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Knee Sprains/Strains
Knee sprains involve overstretching or tearing of ligaments around the knee; strains involve the muscles or tendons—such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, or calf. These injuries can occur with a twist, fall, sudden change of direction, or overuse from running or sport. Pain, swelling, and stiffness can make it hard to walk, climb stairs, or bend the knee comfortably. Physical therapy can help you recover and reduce the risk of re-injury.
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) recommends physical therapy as a first-line treatment for sprains and strains. At iMotion Physical Therapy in Fremont, Los Gatos & San Jose, our therapists evaluate your knee, hip, and ankle to create a plan that restores motion and strength so you can return to your daily activities and sport safely.
Common Causes And Symptoms Of Knee Sprains And Strains
- Twists, falls, or sudden direction changes — Common in sport or aily activity
- Overuse or repetitive motion — From running, jumping, or repeated knee loading
- Pain, swelling, or tenderness around the knee or in the thigh/calf
- Stiffness or weakness with walking, climbing stairs, or bending the knee
How does physical therapy help knee sprains/strains?
We assess which structures are involved, your range of motion, strength, and how you use your knee. Your plan may include:
- Pain and swelling management — Education on positioning, activity modification, and use of ice/heat as appropriate
- Gentle mobility work — To restore comfortable range of motion without overloading injured tissues
- Progressive strengthening — For the quadriceps, hamstrings, hip, and core
- Movement retraining — So you can walk, climb stairs, and return to sport or activity safely
Knee Sprain/Strain Rehab In Fremont, San Jose & Los Gatos
If a knee sprain or strain is limiting your daily activities or sport, contact iMotion Physical Therapy to request an appointment at our Fremont (Lake or Mowry), San Jose, or Los Gatos clinics. We'll help you recover and get back to pain-free movement.
