Knee Sprain / Strain

Knee pain after an accident sometimes gets attributed to “just being sore” or overshadowed by more obviously dramatic injuries elsewhere. But a knee sprain or strain that isn’t evaluated and treated properly tends to leave behind instability and compensation patterns that affect the hip and low back over time — the same chain-reaction problem we see with untreated ankle injuries.

• Swelling that may develop over the hours following the accident
• Bruising, especially over the kneecap in dashboard-impact injuries
• A sense of instability or the knee “giving way”
• Pain with weight-bearing or stair use
• Reduced range of motion in the days following the injury

We conduct a thorough evaluation to grade the injury, including specific ligament and meniscus testing, and rule out more significant structural damage — coordinating with imaging or orthopedic referral when a higher-grade injury is suspected.

Most knee sprains and strains from an accident respond very well to a structured program, particularly when they’re caught and treated early rather than dismissed as minor bruising that will work itself out.

• Evaluation to grade the injury and rule out more significant ligament or meniscus damage
• Soft tissue therapy and modalities to manage acute swelling and pain
• Progressive strengthening focused on the quad, hamstring, and hip control that stabilizes the knee
• Coordination with imaging or orthopedic referral when a higher-grade injury is suspected

Mild to moderate knee sprains and strains typically improve substantially within four to eight weeks with consistent care; higher-grade injuries may take longer and involve additional specialist coordination.

Most knee sprains and strains from an accident respond very well to a structured program, particularly when they’re caught and treated early rather than dismissed as minor bruising that will work itself out.