Knee Pain Treatment for Runners, CrossFitters & Golfers
Knee pain almost always means the knee is absorbing forces it shouldn’t — from the hip, foot, or both. Dr. Matt identifies where the chain broke down and builds a plan that resolves the source, not just the symptom.
The Knee Is a Victim — Not the Cause
The knee is a hinge joint sitting between the hip and the ankle. When hip mobility or glute strength is deficient, and when the foot doesn’t control pronation properly, the knee absorbs rotational and valgus forces it isn’t designed to handle. The result is predictable breakdown patterns — IT band friction, patellar tracking problems, and medial compartment stress.
Treating the knee in isolation without addressing the hip and foot is why runner’s knee and IT band syndrome recur in so many athletes. The screen identifies exactly which link in the chain is driving the knee loading pattern.
- Patellofemoral pain (runner’s knee) — anterior knee pain with running, stairs, or squatting
- IT band syndrome — lateral knee pain that worsens with mileage
- Patellar tendinopathy — pain just below the kneecap, worse with loading and jumping
- Pes anserine bursitis — medial knee pain, common in runners and cyclists
- Meniscal irritation — joint line pain with deep flexion or twisting
- ACL/PCL post-surgical rehab — return-to-sport progressive loading
- Valgus collapse — knee caving during squat, deadlift, or landing patterns
How We Treat Knee Pain
Hip mobility and glute strength first — then soft tissue, then progressive loading of the repaired pattern.
Movement Screen
Single-leg stability, hip mobility, and foot mechanics assessed to identify the upstream source of knee loading.
ART — IT Band & Hip
Active Release Techniques targeting the TFL, IT band, lateral quadriceps, and hip external rotators driving the lateral load pattern.
Patellar Mobilization
Joint mobilization to restore normal patellar tracking and reduce compression against the femoral groove.
Hip & Glute Loading
Progressive single-leg and glute strengthening to absorb load the knee shouldn’t be handling — sent via app between sessions.
Knee Pain — Common Questions
Why does my IT band keep flaring up no matter what I do?
IT band syndrome recurs because most treatment targets the IT band itself — which is a thick fibrous tract, not a muscle, and can’t really be stretched or released meaningfully. The driver is almost always the TFL (tensor fasciae latae) at the hip, weak glutes, and limited hip internal rotation. Fix those, and IT band friction resolves.
Can I keep running or training while treating knee pain?
Usually yes, with volume and intensity modification. Complete rest isn’t necessary for most knee conditions and often slows recovery. Dr. Matt will identify which movements to continue, which to modify, and what loading thresholds to respect while the underlying pattern is being corrected.
My knee clicks and pops — should I be concerned?
Noise without pain is usually benign — gas bubbles releasing from the joint or tendons snapping over bony prominences. Clicking or popping that accompanies pain, swelling, or instability is worth evaluating, as it can indicate meniscal or ligament involvement that changes the treatment approach.
Ready to Get Back to What You Love?
Same-week appointments available. Book online or call — no referral required.