Skip to main content

Knee physiotherapy

Targeted physiotherapy to restore movement and function to your knee

clinician performing physiotherapy on knee patient
Physiotherapy is a highly effective form of physical treatment to help restore, maintain, and improve your overall function and mobility. Physiotherapists are trained to understand your everyday movement and help you protect and maintain an active and independent life. Physiotherapy can treat a range of joint and muscle problems caused by conditions and injuries, including knee arthritis or a dislocated knee.

Knee pain can affect you in many ways, stopping you from partaking in your favourite sport or hobbies, impacting how well you sleep, and even limiting your ability to perform everyday activities and household tasks. Although living with knee pain can be difficult, there are many treatment options available to help you manage your pain. Physiotherapy exercises for knee pain can significantly improve your pain and mobility and help you get back to everyday as well as more high-impact activities like running and playing sport.

At Circle Health Group, we have a large network of chartered physiotherapists offering tailored physiotherapy for knee pain - building your programme for you, then helping you follow it properly at home as well as during your sessions for the best possible results. We also have a range of physiotherapy units, gyms, and facilities with cutting-edge equipment across our hospitals to aid your sessions and get you back doing what you love as quickly as possible.

To find the right physiotherapist for you, or to speak with one of our friendly advisors about physiotherapy for your knee in more detail, call us today.

The cost of physiotherapy starts from £64 for your first appointment.* This is based on a 45-minute appointment and includes a full assessment and treatment plan.

The cost of follow-up appointments starts from £50.*

The cost of your total physiotherapy treatment will depend on various factors such as your condition, how many sessions you need and what type of treatment you are recommended. Some of our specialist treatments, such as steroid injection therapy, are priced separately, however you will be informed of any additional charges as part of your treatment planning. Your physiotherapist will always discuss your treatment options with you.

*This is a guide price and may vary. You'll be told the exact cost before you book.

You might need physiotherapy to manage if you have any of the following conditions that can affect your knee:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis in your knee occurs when the smooth, protective cartilage across the surface of your knee wears down over time. You'll sometimes hear it referred to as wear and tear arthritis, and it's more common the older we get. The wear and tear can make your joints very painful and stiff and can really reduce your span of movement. This is the most common type of arthritis in the world and it is one of the most common reasons why you might have physiotherapy. Osteoarthritis commonly occurs in the knee, making it difficult to walk and move with ease, but physiotherapy exercises can help significantly reduce pain and stiffness in your knee, so you can move with ease again.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) currently affects more than 400,000 people in the UK. It is an inflammatory joint condition caused by an autoimmune process, which happens when your body attacks its healthy cells by mistake. This often causes pain, swelling, and inflammation in your joints. Joints affected by RA are commonly surrounded by inflamed tissue, which often results in chronic pain.

A fracture

This can happen due to a bad fall or a direct blow to your knee, causing one of the bones in your knee to crack and break. Your knee can also dislocate, which occurs when your knee moves out of its original place. A dislocated kneecap often moves back into place by itself, or you might need your doctor to move it back for you. They will do this gently and offer you a local anaesthetic to numb your knee, ensuring you don't feel any pain. Following this, you might be offered physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around your knee and restore mobility to your knee.

Bursitis

Bursitis happens when the fluid filled sacs (known as bursa) that cushion and protect your joints become inflamed. This can result in pain and swelling in your joints. Usually it presents as a dull, aching pain that persists even when you take traditional painkillers or try gentle stretching. Physiotherapy for knee bursitis is a highly effective form of treatment to help you manage your pain and recover quickly from issues caused by bursitis.

Knee tendonitis

A tendon is the anatomical term used for the connective tissue which binds muscles to their attachments. Tendonitis is a familiar term used to describe pain and inflammation in any tendon. Tendinitis is also referred to as tendinopathy. Tendonitis in your knee can cause tenderness, pain that worsens at night, and severe swelling.

If you have chronic knee pain caused by a condition such as severe arthritis, you might need a knee replacement to remove and replace your damaged knee with an artificial implant (also known as a prosthesis).

Physiotherapy after knee surgery is a highly effective way of recovering faster from surgery and preventing further damage and injury to your knee in the future. You will work with your physiotherapist throughout a series of sessions to achieve fantastic results and get back to using your knee freely and without pain as soon as possible.

There are many types of physiotherapy for knee pain, including:

  • Exercises (you will be assigned specialist physiotherapist knee exercises to follow at home and during sessions)
  • Electrotherapy
  • ESWT
  • Acupuncture
  • Steroid injection therapy
  • Phits 3D printed insoles
  • Alter G treadmill (some of our hospitals are fully equipped with Alter G treadmills, advanced treadmills to help support your weight while walking or running)

Your physiotherapist will explain which form of treatment is the best for you before they begin building your bespoke treatment plan.

When you choose to go private for physiotherapy with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

  • Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule with the best dedicated physiotherapist for you
  • Bespoke physiotherapy programmes tailored to your individual needs
  • Exceptional facilities and the latest technology and equipment to help you get the most out of physiotherapy
  • Expert and care and advice from the same specialist who will support you throughout your journey, from beginning to end
  • Seamless onward referrals should you need further specialist treatment

If you want to know more physiotherapy for knee pain and find out if it's the right treatment for you, call a member of our team directly to book your appointment today.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in June 2023. Next review due June 2026.

  1. Knee pain, NHS
  2. Knee pain and problems, Johns Hopkins
  3. Knee pain and arthritis Arthritis Foundation
  4. Knee pain, The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
i