Bateman Physical Therapy
Tel: 925-596-9830 Fax: 925-215-2290
Are You Dealing With Knee Arthritis?
Knee arthritis can make ordinary activities feel harder than they should. You may notice aching or stiffness
when you first stand up, pain while walking or using stairs, or less confidence getting out of a chair. Some days
may feel manageable while others are more limiting.
Knee osteoarthritis does not mean you have to stop moving. A personalized physical therapy plan can help you
improve strength, mobility, and confidence so you can stay involved in the activities that matter to you. If you
also experience broader knee pain, our knee pain page explains other common reasons the knee may hurt
Common Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis
Common symptoms include:
• Knee pain during walking, stairs, squatting, or prolonged standing
• Stiffness in the morning or after sitting
• Swelling or a feeling of fullness around the knee
• Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
• Weakness or reduced confidence when the leg is loaded
• Grinding, clicking, or popping with movement
• Difficulty getting up from a chair or walking on uneven ground
Symptoms vary from person to person. The amount of arthritis seen on an X-ray does not always match how
much pain or limitation someone experiences
What Causes Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis involves gradual changes within the joint over time. Age, a previous knee injury or surgery,
genetics, body weight, activity demands, and other health factors may all contribute. Weakness in the
muscles around the knee and hip, reduced joint mobility, and changes in walking can also affect how the knee
tolerates daily activity.
Although these changes cannot simply be erased, pain and function can often improve. Treatment focuses on
the factors that can be changed, including strength, movement, balance, activity tolerance, and confidence.
How Physical Therapy Helps Knee Osteoarthritis
Physical therapy begins by identifying the activities that are difficult for you and the factors that may be contributing. Treatment may include exercises to strengthen the quadriceps, hips, and lower leg; activities to improve knee mobility; balance and fall prevention training; and practice with walking, stairs, or getting up from a chair. Improving hip strength and mobility can also reduce unnecessary stress on the knee.
Your therapist will help you find an appropriate starting point and gradually increase the challenge as your knee tolerates more. You will also learn ways to adjust activity during a flare-up without becoming completely inactive. The goal is not simply to complete exercises in the clinic. It is to help you move more comfortably and manage your knee with greater confidence over time.
What to Expect at Physical Therapy
Your first visit includes a conversation about your symptoms, medical history, goals, and the activities you want to improve. Your therapist will assess knee movement, leg strength, balance, walking, and functional tasks such as squatting, stepping, or rising from a chair.
From there, we will build a plan around your needs. Visits may include guided exercise, hands-on treatment when appropriate, walking or balance activities, education, and a home program. We will reassess your progress and adjust the plan as your strength and tolerance improve. Learn more about our physical therapy services and what personalized care may involve.
Getting Back to What Matters to You
Progress can mean walking farther, using stairs with less difficulty, getting up from a chair more easily, or returning to exercise. For other people, the goal may be gardening, traveling, playing golf or pickleball, or keeping up with family.
We connect treatment to the activities you care about. Your program will be progressed at a pace that challenges you without ignoring your symptoms or overall health.
Why Choose Bateman Physical Therapy?
Bateman Physical Therapy provides individualized care in San Ramon with particular experience helping older adults and Medicare beneficiaries. We focus on practical goals, clear education, and exercise that carries over to daily life.
Your plan is based on your current abilities and priorities rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol. You can also explore the other conditions we treat to learn how we help with orthopedic, balance, neurological, and post-surgical concerns.