Knee Pain Rehabilitation in North Vancouver
Knee pain is rarely just about the knee. It's a joint caught between the hip and the ankle, so pain that shows up there is often driven by how the rest of your lower body is moving and handling load. I assess your whole movement system, not just the knee itself, so we can identify what's actually contributing to your pain and build a plan that addresses it, not just the symptom in front of us.
The Knee Rarely Works Alone.
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr. Aaron Wallace, DC, MSc.
Common reasons people seek care
Knee pain is one of the most common complaints among active North Shore residents, and very different conditions can produce similar-feeling pain. An assessment helps guide the right next step. Here are some of the conditions I most commonly assess and treat:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the gradual wearing down of the cartilage that cushions the knee joint, typically causing stiffness and aching pain that's often worse in the morning or after periods of activity.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)
Patellofemoral pain syndrome causes pain around or behind the kneecap, usually driven by how the kneecap tracks against the thigh bone, and often aggravated by stairs, squatting, or prolonged sitting.
Meniscus Injury
A meniscus injury involves damage to one of the cartilage discs that cushion the knee joint, which can happen suddenly from a twisting movement or gradually through wear over time.
Ligament Sprains (MCL, LCL, ACL)
A knee ligament sprain is an overstretching or tearing of one of the bands of tissue that stabilize the joint, ranging from a mild sprain to a complete tear, and commonly occurs during contact sports or sudden changes in direction.
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
Patellar tendinopathy is irritation or breakdown of the tendon just below the kneecap, common in sports involving repeated jumping or sprinting, and typically causes pain that worsens with activity. Read more about tendon rehabilitation.
What to expect during your session.
1
Comprehensive assessment
Your first visit includes a movement and clinical assessment of your knee and how it connects to your hip and ankle, so we understand what may be driving your symptoms before recommending any treatment.
2
A plan built around you
From there, we build an individualized plan that combines manual therapy with active, exercise-based rehabilitation. You'll know exactly what we're addressing, why, and what the process looks like going forward.
3
Built for long-term resilience
We track your progress at every visit, reassessing regularly and adjusting your plan as you improve. The goal is genuine, long-term resilience and a real return to the activities you care about, not an open-ended treatment plan.
How long does recovery take?
We assess progress using the activities that matter to you, such as walking, climbing stairs, squatting or returning to running. The plan is adjusted according to your symptoms and capacity. Your assessment also helps determine whether another provider or further investigation should be involved.
Should I stop running if my knee hurts?
Not always. Whether you should modify or temporarily reduce running depends on the nature and severity of your symptoms, an assessment helps guide appropriate activity changes.
Why does my knee hurt even though I didn't injure it?
Knee pain can develop gradually without one obvious injury. Changes in training, activity, or overall load are common contributors, among other factors an assessment can help identify.
Can my rehabilitation plan include returning to North Shore hikes?
Yes. If hiking is your goal, we can plan around the demands of climbs, descents and longer outings. The starting point and progression depend on your assessment and how your knee responds.
When to seek medical care
If symptoms are worsening, movement or strength is decreasing, or you develop new numbness, seek medical advice rather than waiting for a routine rehabilitation visit.
Related care
Book an assessment
Appointments with Dr. Aaron Wallace are available in North Vancouver and West Vancouver. Choose a clinic to see contact details and booking options.