The knee is a dynamic hinge joint that absorbs tremendous force during walking, running, jumping, and squatting. It relies on a delicate balance of ligamentous stability, muscular strength, meniscal integrity, and joint alignment. Knee pain can arise from trauma, overuse, mechanical imbalance, or degenerative changes — often affecting both mobility and confidence in movement.
At the Performance Medicine Institute, we take a comprehensive, activity-informed approach to diagnosing and managing knee pain. Our evaluations include movement screening, joint integrity testing, diagnostic ultrasound, and functional strength assessment. Treatment may include manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, dry needling, blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy, regenerative injections, and high-intensity laser therapy to reduce pain and accelerate healing. We treat a wide range of knee conditions, including:
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears
Did you know that up to 80% of patients with ACL tears don't need to undergo surgical repair? In fact, the process of surgically repairing the ACL causes extensive damage to the cartilage in the knee joint and extensive muscle atrophy, which can lead to permanent weakness of the knee joint and a high likelihood of painful osteoarthritis. By taking a non-surgical approach to treating ACL tears, we are able to restore function and prevent pain. Our protocol is based on extensive scientific studies, including ones published by our team, as well as advanced rehabilitation protocols from leading European and Australian sports medicine institutions and sports teams. We help patients return to doing the activities they love to do quicker than surgery, with improved function and less out of pocket cost.
Other Knee Ligament Injuries
In addition to ACL, we also treat injuries to the other knee ligaments, the medical collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Ligament injuries range from mild sprains to complete ruptures and are common in cutting, pivoting, or contact sports. Symptoms may include instability, swelling, and pain with weight-bearing. We provide both pre-operative and post-operative rehab, sport-specific movement training, and laser therapy to support graft healing and tissue recovery.
Meniscus Tears
The menisci are crescent-shaped cartilage pads that cushion and stabilize the knee. Tears may result from twisting injuries or degenerative changes and can cause joint locking, clicking, or swelling. Treatment includes conservative management for stable tears or post-surgical rehabilitation when needed, supported by laser therapy to improve tissue healing and reduce inflammation.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)
This condition involves pain around or behind the kneecap, often worsened by squatting, stairs, or prolonged sitting. It’s frequently linked to abnormal tracking of the patella due to muscular imbalances or biomechanical faults. We focus on correcting movement mechanics, strengthening the hip and quad, and using laser therapy to calm irritated tissues.
Patellar Tendinitis / Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
Overuse of the extensor mechanism, especially in jumping sports, can lead to patellar tendon irritation and pain below the kneecap. Early management includes activity modification, tendon loading protocols, eccentric training, and laser therapy to promote tendon remodeling and reduce chronic inflammation.
Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome
Common in runners and cyclists, IT band syndrome presents as lateral knee pain caused by friction between the band and femoral condyle. Treatment includes myofascial release, gluteal strengthening, gait retraining, and laser therapy to reduce inflammation and promote tissue normalization.
Knee Osteoarthritis
Degenerative changes in the joint cartilage can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Our goal is joint preservation and function restoration through strengthening, viscosupplementation, biomechanical correction, and class IV laser therapy to improve pain and inflammation without surgery. In some cases, muscle anabolic therapies can be used.
Bursitis (Prepatellar, Pes Anserine) and Fat Pad Inflammation
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction in the knee, and the fat pads help to cushion the large tendons of the knee. When inflamed, they can cause localized pain, warmth, and swelling. This often results from repetitive kneeling, overuse, or trauma. We manage bursitis with offloading, soft tissue work, injection therapy, and laser application to accelerate resolution.
Quadriceps and Hamstring Strains
Muscle injuries of the thigh can affect performance, sprinting, and return-to-play timelines. We use a phase-based rehabilitation model including eccentric loading, movement drills, biological therapies, and laser therapy to optimize muscle healing and restore explosive strength. Muscle anabolic therapies can also be used in select patients.