Knee Pain: What Causes It and How Physiotherapy in Calgary Can Help

Knee pain can strike anyone—from active adults and weekend warriors to office workers and

retirees. Whether it’s sharp discomfort going down stairs, stiffness in the morning, or swelling

after a long walk, knee pain can seriously limit your mobility and independence.

At our Calgary physiotherapy clinic on MacLeod Trail, we treat the root cause of your knee

issues using evidence-based, personalized care plans. Our goal is to help you move better and

return to the activities you love—pain-free.

Common Causes of Knee Pain in Adults

We see a wide range of knee issues at our South Calgary physiotherapy clinic, including:

1. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)

• Pain behind or around the kneecap

• Worsens with stairs, squatting, or prolonged sitting

• Often linked to poor alignment or muscle imbalances

2. Knee Osteoarthritis

• Degeneration of cartilage and joint space narrowing

• Stiffness and deep aching pain, especially after activity or in the morning

• Affects 1 in 5 adults over age 45 (Zhang et al., 2008)

3. Meniscus Tears

• Cartilage damage from trauma or age-related degeneration

• Clicking, locking, or instability during movement

• May cause swelling or a “giving way” sensation

4. Ligament Sprains (ACL, MCL)

• Sudden injuries during sports or twisting motions

• Pain, swelling, and instability

• Requires early rehab to restore function and prevent re-injury

5. Tendinopathies (e.g., Jumper’s Knee)

• Overuse injuries of the patellar or quadriceps tendon

• Pain at the tendon’s attachment, worsens with jumping or running

6. Referred Pain from Hips or Low Back

• Biomechanical dysfunction elsewhere may lead to knee overloading

How Physiotherapy at MacLeod Trail Helps Knee Pain

At 8989 MacLeod Trail SW, we use a thorough, science-driven process to assess, treat, and

prevent knee pain.

1. Detailed Physiotherapy Assessment

We assess your:

• Range of motion

• Muscle strength and flexibility

• Walking pattern (gait)

• Joint mobility and movement control

• Functional testing for stairs, squats, and sport

2. Hands-On Manual Therapy

To reduce stiffness, release muscle tension, and improve knee joint alignment through

mobilizations and soft tissue techniques.

3. Targeted Exercise Programs

Your plan may include:

• Glute and quad strengthening (critical for knee tracking)

• Hamstring and calf flexibility

• Single-leg balance and control

• Step-down and squat retraining

4. Neuromuscular Re-Education

We retrain movement patterns to reduce joint stress and build coordination through guided,

functional exercises.

6. Education & Load Management

We’ll help you understand how to pace activities, modify daily habits, and prevent flare-ups—so

you stay active safely.

Why Early Treatment Is Key

Ignoring knee pain can lead to worsening cartilage wear, chronic inflammation, or secondary

injuries in the hip, ankle, or spine. Early physiotherapy improves healing, restores function

faster, and reduces long-term damage (van Ginckel et al., 2010).

Trusted Knee Pain Physio in South Calgary

From Kingsland to Acadia and Haysboro, our clinic is easily accessible at 8989 MacLeod

Trail SW. We offer compassionate care and tailored treatment plans that help our patients of all

ages overcome knee pain and return to daily life confidently.

Book Your Knee Assessment Today

Don’t wait for your knee to get worse. At Panther Sports Medicine – MacLeod Trail, we help

Calgarians get back to walking, climbing, and moving with ease.

Related Services:

• ACL Rehabilitation Calgary

• Physiotherapy for Osteoarthritis

• Dry Needling for Knee Pain

References

 Zhang W, et al. (2008). OARSI recommendations for the management of hip and knee

osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage.

 van Ginckel A, et al. (2010). Intrinsic gait-related risk factors for patellofemoral pain in

novice runners: prospective cohort study. BMJ Open.

 Davis IS, et al. (2015). Mechanisms of patellofemoral pain: prospective studies in

runners. Sports Med.