Knee Pain

Knee Pain

Whether it’s a sharp twinge during a run or a stubborn ache that’s been building over time, knee pain has a habit of interfering with the things you rely on most: walking, climbing stairs, even getting a good night’s sleep. At Cairnhill Physiotherapy, we take knee pain seriously because we know how quickly it can affect your comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life.

Our physiotherapists offer targeted assessment and personalised care for all types of knee conditions, from acute injuries and post-surgical recovery to arthritis and overuse syndromes. With a mix of hands-on therapy, progressive rehab, and practical advice, we’ll help you restore function, reduce pain, and move with confidence again.

Alternatively, request an appointment using the form below.

A physiotherapist assessing a patient’s knee

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    What we treat

    Common Knee Conditions We Treat

    The knee is a weight-bearing joint that handles a lot: walking, running, lifting, crouching, twisting. It’s no surprise that it’s also one of the most commonly injured parts of the body. At Cairnhill Physiotherapy, we treat a wide range of knee conditions, from sports injuries and mechanical overload to chronic wear and tear.

    Sudden knee trauma often results in ligament, cartilage, or bone damage. These injuries require prompt assessment and a structured rehab plan to support healing and prevent long-term issues.

    01Ligament Tears

    ACL and MCL tears are common in sports and high-impact activities. These can cause instability, swelling, and a feeling of the knee “giving way.”

    02Meniscus Tears

    Often caused by twisting movements, these tears affect the cartilage that cushions your knee joint. Symptoms may include locking, swelling, or pain with rotation.

    03Fractures

    Breaks in the femur, tibia, or patella require careful post-fracture rehab to restore strength, mobility, and full function.

    Some knee problems develop gradually and worsen over time. These are often linked to age, activity level, or underlying biomechanics.

    04Osteoarthritis

    This degenerative joint condition leads to cartilage breakdown, causing stiffness, reduced range of motion, and pain that worsens with load or inactivity.

    05Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

    Pain around or behind the kneecap, commonly aggravated by stairs, squatting, or prolonged sitting.

    06Tendinopathies

    Overuse-related tendon issues, including quadriceps or hamstring tendinopathy, typically present as pain during or after activity and may limit performance if left untreated.

    Even without a dramatic injury, imbalances and repetitive strain can trigger persistent knee symptoms.

    07Iliotibial Band Syndrome

    Common in runners and cyclists, this condition causes pain on the outer side of the knee, especially during repetitive movement.

    08Patellar Tendinitis

    Also known as jumper’s knee, this involves inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shin, often seen in sports requiring jumping or explosive force.

    Your physiotherapist

    Meet Harley

    Harley has worked as a physiotherapist since 2007 and has a strong background in sports injuries, complex injury management and rehabilitation. He regularly treats ligament and meniscus injuries, patellofemoral pain and knee osteoarthritis, and guides patients through pre- and post-operative rehab, combining hands-on treatment with a clear, progressive plan to get you back on your feet.

    Read more about Harley
    Harley Matthews, senior physiotherapist and director
    A physiotherapist placing an acupuncture needle near a patient’s knee
    Why us

    Why Choose Cairnhill Physiotherapy for Knee Pain?

    At Cairnhill Physiotherapy, you’re not just another sore knee. We take pride in offering care that’s thorough, thoughtful, and grounded in real expertise. Here’s what sets us apart:

    With over 45 years of combined experience treating musculoskeletal conditions, our physiotherapists bring both skill and insight to every session.

    We look beyond symptoms to identify the root cause of your knee pain, building personalised treatment plans that support recovery and prevent recurrence.

    Our onsite rehabilitation gym is fully equipped for strength, balance, and functional training, which are all essential for effective knee rehab.

    Based in Epsom, Auckland, our clinic is easy to access with ample parking available for stress-free appointments.

    Treatment

    Our Treatment Approach

    At Cairnhill Physiotherapy, we treat knee pain with a combination of hands-on expertise, targeted rehabilitation, and supportive therapies. Your programme is tailored to your condition, goals, and how your knee responds over time.

    01

    Manual Therapy

    Our physiotherapists use joint mobilisation and soft tissue release to address stiffness, reduce pain, and restore comfortable knee movement, especially after injury, surgery, or overuse.

    02

    Exercise-Based Rehabilitation

    In our on-site gym, we guide you through strengthening, balance, and mobility exercises that are practical, progressive, and designed to support long-term joint function.

    03

    Acupuncture

    For suitable cases, acupuncture can be a powerful complement to physiotherapy, helping to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and support recovery in conditions like tendinopathies or osteoarthritis.

    04

    Kinesio Taping

    Taping techniques are used to support joint mechanics, reduce swelling, and relieve strain during movement, especially useful in sports and post-operative rehab.

    05

    Education and Prehab/Prevention

    Whether you’re preparing for surgery or returning to sport, we provide the know-how to manage your load, adjust your movements, and reduce your risk of future injury.

    Need Help with Knee Pain?

    Knee pain doesn’t have to be your new normal. Whether it’s recent, recurring, or just plain frustrating, the right support can make all the difference. Book online with Cairnhill Physiotherapy and get a clear, personalised plan to move forward, with less pain and more control.

    BOOK ONLINE
    A patient strengthening his knees on a leg extension machine in the rehabilitation gym
    Hired an ice and compression machine from Cairnhill Physio for use after a total knee joint replacement. The machine was excellent.
    Put out my back and made an appointment with Harley. During this period, I also sustained an injury to my soleus muscle, which was also treated.
    I have recently been cleared to return to sport after my ACL reconstruction. The team at Cairnhill have been amazing.
    Patient reviews 4.9 from 51 reviews
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    Other Services

    Explore the rest of our physiotherapy services at the Epsom clinic.