I Hurt My Knee A While Back... But It Still Kinda Bothers Me

Does your knee still bother you even months or years after the initial injury?

Does your leg go all the way straight like it used too or like the other one?

Often, patients come in and tell us they’ve had a knee injury in the past but “it just kind of got better.” I’m glad that it felt better but sometimes we lose the ability to have the full range of motion of the knee (i.e. does it bend/straighten all the way like it should).

Now, that may not seem like a big issue because you can perform all your daily activities right?

Wrong! Without having the full range of motion in your knee you make up for it in other places. Sometimes your ankle/foot or hip start to hurt because the knee isn’t doing what it’s supposed to be doing.

What’s important to realize is that without proper mobility (movement) we can’t perform daily tasks/exercises the way they are meant. If we are lacking mobility at one joint, our bodies will magically find a way to make up for that but it will not be the most efficient solution in the long run! 

So, does all this mean that you are doomed?

Not at all! What I will tell you though is that often exercise alone isn’t enough. Sometimes you need hands-on care to help you regain that lost mobility. With hands-on care from physical therapists, chiropractors and therapeutic exercise you are more likely to regain that range of motion and then can increase strength training.

Always make sure you have good mobility BEFORE strength training!

If you have any questions about your current knee pain or aftermath from a previous injury that you’re dealing with, all you have to do is ask!

Dr. Mary Claire Malooly (Physical Therapist/Athletic Trainer)