The knee is the largest joint of the body. It involves the interplay of many joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments for normal functional activities. Like the foot, its function is weight-bearing and locomotive. It needs to support the body weight, propel the body and adapt to the surrounding environment.

Signs and symptoms of the knee include: pain, stiffness, restriction, swelling, instability, catching, locking, clicking, weakness and deformity. These signs and symptoms are more often observed from and reported in the front and sides of the knee, but can radiate behind the knee as well as in the upper and lower leg.

These signs and symptoms can also originate from the lumbar spine and hip. This must be carefully distinguished with a complete physical therapy examination.

Diagnosis is your doctor's responsibility. Assessment and correct treatment is your physical therapist's responsibility.

Many diagnoses are assessed and treatable, including:

• Arthritis
• Quadriceps/hamstring tear or strain
• Ligament tear (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL)
• Meniscal or cartilage tear
• Patella-femoral joint dysfunction, mal-tracking
• Fractures-traumatic and stress
• Post Surgical reconstruction-Total knee replacement
• Tendinitis- patella, ITB
• Instability
• Osteochondritis dessicans
• Oshgood schlaters

Treatment and a specialized home program will be advised and instructed.

You have the right to see any physical therapist. A referral to Duffy & Bracken Physical Therapy can be obtained from your doctor. Please advise your doctor of our services.