Knee Pain Physical Therapy in Ann Arbor
Whether it’s your runs, your squats or just the stairs, knee pain shrinks your world fast. Dr. Joe finds out why your knee hurts, fixes the real driver, and gets you back to the miles and the weights you love.
Your Knee Is Usually Taking the Hit for Something Else
Most knee pain in runners and lifters isn’t caused by a damaged knee. It’s an overloaded one. A jump in mileage, a new program, stiff ankles, weak hips, or a squat pattern that dumps load onto the front of the knee can all push a knee past what it’s ready to handle.
Rest helps temporarily, but it doesn’t build capacity. So the minute you get back to it, the pain returns.
We look at the whole leg, from your foot and ankle to your hip, and how you run and squat. Then we build your knee back up with a plan designed to get you to your goal race or lift.
Knee Conditions We Treat
From runner’s knee to rehab after ACL reconstruction.
Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain)
Pain around or behind the kneecap with running, squatting, stairs or sitting with bent knees.
Patellar & Quad Tendon Pain
Pain just below or above the kneecap with jumping, squatting or sprinting. We use progressive tendon loading.
Meniscus Tears
Many meniscus injuries respond well to targeted rehab. We also treat before and after meniscus surgery.
ACL & MCL Injuries
Ligament sprains and full ACL rehab, from post-op day one to return-to-sport testing.
IT Band Syndrome
Pain on the outside of the knee, usually on longer runs or downhills.
Knee Arthritis & Chronic Pain
Staying active with an arthritic knee through strength, load management and smart training.
Knee Pain When Squatting?
Knee pain at the bottom of a squat is incredibly common, and in most cases it doesn’t mean you should stop squatting. It usually means the knee is irritated and needs the load adjusted while it builds tolerance.
We’ll look at your ankle mobility, hip strength, depth, stance and programming, then build you back to full, heavy, pain-free squats.
Tweaks to depth, tempo, stance or load so you can keep squatting while the knee calms down.
Progressive quad and tendon loading so your knee gets stronger, not just less angry.
Ankle mobility and hip strength often take a lot of load off the knee.
What to Expect at Your First Knee Visit
A full 60 minutes, one-on-one with Dr. Joe. Treatment usually starts the same day.
Your story and goals
What you were doing when it started, what hurts now, and what you’re training for.
A whole-leg exam
Knee, ankle and hip testing, plus watching you squat, step down or run so we see the real pattern.
Treatment and a roadmap
Hands-on care to ease pain, targeted exercises, and training modifications with clear milestones.
How We Treat Knee Pain
Calm the pain, fix the pattern, and build a knee that can handle your training.
Strength Training
Progressive quad, hip and tendon strength, the foundation of lasting knee relief.
Learn more →Dry Needling
Eases tight, overactive muscles around the knee and hip that feed the pain.
Learn more →Mobility Programming
Ankle and hip mobility so your knee isn’t absorbing load it shouldn’t.
Learn more →Soft Tissue Mobilization & Cupping
Soft tissue work and cupping for tight quads, calves and IT band region.
Learn more →You couldn’t ask for a better therapist. He is amazing. Goes at your pace, does not push you and makes you feel comfortable. Dr. Joe is honest and fun. I would recommend him for anyone. If you need physical therapy go see Dr Joe. He helped me with my knee and it is doing better because of him.
Do I need an MRI for knee pain?
Usually not to get started. Most knee pain can be evaluated through a thorough exam. If you’ve had a significant injury, your knee is locking, or the exam suggests a ligament or meniscus problem that needs imaging or a surgical opinion, Dr. Joe will refer you.
Can a meniscus tear heal without surgery?
Many people with meniscus tears, especially degenerative tears, do well with physical therapy. Some tears that cause true locking may need a surgical consult. We’ll help you understand your options.
Should I stop running or squatting?
Usually not completely. We’ll modify volume, intensity and exercise selection so you stay active while your knee gets stronger.
Do you do ACL rehab?
Yes, from early post-op rehab through strength rebuilding and return-to-sport progressions, coordinated with your surgeon’s protocol.
Do you take insurance?
OLO is cash-based and out-of-network. HSA/FSA cards are accepted, and we can provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement. See our FAQ.
When to see a physician first
Physical therapy is a great first stop for most knee pain. But some symptoms need a medical evaluation right away. Seek urgent care or call 911 if you have:
- Can’t bear weight after an injury
- A visible deformity, or a kneecap that looks out of place
- A knee that’s locked and won’t straighten
- A hot, red, swollen knee with fever
- Calf pain, swelling or redness, especially after surgery or travel
- Rapid, large swelling right after a “pop” (get checked promptly)
Not sure? Call us. If something in your evaluation doesn’t add up, Dr. Joe will tell you and point you to the right provider.
Related conditions we treat
Ready to Run and Squat Without Knee Pain?
Tell us what’s going on. We’ll call or text to get you scheduled, or set up a free consultation if you’d like to talk it through first.
5.0 ★ from 184 Google reviews · No referral needed to start · HSA/FSA accepted