A bad knee injury can really throw a wrench into your plans. It becomes harder to walk, climb stairs, and participate in your favorite sports or other recreational activities. Many people assume their only option is to mask the discomfort with pain medication–or undergo surgery. In reality, there’s a third choice: physical therapy.
Physical therapy provides an effective, evidence-based alternative for many knee injuries that can help you recover strength, mobility, and function. At MMA Sports Rehab, we’ll work with you to develop a treatment program that addresses your knee injury directly–that way, you can get back to living your life without going under the knife.
Some of the Common Knee Injuries We Help Treat
There’s more than one way to hurt your knee. Here are a few of the injuries we frequently see at our clinic:
Ligament Injuries
- Your knee contains four main ligaments, and damage can range from mild overstretching to a complete rupture. While severe ligament injuries will generally require surgery to regain full function, mild injuries respond well to physical therapy. In both cases, our team is here to help you stabilize your knee joint and regain lower body strength.
Meniscus Tears
- A meniscus tear occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint is damaged, often from twisting or sudden movements. Like ligament tears, a severe meniscus tear may require surgery. However, physical therapy can strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve joint stability, and reduce pain, making it a non-surgical option for many cases.
Jumper’s Knee
- Jumper’s knee (or patellar tendinitis) is an inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. Targeted exercises and stretching can reduce symptoms while preventing further injury.
Runner’s Knee
- Runner’s knee (or patellofemoral pain syndrome) is a condition where pain develops around the kneecap, often due to overuse or misalignment. Physical therapy focuses on correcting imbalances, improving knee alignment, and strengthening the leg muscles to relieve pain and enhance function.
What To Expect From Your Treatment Program
Our team pulls from several techniques to ensure you get the care you need. After your initial assessment, here’s a general overview of what you can expect:
Pain Management
- Techniques like manual therapy and treatment modalities like hot or cold therapy can help reduce your pain while facilitating your body’s healing processes.
Mobility Work
- Improving your knee’s range of motion is an essential early step. It helps you move better, preventing falls and making it easier for you to move through treatment.
Strengthening Exercises
- Strengthening the muscles around your knee provides additional support and stability to the joint, helping to reduce pain and your risk of another injury.
Balance Training
- A knee injury can affect your balance and gait. These specialized exercises will keep you on your feet.
Functional Training
- Finally, we’ll work with you to improve your ability to perform day-to-day tasks, like climbing stairs. We’ll also provide you with a return-to-activity schedule to get back to what you love.
Call Today To Get Started
Choosing physical therapy for knee injuries is a proactive step toward recovery. Schedule an appointment with MMA Sports Rehab to learn more about what physical therapy offers!
Clinic News
Meet Dr. Aakash Thakral, MD: He is a board-certified physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine. He is very smart and a great guy. He is at International Spine, pain & performance center, Arlington, VA. He came today @ MSR to say hello . He is a great friend of our MSR team. Thank you Dr. Thakral for stopping by and having a great conversation today about patient care!!!
Meet Eddries! Eddries Nezam is a dedicated student athlete currently in his junior year at Marymount University, where he competes as a wrestler while pursuing the Pre-Physical Therapy track. With a strong commitment to both academics and athletics, he balances training with schoolwork aimed at preparing himself for a future in physical therapy. Passionate about sports performance and rehabilitation, Eddries strives to apply his firsthand experience as an athlete to help others recover and excel in their physical well-being.
A Special Thanks from MMA Sports Rehab
“We now have 361 Google 5-star reviews and more than 700 5-star reviews. We want to show our gratitude to our well-wishers, friends, family, community, and our beloved patients for their continued trust with their health care/rehab. We love you, and we are here because of YOU! Thank You!!!” – MSR Family
Dr. Ujjwal’s 5 Game-Changing Tips for Bulletproof Knees
Your knees work hard—jumping, sprinting, cutting, and taking a beating every game. Show them some love, and they’ll keep you in the game longer. Here’s how to keep those joints happy and injury-free!
1. Beef Up Those Leg Muscles ????️♂️
Your quads and hamstrings are your knee’s personal bodyguards. Squats, lunges, and hamstring curls will keep them strong and ready to protect!
2. Stretch Like a Pro ????♂️
Tight muscles = unhappy knees. Warm up with dynamic stretches before training and cool down with some good ol’ foam rolling. Your knees will thank you!
3. Hips & Core: The Secret MVPs ????
Weak hips and a wobbly core throw your knees out of whack. Add some glute bridges, clamshells, and planks to your workouts to keep everything in top shape.
4. Land Soft, Move Smart ????
If you’re jumping and cutting, make sure you’re landing with bent knees and good form. Bad mechanics = higher injury risk. Train your body to move efficiently, and your knees will stay in the game.
5. Pain? Don’t Be a Hero! ????
A little soreness is normal, but sharp or lingering pain? That’s a red flag! Ice, rest, and if it doesn’t improve, get it checked by a professional before it sidelines you for good.
Protect your knees, and they’ll keep you running, jumping, and winning!
Our Patients Get Great Results
“So thankful for Dr. Shakya’s healing hands! What an answer to prayer. “
-Craig H.
MSR Merch Launch
???? Introducing the MSR Performance Tee ????
Made with premium 5-Star Fabric to heighten performance during your toughest workouts, this tee provides sun defense, rash guard, moisture-wicking technology, stain release, and a comfortable fit. It is the perfect year-round choice for sports and exercise.
???? Features:
- Premium fabric for all-day comfort
- Sleek, modern design
- Tailored fit for a sharp silhouette
- Reinforced shoulder seams
- Double needle cover stitch hem
- Tag free neck
???? Special Launch Offer: Buy One, Get One Free! ????
That’s right – grab one MSR tee for $29.99 and get another one absolutely free. Perfect for stocking up or sharing the love with a friend!
???? Pre-Order:
Hurry, BOGO lasts for the first 100 shirts. Get your hands on the MSR Performance Tee while the offer lasts!
Get Back to Your Best Self at MMA Sports Rehab
Rediscover your strength and get back to your best self at MMA Sports Rehab! Schedule your next appointment today and experience the top-notch care that helped you before.
Vegetarian Black Bean Tacos
Ingredients:
For the beans:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ small yellow onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 15-oz can black beans
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp water
For the tacos:
- 8 hard corn taco shells
- 4 oz Hass avocado
- Juice from 1/2 small lime
- Pinch kosher salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 plum tomato, diced
- 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
Directions:
Preheat oven according to taco shell package directions. Lay taco shells on a sheet pan in an even layer. Bake shells for 6-7 minutes. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the canola oil, add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the beans, spices, tomato paste and water and mix until combined. Cook about 3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and beans to heat through. In a small bowl, mash avocado with a fork until smooth. Add lime juice, salt and pepper. Place taco shells on a flat surface. Layer each shell with 1/8 of the bean mixture, then the cheese, mashed avocado, tomatoes and lettuce.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Ujjwal Shakya
Physical Therapist, DPT, DMT, SCS, FNCP
Dr. Brianna Wynn
PT, DPT, Barbell Rehab Method Certified, USA Weightlifting Coach Level 1 & 2 Certified
Dr. Barz Kim
PT, DPT, Cert. DN Level 1 & 2
Ayesha Samudralanka
Patient Service Specialist
