Pursuit PT

Why Your Knee Pain Isn’t Going Away — And How Physical Therapy in St. John Can Help

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Knee pain is one of the most common reasons active adults in Northwest Indiana slow down their workouts, stop running, or avoid the stairs. But here’s the good news: most knee pain can be resolved without medications, injections, or surgery when you address the root cause early.

At PursuitPT, we help people in St. John, Crown Point, and surrounding Lake County communities move better, feel better, and get back to what they love — confidently and without unnecessary downtime.

What Causes Knee Pain?

Knee pain rarely appears out of nowhere. Most cases develop because of how the knee is moving, loading, or compensating for nearby joints.

Common Causes We See at PursuitPT:

  • Weakness in the hips or core leading to extra pressure on the knee
  • Tightness in the quads, hamstrings, or calves alters movement patterns
  • Patellofemoral pain (pain around or behind the kneecap)
  • Meniscus irritation from twisting or deep squatting
  • Tendon irritation (patellar or quad tendon) is commonly seen in runners and active adults
  • Arthritis or age-related stiffness that limits mobility

The key to solving knee pain is understanding that the knee is often the victim—not the source—of the problem. That’s why a thorough evaluation matters.

Why Knee Pain Keeps Coming Back

If your knee pain improves temporarily but never fully resolves, it’s often because of:

1. Treating the Symptoms, Not the Cause

Ice and rest help short-term, but they don’t fix strength imbalances or movement issues.

2. Limited Mobility in the Hips or Ankles

When these joints aren’t doing their job, the knee absorbs the extra load.

3. Muscle Imbalances

Overactive quads + underactive glutes = a knee that works too hard.

4. Returning to Activity Too Quickly

Without a proper progression, pain tends to flare back up.

A personalized plan—not generic exercises—solves the problem for good.

How Physical Therapy Helps You Get Rid of Knee Pain for Good

At PursuitPT, your plan is tailored to your body and your goals.

Your treatment may include:

  • Strengthening for the hips, glutes, quads, and core
  • Manual therapy to reduce stiffness and improve joint mobility
  • Dry needling to reduce muscle tightness and inflammation
  • Movement retraining for squatting, running, or going down stairs
    Balance and stability training to reinforce proper mechanics
  • Activity modification so you can stay active without worsening symptoms

The goal is simple: help you move pain-free and confidently in your daily life, workouts, and hobbies.

When to See a Physical Therapist for Knee Pain

You should schedule a physical therapy evaluation if:

  • Your knee pain has lasted longer than 1–2 weeks
  • You feel stiffness when sitting, driving, or after workouts
  • Stairs, squats, or running consistently aggravate your knee
  • You want to avoid medications or injections
  • You’re unsure if you should “rest it” or strengthen it

Early treatment prevents chronic pain and gets you back to moving sooner.

Get Relief From Knee Pain in St. John, Indiana

You don’t have to live with nagging knee pain — and you don’t have to stop the activities you love. At PursuitPT, we help active adults throughout St. John, Crown Point, Cedar Lake, Dyer, Schererville, and surrounding Northwest Indiana communities get lasting relief through personalized, one-on-one care.

Ready to feel better?

Schedule your evaluation at PursuitPT today and start moving with confidence again.

Move with Ease

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