Runner’s Knee Treatment

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Runner’s Knee Treatment in Melbourne

Knee pain holding you back from running, walking or training? It could be Runner’s Knee.

One of the most common causes of pain around the front of the knee is runner’s knee, especially among active people.

At Brunswick Health, our chiropractors and physiotherapists work together to pinpoint the cause, ease the pain, and prevent it from coming back. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just enjoy your weekend jog, we’ll help you stay active — without the setbacks.

What Is Runner’s Knee?

Runner’s Knee, also known as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), refers to pain felt around or behind the kneecap. Despite the name, it’s not just runners who get it — cyclists, gym-goers, and even office workers can experience this condition.

It’s typically caused by irritation between the kneecap (patella) and the thigh bone (femur), often due to misalignment or overuse.

Symptoms of Runner’s Knee

  • Dull, aching pain at the front or behind the kneecap

  • Pain that worsens with running, squatting, stairs, or sitting for long periods

  • Clicking or grinding sensations in the knee

  • Swelling or a feeling of instability during movement

Athlete stretching hamstring to prevent cramps and improve flexibility
Man holding outer side of knee indicating IT band syndrome or lateral knee pain

What Causes Runner’s Knee?

While overuse is a key factor, most cases of Runner’s Knee involve underlying imbalances, including:

  • Poor hip or glute stability

  • Pelvic misalignment affecting leg mechanics

  • Flat feet or collapsed arches

  • Tightness in the quads, hamstrings or ITB

  • Weak core or poor postural control

  • Muscle compensation following previous injury

This is why chiropractic and physiotherapy work so well — we look at the whole body, not just the knee.

How Chiro & Physio Work Together to Treat Runner’s Knee

Treating Runner’s Knee with an Integrated Approach

Chiropractors are trained to identify how your spine, pelvis, and foot mechanics affect how your knees function. Even a minor misalignment in the pelvis or lower back can disrupt your gait and increase pressure on the kneecap.

Our chiropractors may use:

  • Spinal and pelvic adjustments to restore alignment

  • Muscle release therapy for tight quads, hamstrings or ITB

  • Shockwave therapy to reduce chronic inflammation

  • Postural retraining to improve movement efficiency

We also perform advanced gait assessments using TOG (The Orthotic Group) technology — a fully weight-bearing system that maps the pressure and movement of your feet using over 4,000 sensors. If flat feet or overpronation are contributing to your pain, custom foot orthotics can be designed to improve alignment and reduce knee strain.

Our physiotherapists and remedial massage therapists play a key role in recovery. Treatment may include:

  • Corrective exercises to strengthen hips, glutes and quads

  • Stretching routines for tight muscles that pull on the kneecap

  • Taping techniques for pain relief and patellar tracking

  • Manual therapy to release fascial restrictions

  • Rehabilitation programs tailored to your running style and goals

Expert Physiotherapist in Melbourne providing treatment to a patient at a clinic Brunswick Health
Man holding his knee in pain after running, indicating runner’s knee

When to Seek Help for Runner’s Knee

You should book an assessment if:

  • Knee pain is interfering with your sport, work or daily routine

  • Pain increases with stairs, squatting or sitting for long periods

  • You’ve had recurring flare-ups or tried resting without improvement

  • You want a long-term solution, not just symptom relief

 

We Treat the Cause — Not Just the Pain

At Brunswick Health, our integrated team will look beyond the knee to find and fix the root of the problem. With chiropractic, physio, massage and orthotic services available under one roof, you’ll get a comprehensive treatment plan that’s tailored to your body and your goals.

 

Call Today 03 9380 8099 – Relief Is Possible!

start your path to lasting relief!

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Health fund logos showcasing the various organisations that provide claims for chiropractic, physiotherapy, podiatry, osteopathy, and massage services at Brunswick Health.