Phone: 07 3351 5177
Downhill knee pain: what is going on?
The Gap has over 45 parks plus the Enoggera Reservoir bushland on the doorstep, so it is no wonder locals love a walk. But what if your knees protest on the way down?
Why does it happen? Downhill walking loads the front of the knee. Add early osteoarthritis (about 2.1 million Australians, or 8.3%, were living with it in 2022) or weak thigh muscles and it can hurt.
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07 3351 5177 · 170 Patricks Road, Ferny Hills QLD 4055
The Gap had 17,318 residents at the 2021 Census, with a median age of 42, and residents aged 45 to 54 made up 16.4% of the suburb, against 13.1% across Queensland.
D'Aguilar National Park stretches from The Gap to Lake Wivenhoe, so the walking is right on the doorstep. If your knees are complaining on the way down, our Ferny Hills clinic can check your knees, hips and feet and plan your strength work.
What helps?
A physio can check your knees, hips and feet, then tailor a plan so you can keep exploring without paying for it later.
The Araucaria track from Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, 60 Mount Nebo Road, is a 5 km return, Grade 3 walk along the forested shores of Enoggera Reservoir, with hillsides along the way.
Hillside sections mean descents, and coming down loads the front of the knee, more so when thigh muscles are weak.
We check your knees, hips and feet, set quad, glute and calf strengthening and talk through stride and footwear for descents.
We treat for the following conditions:
We focus on strengthening your body to support your joints, getting them moving again and improving your overall ability to move. In order to get you to this point, we come up with an individualised exercise plan for you to increase your strength and flexibility.
Arthritis treatment
Sports injuries affect bones, muscles, tissues and cartilage and are detrimental to normal daily activities, not just athletic performance. Sports injuries require supervision and time to heal safely.
Sports physio rehab
We will decide upon a course of action and treat you with manual therapy, exercises and use of heat or ice to relieve pain. This includes training for proper lifting, sitting, and bending and proper sleeping positions.
Back pain
Hydrotherapy focuses on slow and controlled movements that lead to relaxation. At the same time, pushing against the water helps improve muscle strength.
Hydrotherapy
This includes our Vibro Trainer for advanced muscle training and our Gaitscan™ biomechanical footprint scanner to identify abnormalities and prescribe custom orthotics.
Our equipment
We also supply equipment that aids in rehabilitation and injury prevention such as supportive braces, therapeutic sandals and contoured pillows. Our staff is happy to help you obtain these materials to promote your speedy recovery.
Ask about supplies
Our treatment plan for you begins with a comprehensive assessment and physical exam to diagnose your condition. We then communicate with you and other health professionals to collaborate on a treatment and recovery plan to get you back on your feet. When we have determined your health goal, we will begin treatment which involves hands-on mobilisation and soft tissue techniques.
Once your initial complaint is treated, we will teach you to manage your pain and aid your recovery.
All of our treatment techniques are based on scientific research and clinical experience. We are always adapting to new treatment methods and advances in technology so you receive the most up-to-date care.
At Ferny Hills Physiotherapy Centre, we don’t see you as just another patient. We understand that your body and your circumstances are highly unique, which is why we provide distinctive treatment to each client that will most benefit the individual. We want your treatment experience to be positive and effective.
Downhill walking loads the front of the knee, and early osteoarthritis or weak thigh muscles can make it hurt.
Shorten your stride, keep your knees soft on the way down and wear supportive shoes on rough ground.
Strengthening your quads, glutes and calves twice a week is a good start; a physio can set the exercises for your knees.
Our clinic is at 170 Patricks Road, Ferny Hills, and we do not have a clinic in The Gap. The Gap residents are welcome to book an appointment at Ferny Hills.
No. Physiotherapists are primary care practitioners, so you can book directly without a doctor’s referral.
We work with the leading Australian private health funds, so eligible patients can claim their rebate at the time of treatment with our on-site terminal.
We will review your health history and ask questions about your symptoms to pinpoint any behaviours that may be contributing factors to your pain.
Ferny Hills Physiotherapy, 170 Patricks Road, Ferny Hills. Experienced team, appointments 7am to 6pm, major health funds welcome.
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07 3351 5177 · 170 Patricks Road, Ferny Hills QLD 4055
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