Knee pain physiotherapy.
Knee pain is not a single condition. It is a family of distinct presentations that require different treatment. Patellofemoral pain, patellar tendinopathy, knee osteoarthritis, IT band syndrome, and meniscal irritation all present at the knee but demand separate approaches. Correct diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment, and it is where every patient at Motion Theory begins.
Who It's For
Patients with knee pain from any cause including running injuries, sport-related trauma, post-surgical stiffness, age-related osteoarthritis, or occupational loading. Includes both acute and chronic presentations.
What We Assess
Our knee assessment covers joint-line palpation, patellofemoral tracking, ligament stability, meniscal provocation, quadriceps and hamstring strength testing, and lower limb biomechanical analysis. We identify the specific driver before prescribing any exercises.
Treatment Approach
Treatment targets the specific presentation. Patellofemoral pain receives hip and quadriceps strengthening with movement retraining. Tendinopathy follows a progressive loading protocol. OA-related knee pain is managed with load optimization and progressive strengthening to offload the joint surface. Post-surgical knees follow protocol-specific timelines.
Recovery Pathway
Load Management & Diagnosis
Reduce the provocative load, identify the specific knee pain driver, and begin targeted strength work within comfortable range.
Strength & Mechanics
Quadriceps, hamstring, glute, and hip strengthening matched to your specific presentation and loading demands.
Return to Activity
Recreational and occupational demand reintegration with objective symmetry and strength testing before full clearance.
Clinic Location & Access
Located at 1367 West Broadway in Vancouver, Motion Theory is situated in the Fairview medical corridor, in close proximity to Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). We serve patients from Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and the broader Metro Vancouver area.
Common Questions
Should I avoid all sport while my knee hurts?
Only the specific activities provoking significant pain need to be modified. Most knee pain presentations allow continued exercise with load adjustments. Complete rest is rarely the right answer.
I was told I have chondromalacia. What does that mean?
Chondromalacia describes softening of the cartilage under the patella. Strengthening the structures around the knee, particularly the VMO and hip abductors, reduces cartilage load and consistently resolves symptoms.
Can physiotherapy delay or prevent knee replacement surgery?
Yes. Strong evidence supports that a structured physiotherapy program can delay or in some cases prevent the need for knee replacement, particularly in early-to-mid stage osteoarthritis.
Related Services
Registered Clinicians
All practitioners are registered with their respective provincial colleges in British Columbia.
Evidence-Based
Treatment protocols are grounded in current peer-reviewed literature and clinical guidelines.
Direct Billing
Available for ICBC claims and most major extended health benefit providers.