Common Sport Knee Injuries & How PT Can Help

Common Knee Injuries in Sports — And How Physical Therapy Gets You Back in the Game

Whether you're sprinting down the soccer field, landing a jump on the basketball court, or pivoting/changing direction during a football game, your knees are working overtime. They're an essential joint to athletic movement, that is, until something goes wrong. Knee injuries are among the most common setbacks athletes face, and without proper rehab, they can linger far longer than they should.

At Reactivation Physical Therapy & Wellness, we specialize in helping athletes of all ages recover from knee injuries and return to sport stronger, smarter, and more resilient. Here's what you need to know.

The Most Common Knee Injuries in Sports:

Knee injuries can range from mild strains to complex ligament tears. Some of the most frequent culprits include:

1. ACL Tears (I had a tear + surgery at age 16 playing basketball)

• Often caused by sudden stops, pivots, or awkward landings.
• Common in sports like soccer, basketball, and football.
• May require surgery, but rehab is essential either way.

2. Meniscus Tears

• The meniscus is the cartilage that cushions your knee joint.
• Tears can happen with twisting motions or direct impact.
• Symptoms include locking, clicking, or pain during movement.

3. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome 

• Caused by overuse, poor alignment, or muscle imbalances.
• Sitting for long periods with your knee bent 
• Pain around the kneecap, especially during stairs, squats, or prolonged sitting.

4. MCL or LCL Sprains

• These ligaments stabilize the inner and outer knee.
• Injuries often result from direct blows or awkward lateral movements.

5. Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)

• Inflammation of the patellar tendon due to repetitive jumping or sprinting.
• Common in volleyball, basketball, and track athletes.

Why Physical Therapy Is a Game-Changer

Physical therapy isn’t just about healing; it’s about rebuilding. Here’s how we help athletes at Reactivation Physical Therapy & Wellness:

✅ Personalized Assessment

We don’t just treat the knee. We assess the entire kinetic chain. Hip strength, ankle mobility, and core stability all play a role in knee health.

✅ Targeted Rehab Plans

Every athlete gets a customized plan that blends manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and progressive loading. We focus on restoring range of motion, strength, and sport-specific movement patterns.

✅ Return-to-Sport Protocols

We guide athletes through a structured progression that includes agility drills, plyometrics, and confidence-building exercises. Our goal? A safe, empowered return to competition.

✅ Injury Prevention Education

We teach athletes (and parents) how to spot early warning signs, improve biomechanics, and build resilience, because prevention is the best medicine.

From Injury to Impact:

Rehab isn’t just about getting back to baseline; it’s about unlocking new levels of performance. Many athletes come out of physical therapy not only healed, but faster, stronger, and more aware of their bodies.

If you or your child is dealing with a knee injury, don’t wait. Early intervention leads to better outcomes. Book a discovery call with Reactivation PT today, and let’s build a recovery plan that gets you back in the game and keeps you there.