5 physical therapy treatments that may improve sharp pain in the kneecap

Approximately 25% of adults in the U.S. have experienced knee pain that impacts their knee function. Sometimes this discomfort can be felt in the kneecap. Minor injuries may be the culprit of sharp kneecap pain, but this sharp pain can be a sign of a serious condition. 

Fortunately, physical therapy can reduce inflammation and improve range of motion, which can help alleviate kneecap pain. Knowing what’s behind your kneecap pain can help guide your treatment.

Let’s explore five physical therapy treatments that may improve sharp pain in the kneecap.

What causes sharp pain in the kneecap?

Many issues can cause sharp pain in the kneecap, including overuse, fractures or injuries. While this pain is common, it could be a sign of a torn ligament or dislocation. 

Some of the common causes of sharp kneecap pain include:

1. Patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee)

This condition occurs when the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone, becomes inflamed. Repeated strain on this tendon can cause this injury. It’s common for athletes to experience this condition, especially those who engage in repetitious movements like jumping and running. Pain and soreness are common symptoms of patellar tendinitis, which can be triggered by bending the knee.

2. Chondromalacia patella 

This condition is caused by repetitive stress or misalignment of the kneecap. When cartilage on the back of the kneecap becomes soft or damaged, it can become painful, which often causes grinding or popping sensations. Overusing the knee, injuries and prolonged sitting can trigger these symptoms. 

3. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee)

This condition causes pain around and in front of the kneecap. Also known as runner’s knee, this knee condition occurs from the repetitive process of bending and straightening the knee. Activities like running, jumping and climbing the stairs can trigger the pain.

4. Ligament injuries 

These injuries are known for stabbing pain that comes from sprains or tears in ligaments that support the knee. ACL injuries are a common example. Tears in this ligament can lead to a sudden, sharp pain in front of the knee and cause popping and swelling. Causes for ligament injuries include overuse, sudden twisting or a direct blow to the knee. 

5 physical therapy treatments that may improve sharp kneecap pain

Physical therapy can address kneecap pain by strengthening the muscles around the knee and improving mobility. 

Here are five physical therapy treatments that may improve sharp kneecap pain:

1. Manual therapy 

With manual therapy, physical therapists use a hands-on treatment approach to help treat pain and improve mobility. This process involves the therapist using their hands to manipulate the muscles and joints, treating the musculoskeletal issues that are the underlying cause of sharp knee pain.

Examples of manual therapy include:

• Joint mobilization

By using hands-on methods to apply different pressures and movements to the joints, this type of manual therapy can help improve joint function and mobility, reducing pain. Patellar mobilization is a type of joint mobilization designed to restore mobility and alleviate pain in the kneecap.

• Soft tissue mobilization

During soft tissue mobilization, a physical therapist uses hands-on techniques and special tools to manipulate soft tissues. By addressing muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves, this therapy can help breakdown scar tissue, decrease pain and improve mobility. Soft tissue mobilization can reduce pain and improve range of motion in the kneecap.

2. Strengthening exercises

By building strength in the muscles around the knee, strengthening exercises can help reduce pain. When the muscles around the kneecap get stronger, they help protect the kneecap, reducing strain when it moves. It also improves kneecap stability, which can ease pain and prevent further injury. Examples of strengthening exercises include leg raises, squats and hamstring curls.

3. Coordination training

Throughout coordination training, you perform exercises designed to help improve balance and agility. Coordination training can help your body move more smoothly by enhancing your coordination with different body parts. It can ease kneecap pain by strengthening muscles around the kneecap and distributing weight more evenly, which reduces strain. By improving your balance, it can reduce your risk of further injuries. 

4. Taping and bracing

By taping and bracing your knee, your physical therapist can help support your kneecap. Braces can help limit excessive movements and prevent injuries, while taping offers more flexibility. These treatments can be combined to reduce strain and pain on your knee cap. An experienced physical therapist can help you identify the cause of your knee cap pain and determine your best treatment plan.

5. Ice and heat therapy

By reducing inflammation and stiffness in the kneecap, ice and heat therapy can help to alleviate your pain. Ice can cause blood vessels to constrict, which temporarily decreases blood flow and can reduce inflammation and pain. Heat increases blood flow, helping oxygen and nutrients go to the tissues. This process helps promote healing, making it easier for the knee cap to move. Switching between ice and heat helps pump inflammation out of the knee.

Find help easing your sharp knee pain at KC Rehab

Whether your sharp kneecap pain is from overuse, injury, or another underlying cause, physical therapy can help ease your pain. By building muscle strength, you can develop stronger muscles that can support your knee. Improving your coordination can help reduce your risk of falling and worsening your knee pain. A physical therapist can work with you to personalize your treatment to help you feel better and move better. 

At KC Rehab, we can help ease your sharp kneecap pain. Our experienced team can identify the cause of your pain and the treatments that can alleviate it on your path to recovery.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.