Physical Therapy for Knee Sprains & Strains
After initial medical therapy for a knee sprain or strain, you may benefit from physical therapy, which can help you to build strength and flexibility in the injured knee. The physical therapists at NYU Langone Orthopedic Center meet with you to develop a plan to rebuild your strength, flexibility, and function so that you can return to sports and everyday activities. Your care team might suggest combining exercise therapy with other treatments, such as therapeutic injections. NYU Langone Orthopedic Center is equipped with the newest and most advanced physical therapy equipment.
Therapeutic Exercises
After the swelling in your knee has subsided and you can stand and walk without significant pain, doctors may recommend four to eight weeks of physical therapy to rebuild strength and flexibility in the thigh and leg muscles, as well as to restore full range of motion to the knee.
Our therapists can help to reduce your level of pain, improve mobility, and restore function to the area around the sprain or strain. They may recommend simple, low impact exercises, such as leg lifts or stationary biking.
Virtual Urgent Care
For minor medical concerns that need care today, schedule a Virtual Urgent Care video visit to video chat with an NYU Langone Health provider.
Schedule a VisitStretching the knee, thigh, and leg can gradually restore your range of motion to pre-injury levels, while strengthening thigh and leg muscles can help to support the knee. As your knee and muscles grow stronger, your physical therapist guides you in returning to more vigorous activity. Our therapists can also teach you how to participate in daily activities and tasks in ways that may help prevent future knee injuries.
Our Research and Education in Knee Sprains and Strains
Learn more about our research and professional education opportunities.