Understanding Knee Injuries in Sports

Knee injuries are among the most common and frustrating setbacks for athletes. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional competitor, the knee is under constant strain from running, jumping, cutting, and pivoting. A sudden twist, an awkward landing, or even repetitive overuse can result in significant pain and dysfunction.

The good news? With the right approach to rehabilitation, you can recover stronger than before and minimize the risk of future injuries. At RPM Physical Therapy, we specialize in hands-on, cutting-edge treatments designed to get athletes back in the game safely and efficiently.

Common Knee Injuries in Athletes

ACL Tears – The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is crucial for knee stability. Sudden stops, changes in direction, and direct impact can lead to partial or complete tears, often requiring surgical intervention and extensive rehabilitation.

Meniscus Tears – The meniscus acts as a shock absorber in the knee. Athletes who twist or pivot with force can tear this cartilage, leading to pain, swelling, and limited movement.

Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee) – Overuse from repeated jumping and sprinting can inflame the patellar tendon, causing pain just below the kneecap.

IT Band Syndrome – Common in runners and cyclists, irritation of the iliotibial (IT) band causes pain on the outer knee, often due to muscle imbalances or improper movement mechanics.

MCL and LCL Sprains – Medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries occur from direct impact to the inner or outer knee, often seen in contact sports.

The RPM Approach to Knee Rehabilitation

Traditional rehabilitation methods often rely heavily on generic stretching and exercises that don’t fully address the underlying issue. At RPM Physical Therapy, we take a different approach:

1. Hands-On Manual Therapy

Many athletes experience stiffness and restricted movement post-injury. Through joint manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, and targeted massage, we restore optimal knee function faster than traditional exercise alone.

2. Advanced Mobility and Strength Training

Rebuilding knee stability requires more than just basic strengthening. Our programs emphasize:

Functional movement retraining to ensure proper biomechanics.

Eccentric strengthening to improve tendon resilience and prevent re-injury.

Proprioceptive training (balance and coordination) to enhance stability and reduce the risk of another injury.

3. Dry Needling for Pain Relief and Muscle Activation

Many athletes suffer from tight, overactive muscles that contribute to knee pain. Dry needling helps release trigger points, reduce inflammation, and restore muscle function—leading to faster pain relief and recovery.

4. Personalized Return-to-Sport Programs

A safe return to competition isn’t just about pain reduction—it’s about confidence. We integrate sport-specific drills and progressive loading to ensure you’re fully prepared to get back to 100%.

Preventing Future Knee Injuries

Once you’ve recovered, staying injury-free is key. Here are some essential strategies:

Strengthen the entire kinetic chain – The hips, glutes, and core all play a role in knee stability. Weakness in these areas increases stress on the knee.

Improve flexibility and mobility – Tight quads, hamstrings, and hip flexors can contribute to poor movement mechanics.

Focus on proper landing and cutting techniques – Many knee injuries occur due to poor form during jumps or sudden direction changes.

Listen to your body – Don’t ignore pain or discomfort; early intervention can prevent minor issues from turning into major injuries.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Knee injuries don’t have to sideline you indefinitely. At RPM Physical Therapy, we help athletes recover faster, move better, and return stronger. If you’re struggling with knee pain or recovering from an injury, contact us today to schedule an evaluation.

Let’s get you back in the game—stronger and more resilient than ever!