Knee pain can make everyday life surprisingly difficult — from climbing stairs and walking the school run, to running, training in the gym, or playing sport. Since 2001, Osteopathy London has helped people across Central & East London recover quickly, move better, and return to what they love with clear diagnosis, hands-on treatment and targeted rehab.
Does this describe you?
- Pain or stiffness when walking, climbing stairs or standing from a chair
- Sharp pain around the kneecap when running, squatting or going downhill
- Clicking, catching or “giving way” of the knee
- Swelling after exercise or long periods on your feet
- Pain on the inside or outside of the knee after sport or twisting
- Aching or stiffness in the knee in the morning or evening (possible arthritis)
- Knee pain that lingers despite rest, supports, or self-help advice
What factors can lead to knee pain?
Knee problems rarely come from one single event. They often build when load exceeds capacity
- Sudden spikes in training load (running, squats, gym, sport)
- Poor biomechanics — foot, hip or core issues overloading the knee
- Repetitive kneeling, climbing or twisting at work or home
- Muscle weakness in glutes, quads or calves creating extra joint stress
- Previous injury leaving instability or reduced mobility
- Stress and poor sleep increasing pain sensitivity and slowing recovery
What causes knee pain?
The causes are individual, but here are the most common conditions we assess and treat:
- Patellofemoral Pain (“Runner’s Knee”) – pain around the kneecap with squatting, running, stairs or sitting long periods
- Meniscus Irritation or Tear – sharp pain, swelling or locking after twisting or impact
- Ligament Strain or Sprain (ACL, MCL, LCL) – instability, swelling or pain after sport or awkward movement
- Knee Osteoarthritis – stiffness, grinding or aching pain that improves with movement
- Patellar Tendinopathy (“Jumper’s Knee”) – pain below the kneecap with jumping or running
- Iliotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome – pain on the outside of the knee, often in runners or cyclists
- Referred pain from the hip, pelvis or lower back – tension or nerve irritation mimicking knee pain
Your Path to Lasting Relief: Osteopathy London's 3-Part Knee Pain Programme
1. Your New Patient Appointment.
Case History:
Posture and movement screen; gait analysis; squat and functional movement tests; knee joint mobility; ligament and tendon checks; hip and ankle contribution; neurological screen if nerve involvement suspected.
Physical Examination:
A comprehensive assessment includes your posture, flexibility, muscle balance and joint mechanics above and below the knee. We look at hip, ankle and core function to understand the wider chain that may be driving knee pain.
Your diagnosis & treatment plan:
We explain clearly what’s causing your pain and agree a plan that fits your goals — typically combining hands-on care with progressive rehab and load management for long-term relief.
2. Hands-on treatment for knee pain
At your first visit (and follow-ups) you’ll receive tailored treatment to reduce pain and restore movement which may include:
- Joint mobilisation for the knee, hip and ankle
- Soft tissue release for overloaded quads, hamstrings, calves or ITB
- Joint Manipulation where appropriate in which osteopaths may use techniques that create a "pop" from a quick opening of the joint. This can relax the muscles around the joint and improve mobility.
- Medical acupuncture (if appropriate and you’d like it) to calm pain and muscle tension
- Kinesio taping, or advice on bracing or supports during early rehab phases
- Advice on short-term activity modifications so you can keep moving safely
3. Breaking the cycle with rehab & prevention
Knee pain responds best to progressive loading and smarter movement habits:
- Individualised exercise plan: isometrics → strength loading → functional/sport-specific drills
- Strength & balance work: quads, glutes, hamstrings and calves to support the joint
- Proprioception training: balance and stability work after sprains or surgery
- Return-to-running/sport plan: graded progressions, gait retraining and technique tips
- Lifestyle strategies: pacing, recovery, sleep and stress support to optimise healing
This approach speeds short-term relief and builds long-term resilience — so you can walk, run and train with confidence.
Common Questions About Knee Pain?
Ready for Relief? Book Your Appointment
Osteopaths are experts in diagnosing and treating knee pain. Click below to book your first step towards relief — or arrange a free 15-minute chat with John if you’re unsure.
Osteopathy London's Osteopaths with expertise in knee pain treatment
John (Clinic Director)
John provides Osteopathy, Cranial & Baby Osteopathy, and Medical Acupuncture
Read more.
Gervais (Osteopath)
Gervais provides Osteopathy, Cranial Osteopathy, and Medical Acupuncture.
Read more.
Osteopathy London, 31 Roman Road, Bethnal Green, East London E2 0HU
© John Mallinder