Knee Pain

Knee Pain services offered in Forest Hills and Jackson Heights, NY


Knee pain is a common condition that affects about 25% of adults. If you experience knee pain, and it doesn’t respond to at-home treatments, physical therapy may provide lasting relief. At Dolsky Physical Therapy PC, in New York City, experienced physical therapist Alexander Dolsky, DPT, and the team provide physical therapy and rehab to people of all ages. To make an appointment, call the office in Forest Hills, Queens, or book online today.

Knee Pain Q&A


What is knee pain?

Knee pain is stiffness, swelling, or discomfort that affects one or both of your knee joints. Your knee joint is where your thigh bone, shine bone, and knee cap connect. These hard tissues are surrounded by ligaments, cartilage, and tendons –– soft tissues that assist with daily motions like walking, standing, and climbing stairs.

Most people experience knee pain occasionally, but it usually isn’t something to worry about. If your symptoms last for more than a few days or keep you from work, contact Alexander and the team immediately.

What causes knee pain?

Knee pain occurs for various reasons, including:

  • Dislocated knee cap
  • Fractures
  • Torn ligament
  • Torn meniscus
  • Infection
  • Weight issues
  • Gout 
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Tendinitis
  • Tumor

You might also experience knee pain due to general wear-and-tear caused by playing sports, running, or working a physically demanding job.

When should I see a physical therapist about knee pain?

Make an appointment with Alexander and the team if you experience knee pain and it occurs alongside swelling, bruising, or the inability to put weight on your affected joint. That’s especially true if your symptoms don’t improve with ice and rest or they affect your ability to stand up and move around.

What happens during a physical therapy consultation for knee pain?

At Dolsky Physical Therapy PC, a physical therapy consultation begins with a review of your medical records and a discussion of your symptoms. Next, Alexander conducts several tests to assess your knee joint’s range of motion, strength, and flexibility. He also checks to see how well your knee straightens, bends, and moves.

Next, Alexander orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. These procedures capture detailed pictures of your knee joint, allowing Alexander and the team to identify the source of your discomfort.

After making a diagnosis, Alexander and the team develop a custom physical therapy treatment plan.

How does physical therapy treat knee pain?

Alexander and the team use different types of physical therapy to treat knee pain. They might recommend:

  • Ice and heat therapy
  • Manual therapies (like massage or acupuncture)
  • Hamstring curls
  • Wall squats
  • Single leg dips
  • Balancing exercises
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

You might also benefit from using a mobility device, like a walker, a rollator, or a cane.

Ultimately, the goal is to relieve uncomfortable symptoms and encourage your body’s healing process.

To see if physical therapy can help relieve your knee pain, make an appointment at Dolsky Physical Therapy PC, by calling the office or booking online today.