tackles, such as football and hockey. This ligament, located on the inner side of the knee, can become sprained or torn, leading to pain and instability.
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Posterior Cruciate Ligament injuries are less common but can occur in high-impact sports like football or motor vehicle accidents. These injuries often cause posterior knee pain and instability.
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Meniscus tears can occur during activities that involve landing, twisting or sudden changes in direction, like AFL, soccer, basketball, and gymnastics. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and difficulty bending or straightening the knee. There more info below on these injuries
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Often referred to as "jumper's knee," this condition is common in sports that involve jumping and repeated knee extension, such as basketball and volleyball. It leads to pain just below the kneecap.
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Iliotibial Band Syndrome is frequently seen in runners and cyclists. It involves inflammation of the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue that runs along the outer thigh and attaches to the knee. ITBS can cause pain on the outside of the knee.
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Athletes, particularly those in sports that involve sudden direction changes, may experience patellar dislocation or subluxation, where the kneecap moves out of its normal position, causing pain and instability.
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This condition primarily affects adolescents involved in running or jumping sports. It leads to pain, swelling, and a bony bump just below the knee joint due to irritation at the growth plate. You can read more about Osgood Schlatter disease here.
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Overuse or repetitive stress on the knee can lead to stress fractures in the bones of the knee, such as the patella or tibia. These are common in sports that involve running, especially in long-distance runners.
What is a Knee Meniscus Tear and How can a Knee Physiotherapist help
A knee meniscus tear is a common injury involving the cartilage in the knee joint, known as the meniscus. The meniscus acts as a cushion and stabiliser, absorbing shock and providing smooth movement in the knee. Meniscus tears often occur due to sudden twisting or rotating movements, seen in sports or activities that involve such motions. They can also result from degenerative changes in the knee as a person ages. When the meniscus tears, it can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the knee. The severity of the tear can vary from small, stable tears to larger, more complex tears that impair the knee's function.
A meniscus physio plays a crucial role in the treatment of meniscus tears. Their approach focuses on reducing pain swelling and restoring the knee's functionality. Treatment often begins with pain management techniques, such as ice therapy, to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Physiotherapists guide patients through exercises to improve the knee's range of motion and strength. These exercises include passive and active range of motion exercises to enhance flexibility and specific muscle-strengthening exercises targeting the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles. Balance and proprioception training are also incorporated to improve stability and reduce the risk of future injuries.
A practitioner also employs manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue massage and joint mobilisation, to alleviate muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and reduce stiffness in the knee. Education plays a vital role in the treatment process, with physiotherapists guiding proper body mechanics and posture to prevent further strain on the knee. Patients are often given personalised home exercise programs to continue their rehabilitation between physiotherapy sessions. Meniscus Physiotherapy aims to help individuals regain optimal function, reduce pain, and gradually return to normal activities, ensuring a safe and effective recovery from a knee meniscus tear.
