Knee Pain Physical Therapy in Charlotte, NC

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of your injury and how long you've had pain. Many patients with runner's knee or patellar tendinitis see significant improvement in 4-8 weeks. More complex injuries like ACL reconstruction or meniscus surgery typically require 3-6 months of rehabilitation. During your evaluation, we'll give you a realistic timeline based on your specific condition and goals. Our focus is always on getting you back to pain-free movement as quickly and safely as possible.

Absolutely. Runner's knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome) responds very well to physical therapy when treated properly. The key is identifying and correcting the biomechanical issues causing the pain—whether that's weak hips, poor running mechanics, tight IT bands, or muscle imbalances. We use a combination of manual therapy, corrective exercises, and movement retraining to eliminate pain and prevent it from coming back. Most runners see significant improvement within 4-8 weeks without needing surgery or injections.

No. In North Carolina, you do not need a referral to see a physical therapist. You can schedule directly with us and begin treatment right away. If we determine during your evaluation that you need imaging (like an MRI) or medical consultation first, we'll let you know and can coordinate with your physician. Many of our patients come to us first to avoid unnecessary imaging and get faster answers about their knee pain.

Runner's knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome) is typically caused by overuse, muscle imbalances, or poor biomechanics, and usually presents as pain around or behind the kneecap during running, squatting, or going downstairs. A meniscus tear is actual damage to the cartilage in your knee, often from a twisting injury or degeneration over time, and typically causes pain along the joint line, sometimes with clicking, locking, or swelling. During your evaluation, we'll perform specific tests to determine exactly what's causing your knee pain and whether you need imaging or can start treatment right away.

We are an out-of-network physical therapy provider, which means we do not bill insurance directly. However, we provide detailed superbills that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement based on your out-of-network benefits. Many of our patients receive partial or full reimbursement. We encourage you to call your insurance company and ask about your "out-of-network physical therapy" coverage before your first visit.