Physiotherapy for Knee Pain While Climbing Stairs

May 12, 2026

Knee pain during squats, stair climbing, lunges, or getting up from a chair is a very common problem affecting athletes, gym-goers, workers, and active adults. Pain around the kneecap, inside the knee, or swelling after activity may indicate irritation of the joint, muscles, tendons, or even a meniscal injury. At Townline Physiotherapy in Abbotsford, our physiotherapy team provides personalized rehabilitation programs for knee pain using exercise therapy, manual therapy, dry needling, Bioflex laser therapy, shockwave therapy, and taping techniques.

Common Causes of Knee Pain During Squats and Stair Climbing

Knee pain can develop from:

  • Meniscal injuries
  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome
  • Muscle weakness
  • Overuse
  • Tendon irritation
  • Ligament strain
  • Poor squat mechanics
  • Hip or ankle weakness
  • Arthritis
  • Sports injuries

Pain may occur:

  • Going downstairs
  • During deep squats
  • While kneeling
  • During running
  • After gym workouts
  • After prolonged sitting

Symptoms of Meniscal or Knee Injuries

You may benefit from physiotherapy if you experience:
  • Knee clicking or locking
  • Swelling
  • Pain during squats
  • Difficulty with stairs
  • Sharp pain twisting the knee
  • Stiffness
  • Instability
  • Reduced range of motion
Early treatment may help improve recovery and reduce long-term knee irritation.

PRICE Protocol for Meniscal Injury

After a recent meniscal or knee injury, the PRICE protocol is commonly recommended during the early phase of recovery.

Protection

Avoid movements that aggravate pain or increase swelling.

Rest

Reduce high-impact activities temporarily to allow tissues to calm down.

Ice

Applying ice may help reduce pain and swelling during the acute stage.

Compression

Compression sleeves or wraps may help manage swelling.

Elevation

Keeping the leg elevated may assist with swelling control. The PRICE approach is usually followed by gradual physiotherapy rehabilitation and strengthening exercises. izziness and vestibular care treatment

Physiotherapy Assessment for Knee Pain

At Townline Physiotherapy, your physiotherapist may assess:
  • Squat mechanics
  • Walking pattern
  • Knee mobility
  • Muscle strength
  • Balance
  • Swelling
  • Hip and ankle function
  • Functional movements
A personalized treatment plan is then developed based on your symptoms and activity goals.

Dry Needling Benefits for Knee Pain

Dry needling uses fine needles to target tight muscle trigger points and muscle tension.

Benefits may include:

  • Reduced muscle tightness
  • Improved mobility
  • Pain reduction
  • Better muscle activation
  • Improved movement patterns

Dry needling is commonly used for:

  • Quadriceps tightness
  • IT band tension
  • Hamstring tightness
  • Calf tightness
  • Knee-related muscular compensation

Bioflex Laser Therapy for Knee Pain

Bioflex laser therapy uses light energy to stimulate tissue healing and reduce inflammation.

It may help:

  • Reduce swelling
  • Improve tissue healing
  • Decrease pain
  • Improve circulation
  • Support recovery after injury
Bioflex laser therapy is often combined with strengthening exercises and manual therapy.

Shockwave Therapy Benefits

Shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues.

Shockwave therapy may help with:

  • Patellar tendon pain
  • Chronic tendon irritation
  • Tight soft tissues
  • Long-standing knee pain
  • Scar tissue restrictions

Benefits may include:

  • Improved blood flow
  • Tissue stimulation
  • Reduced chronic pain
  • Improved mobility
Shockwave therapy is commonly used when symptoms persist for weeks or months.

Kinesiology Taping for Knee Support

Taping techniques may help support the knee while allowing movement.

Taping may assist with:

  • Swelling management
  • Improved movement awareness
  • Patellar tracking support
  • Reduced strain during activity
Athletes and active individuals often use taping during exercise and return to sport.

Strengthening Exercises for Knee Pain

Exercise rehabilitation is one of the most important components of physiotherapy treatment.

Common strengthening exercises may include:

  • Glute strengthening
  • Mini squats
  • Step-ups
  • Clamshell exercises
  • Wall sits
  • Straight leg raises
  • Calf strengthening
Improving hip and leg strength may help reduce stress on the knee joint.

Stretching Exercises for Knee Pain

Tight muscles around the hips and legs can increase knee stress.

Common stretches may include:

  • Quadriceps stretch
  • Hamstring stretch
  • Calf stretch
  • Hip flexor stretch
  • IT band mobility work
Stretching may help improve mobility and movement quality.

Can Physiotherapy Help Knee Pain While Squatting?

Yes. Physiotherapy may help identify the underlying causes of knee pain and improve:
  • Strength
  • Mobility
  • Movement mechanics
  • Stability
  • Functional tolerance
Treatment is customized depending on the source of symptoms.

Reviews for Physio

Patients visiting Townline Physiotherapy often appreciate the personalized care and rehabilitation approach provided.

Common feedback includes:

  • Clear explanations of injuries
  • Detailed exercise guidance
  • Supportive treatment approach
  • Focus on long-term recovery
  • Helpful rehabilitation for sports and workplace injuries

When Should You See a Physiotherapist for Knee Pain?

You should consider physiotherapy if:
  • Pain persists more than a few days
  • Squats or stairs worsen symptoms
  • The knee feels unstable
  • Swelling continues
  • Exercise becomes difficult
  • Pain limits work or sports activities
Early assessment may help prevent worsening symptoms.

Knee Pain Physiotherapy in Abbotsford

At Townline Physiotherapy in Abbotsford, our physiotherapy team provides rehabilitation programs for knee pain, meniscal injuries, sports injuries, and chronic movement-related pain.

Treatment options may include:

    • Physiotherapy assessment
    • Exercise rehabilitation
   
  • Kinesiology taping
  • Manual therapy
  • Mobility training
  • Return-to-sport rehabilitation

FAQs

Why does my knee hurt during squats?

Knee pain during squats may be related to muscle weakness, joint irritation, poor mechanics, tendon issues, or meniscal injuries.

Can physiotherapy help meniscal injuries?

Yes, physiotherapy may help improve mobility, strength, swelling control, and functional movement after meniscal injuries.

Is dry needling painful?

Most patients tolerate dry needling well, although mild soreness can occur afterward.

Does shockwave therapy help chronic knee pain?

Shockwave therapy may help stimulate healing and reduce pain in chronic tendon-related conditions.

How long does knee rehabilitation take?

Recovery timelines vary depending on injury severity, activity level, and consistency with rehabilitation exercises.

Can taping help knee pain?

Taping may provide temporary support and help improve comfort during movement and exercise.

Book Knee Pain Physiotherapy in Abbotsford

If you are experiencing knee pain while squatting, climbing stairs, exercising, or working, the team at Townline Physiotherapy in Abbotsford is here to help support your recovery and movement goals.  

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