Knee Pain Physical Therapy in Nashville

Clinically reviewed by Brittany Hendrickson, PT, DPT, COMT, CDNT . Last reviewed October 2026.

Can physical therapy help knee pain without surgery?

Often, yes. Exercise-based physical therapy is first-line care for runner's knee and knee osteoarthritis, and a randomized trial found exercise therapy matched arthroscopic surgery for degenerative meniscus tears [1][2][3]. Your physical therapist looks at how your hip, knee, and foot share load, then builds a plan around your goals.

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What causes knee pain in active adults?

Knee pain usually shows up when load outpaces what the tissues are ready for: a jump in mileage, more hills, heavier squats, or more jumping than usual. Strength around the hip and thigh, ankle mobility, and how you land and squat all change how much stress the knee takes. The knee is where you feel it, but it is rarely the only thing that needs attention.

What knee conditions do we treat?

Runner's knee (patellofemoral pain)
IT band syndrome
Patellar and quadriceps tendon pain
Meniscus tears
Knee osteoarthritis
ACL and other post-surgical rehab, with your surgeon's clearance
Knee pain with squats, lunges, or stairs

How do we treat knee pain?

We test strength, mobility, and how you squat, step, and land. For runners, we can add a gait analysis at our West Nashville and Brentwood clinics. Treatment typically includes:

Progressive strengthening for the hip, thigh, and calf
Manual therapy and dry needling when appropriate
Load changes that keep you training while the knee settles
Movement and running form changes where they help
A clear return plan for running, lifting, or sport

How long does knee pain recovery take?

Most people need 3 to 6 visits. Many notice meaningful relief in the first 1 to 2 visits, and appointments spread further apart as you improve. Tendon problems and post-surgical rehab usually take longer.

When should you see a doctor first?

Seek medical care right away if you have:

Your knee locks or will not fully straighten
Your knee gives way after an injury
You have rapid, large swelling after a twist or fall
You cannot put weight on the leg
Your knee is hot, red, and swollen, especially with fever

Where can you get knee pain treatment in Nashville?

Available at all three of our clinics:

Common questions about low back pain

Do I need an MRI for knee pain?

Often not at first. A thorough clinical exam identifies most knee problems, and meniscus tears are common on the MRIs of middle-aged and older adults with no knee pain [4]. We will refer you for imaging if your knee is locking, unstable, or not responding to care.

Will I need surgery for a meniscus tear?

Many people do not. For degenerative tears, exercise therapy produced results similar to arthroscopic surgery at two years [3]. A tear that causes true locking may need a surgical opinion, and we will help you get one.

Can I keep running with knee pain?

Usually, in a modified way. We adjust volume, pace, and terrain so you can keep training while the knee settles, then increase load as symptoms allow.

Does physical therapy help knee arthritis?

Yes. National guidelines strongly recommend exercise for knee osteoarthritis, and a Cochrane review found exercise reduces knee pain and improves function [2][5].

Cost and Booking

Do I need a referral?

No. You can schedule directly with us without a physician referral.

What does physical therapy cost?

Each visit is a flat $185. We are a cash-based practice, so there are no copays, deductibles, or insurance limits on your care. We can provide documentation for out-of-network reimbursement, and HSA and FSA cards are accepted.

Ready to Get Started?

Book a one-on-one evaluation with a licensed physical therapist.
No referral needed.