Knee Pain Is Extremely Common — And Highly Treatable
Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a physical therapist. It affects people of all ages and activity levels, from young athletes to older adults with arthritis. At Longevity Rehab Center, we treat knee pain every day at our Vero Beach, Sebastian, and Wabasso locations — and we help many patients avoid surgery altogether.
Common Knee Conditions We Treat
- Knee osteoarthritis — cartilage wear causing pain, stiffness, and swelling; PT is often as effective as surgery
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) — "runner's knee"; pain around the kneecap with activity
- Meniscus tears — degenerative or traumatic tears of the knee cartilage
- ACL/PCL/MCL tears — ligament injuries from sports or trauma
- IT band syndrome — lateral knee pain common in runners and cyclists
- Patellar tendinopathy — "jumper's knee"; tendon pain below the kneecap
- Post-surgical knee rehab — following total knee replacement or arthroscopy
- Bursitis — inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs around the knee
Can Physical Therapy Replace Knee Surgery?
For many conditions — especially knee osteoarthritis and meniscus tears — research has shown that physical therapy produces outcomes equivalent to surgery, without the risks, costs, or recovery time. A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that physical therapy was as effective as arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritic knee pain. We always recommend exhausting conservative options before pursuing surgery.
Our Knee Rehabilitation Approach
- Quadriceps and hip strengthening — the most important factor in offloading the knee joint
- Neuromuscular training — improving joint position sense and dynamic stability
- Manual therapy — patellar mobilization, joint mobilization, and soft tissue work
- Gait retraining — correcting biomechanical patterns that increase knee stress
- Aquatic therapy — ideal for severe knee arthritis; nearly weightless exercise in our 92° West Vero Beach pool
- Bracing and taping — McConnell taping and unloader bracing when appropriate
After Total Knee Replacement
If you have already undergone or are planning total knee replacement surgery, physical therapy is absolutely essential for a successful outcome. We work closely with your orthopedic surgeon and follow evidence-based post-operative protocols to ensure you regain full range of motion, strength, and function.
Schedule a Knee Evaluation
Call Longevity Rehab Center at (772) 978-9750 for Vero Beach or (772) 581-8326 for Sebastian. Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield accepted.