Top 5 Myths About Treating Knee Pain with Physiotherapy Debunked
Knee pain is more common than we realise. It can creep in slowly or come suddenly after a fall or a workout. For many people, it becomes a constant companion. It affects the way we walk, climb stairs, sit down, and even sleep. When the pain sticks around, most of us look for relief.
That’s when physiotherapy for knee pain often comes up. But here’s the problem. There are so many myths floating around that people end up avoiding the one thing that could help them feel better.
In this post, we’re going to break down the top five myths about treating knee pain with physiotherapy. We’ll look at what people commonly believe and what science and experience actually tell us.
Myth 1: Rest is the best knee pain treatment
This one sounds like good advice at first. If it hurts, just rest, right?
Resting for a short time can be helpful, especially right after an injury. But too much rest is actually harmful. When we avoid movement for too long, the muscles around the knee weaken. The joint stiffens. The body becomes less stable. And all of that leads to more pain, not less.
A systematic review in Cureus showed that movement-based physiotherapy, including strengthening and stretching, helped reduce pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. It also improved their ability to do everyday activities.
In other words, gentle movement heals. Targeted exercise is one of the best forms of knee pain treatment. Your physiotherapist will guide you. They’ll show you which exercises are safe and how to do them properly.
Rest when needed, yes. But don’t rely on it forever.
Myth 2: Physiotherapy doesn’t work for arthritis-related knee pain
Arthritis affects the joints. It’s common in older adults, especially in the knees. Many people think it’s something they just have to live with. Others believe that physiotherapy can't help because it won’t fix the arthritis itself.
That’s partly true. Physiotherapy doesn’t reverse arthritis, but it can manage the symptoms very well. In fact, it’s one of the first treatments doctors recommend for knee osteoarthritis.
Let’s look at the facts. One study in Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine found that physiotherapy helped reduce pain and improve function in people with arthritis. These improvements were not just short-term. Patients had lasting relief.
How? Through a combination of hands-on therapy, strengthening exercises, balance training, and education. The goal is to improve joint stability and reduce pressure on the knee.
If you have knee joint pain from arthritis, physiotherapy can make daily tasks easier. Walking. Climbing stairs. Bending down. You don’t need to suffer in silence.
Myth 3: You’ll need surgery anyway
Many people believe surgery is the only way to fix long-term knee problems. That’s not true for most cases. Surgery is usually the last option, not the first.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) found that physiotherapy can be just as effective as surgery in managing pain caused by osteoarthritis. In many cases, patients who committed to physiotherapy were able to avoid surgery altogether.
Of course, surgery may be necessary in some situations. But it’s not where you should start. It’s invasive. It comes with risks. And the recovery takes time.
Physiotherapy is non-invasive. It focuses on healing, not just patching things up. It also helps prepare your body if surgery does become necessary. You recover faster when your body is strong before the operation.
So no. Surgery is not your only option. And with the right physiotherapist, you might not need it at all.
Myth 4: Physiotherapy is only for serious injuries
This is one we hear all the time. Some people think they have to be a professional athlete or be recovering from surgery before they’re "allowed" to see a physiotherapist. That’s not true.
Physiotherapy is for everyone. Whether you’ve had pain for a few days or a few years. Whether it came from a twist while walking or a known condition like osteoarthritis.
In fact, early treatment often prevents serious issues later. According to a 2023 review published on PubMed, many types of knee pain improve with early physiotherapy. Even if the pain seems minor, getting the right advice and treatment plan can stop it from becoming a long-term problem.
So no, you don’t need to be seriously injured to benefit. If your knee pain affects your daily life, it’s serious enough to get help.
Myth 4: You have to wait until the pain goes away to start physiotherapy
This is a big one. People often say, “I’ll start physiotherapy when the pain settles down.” That’s understandable. But it's the wrong approach.
Physiotherapy is not something you do after pain goes away. It’s something you do to help reduce the pain.
It’s okay to start even if you feel stiff or sore. A good physiotherapist knows how to work with pain. They won’t push you to do anything dangerous or too intense. Instead, they will tailor the treatment to your comfort level.
Research from The American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that patients with anterior knee pain saw great results after starting physiotherapy. This included pain reduction, better knee alignment, and improved strength.
So don’t wait. The sooner you get help, the faster your recovery.
When should you see a physiotherapist?
If you're still unsure, here are some signs it's time to get help.
Your knee pain has lasted more than two weeks.
You feel pain when walking, bending, or going up stairs.
Your knee feels stiff or weak.
You’ve noticed swelling or clicking sounds.
You can’t move the joint like you used to.
Don’t wait for things to get worse.
If you’re in Singapore, consider visiting iPhysio Clinic. We offer personalised care and experienced physiotherapists who specialise in treating knee pain. Whether it’s from an injury, arthritis, or daily strain, we’re here to help you move with confidence again.
Final thoughts: Don’t let myths guide your decisions
Knee pain can be frustrating. It slows you down. It makes simple things harder. But the good news is, you don’t have to live with it forever.
Physiotherapy is safe. It’s backed by science. And it works.
Let’s recap what we’ve learned.
Physiotherapy is for everyone, not just the injured.
Too much rest can make knee pain worse.
Arthritis-related pain can be managed through movement.
Surgery isn’t always necessary.
You don’t need to be pain-free to start healing.
You deserve to feel better. The right treatment, at the right time, can change everything.
If you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to a qualified physiotherapist. And if you’re in Singapore, come visit us at iPhysio Clinic. Let’s work together to get your knees, and your life moving again.
Studies:
Evaluation and Treatment of Knee Pain: A Review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37874571/
Physiotherapeutic Intervention Techniques for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11037114/
Physiotherapy for anterior knee pain: a randomised controlled trial https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S000349672443762X
Comparative Effectiveness of Physical Therapy for Knee Pain Secondary to Osteoarthritis https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/arthritis-knee-physical-therapy/research-protocol