Physical Therapy for Knee Clicking, Catching, or Locking

Hearing or feeling your knee click, catch, or lock during everyday movement can be concerning. While these symptoms sometimes point to structural problems that need medical attention, many patients improve significantly with physical therapy, especially when treatment begins early.

At Plano Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center, physical therapy is often the first and most effective step in treating mechanical knee symptoms without surgery.

---

Why the Knee Clicks, Catches, or Locks

Knee clicking or catching usually happens when the joint is not moving smoothly. Common causes include:

• Muscle imbalances around the knee

• Joint stiffness or inflammation

• Poor movement patterns

• Mild meniscus irritation

• Early cartilage wear

• Knee instability due to weakness

When these issues disrupt how the knee tracks during movement, physical therapy can help restore balance and function.

---

How Physical Therapy Helps Knee Symptoms

Physical therapy addresses the root cause of knee clicking and catching—not just the symptoms.

1. Improves Knee Stability

Weak quadriceps, hamstrings, or hip muscles can cause the knee to move improperly. Therapy focuses on strengthening these muscles to stabilize the joint and reduce abnormal motion.

---

2. Restores Proper Movement Patterns

Poor biomechanics during walking, squatting, or climbing stairs can contribute to knee catching. Physical therapists retrain movement to reduce stress on the joint.

---

3. Reduces Inflammation and Stiffness

Targeted exercises, stretching, and manual therapy help decrease swelling and improve range of motion—making the knee feel smoother and more reliable.

---

4. Supports Meniscus Healing (When Appropriate)

Not all meniscus issues require surgery. In many cases, physical therapy helps patients regain function and control symptoms without invasive treatment.

---

5. Prevents Worsening Injury

Addressing clicking or catching early can prevent cartilage damage, worsening tears, and future surgical intervention.

---

When Physical Therapy Is Most Effective

Physical therapy is often recommended when:

• Knee clicking occurs without true locking

• Pain is mild to moderate

• Swelling comes and goes

• Imaging does not show a large tear or loose body

• The knee feels unstable but still moves fully

Your orthopedic specialist will determine whether therapy is appropriate after a thorough evaluation.

---

When Physical Therapy May Not Be Enough

Some conditions require additional treatment. You may need further evaluation if:

• Your knee becomes stuck and won’t straighten

• Locking happens frequently

• Pain or swelling worsens

• You experience repeated giving way

• Physical therapy does not improve symptoms

In these cases, imaging or other treatments may be necessary.

---

What to Expect From Physical Therapy at POSMC

Our approach to physical therapy is personalized and goal-driven. Patients benefit from:

• Individualized treatment plans

• Close coordination between orthopedic providers and therapists

• Progressive strengthening and mobility programs

• A focus on returning to daily activity, work, or sports safely

Many patients experience less pain, smoother movement, and improved confidence in their knee.

---

Don’t Ignore Knee Clicking or Catching

If your knee is clicking, catching, or locking, physical therapy may be the solution—especially when started early. The right treatment can restore function and help you avoid long-term issues.

Schedule an orthopedic evaluation today to find out whether physical therapy is right for your knee symptoms.