Knee pain can make even the simplest activities feel difficult. Whether you're an athlete looking to return to competition, someone recovering from an injury, or simply finding stairs and daily movement more challenging than they used to be, our team is here to help.

At Great North Physiotherapy, we take the time to understand the cause of your knee pain. Every assessment is one-on-one and tailored to your goals, so we can develop a treatment plan that helps you move with confidence again.

With locations in St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake, we work with everyone from competitive athletes to active adults and seniors.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

Knee pain can develop for many reasons, including:

  • Sports injuries
  • Running injuries
  • Arthritis
  • Meniscus injuries
  • ACL injuries
  • MCL injuries
  • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee)
  • Tendon irritation
  • Muscle weakness
  • Overuse injuries
  • Poor movement mechanics
  • Previous surgery

A thorough assessment helps us determine the true source of your pain so treatment can be targeted appropriately.

Symptoms We Commonly Treat

Our physiotherapists regularly help people experiencing:

  • Pain when walking
  • Pain with stairs
  • Swelling
  • Knee instability
  • Clicking or catching
  • Difficulty squatting
  • Pain while running
  • Difficulty returning to sport
  • Stiffness after sitting
  • Reduced mobility

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Treatment may include:

Hands-on manual therapy

Exercise prescription

Strength and stability training

Balance training

Return-to-running programs

Return-to-sport rehabilitation

Athletic taping

Bracing recommendations

Dry needling (IMS), when appropriate

Every program is customized to your injury, activity level, and goals.

Common Knee Conditions We Treat

  • ACL Injuries
  • MCL Injuries
  • Meniscus Tears
  • Runner's Knee
  • Patellar Tendinitis
  • IT Band Syndrome
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Knee Sprains
  • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Why Choose Great North Physiotherapy?

Our approach goes beyond reducing pain—we focus on helping you return to the activities that matter most.

Our team provides:

  • One-on-one treatment sessions
  • Evidence-informed care
  • Individualized rehabilitation plans
  • Sports injury expertise
  • Return-to-sport programming
  • Convenient online booking
  • Direct billing available
  • Two Niagara locations

Whether your goal is climbing stairs comfortably or getting back on the field, we'll work with you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I see a physiotherapist for knee pain?

If your knee pain is limiting your daily activities, affecting your sport, or isn't improving with rest, a physiotherapy assessment can help identify the cause and guide the right treatment plan.

Can physiotherapy help arthritis?

Yes. Physiotherapy can help improve strength, mobility, and function while reducing pain associated with osteoarthritis and other degenerative conditions.

Do I need imaging before starting physiotherapy?

In many cases, no. A physiotherapist can assess your knee and determine whether imaging or referral to another healthcare provider is appropriate.

How many visits will I need?

This depends on the nature of your injury, your goals, and how long you've been experiencing symptoms. Your physiotherapist will discuss an individualized treatment plan during your assessment.

Ready to Get Moving Again?

If knee pain is preventing you from enjoying your favourite activities, we're here to help.

Book an assessment with one of our physiotherapists in St. Catharines or Niagara-on-the-Lake and let's get you moving with confidence again.