Physiotherapy for Knee Pain in Clifton, NJ
Clifton Physical Therapy
Knee pain can interfere with your ability to walk, climb stairs, or even perform simple daily tasks. Whether caused by an injury, overuse, or a chronic condition like arthritis, knee discomfort can significantly affect your mobility and quality of life. At Clifton Physical Therapy, we specialize in personalized physiotherapy programs designed to restore movement, relieve pain, and help you get back to doing what you love.
Under the guidance of Tiffany Zarcone, PT, DPT, our Clinical Director, each treatment plan is tailored to your specific condition and recovery goals.
What Is Physiotherapy and How Does It Help Knee Pain?
Physiotherapy is a medically guided approach to restoring physical function through movement, exercise, and specialized manual techniques. For knee pain, it aims to strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall stability.
At Clifton Physical Therapy, our team uses a combination of targeted exercises, manual therapy, and modern modalities—such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat or cold therapy—to support faster healing. Each session is designed to promote proper movement mechanics while reducing strain on your knee joint.
Whether your pain stems from a sports injury, post-surgical recovery, or a chronic degenerative condition, physiotherapy can effectively manage symptoms and help prevent future knee issues.
Why Might You Need Physiotherapy for Your Knee?
Knee physiotherapy is often recommended when pain or stiffness limits your movement or when daily activities—such as walking, squatting, or standing up from a chair—become difficult. You may benefit from physiotherapy if you experience:
Persistent pain or swelling in the knee
Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Weakness or instability in the leg
Grinding or clicking sensations in the joint
Pain following surgery or an injury
Common Physiotherapy Exercises for Knee Pain
Exercises form the foundation of most knee pain rehabilitation programs. At Clifton Physical Therapy, our specialists customize your exercise plan based on your condition and comfort level. Below are some examples of exercises commonly included in a knee physiotherapy routine:
1. Straight Leg Raise
Lie on your back with one knee bent and the other leg straight. Slowly lift the straight leg to the height of the bent knee, hold for a few seconds, and lower it gently. This strengthens your quadriceps and supports the knee joint.
2. Step-Ups
Using a low step or stair, step up with your affected leg and bring the other leg to meet it. Step down and repeat. This exercise improves balance, coordination, and leg strength.
3. Mini Squats
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold onto a chair or counter for support. Gently bend your knees to a 45-degree angle, keeping your knees behind your toes, then return to standing. Mini squats build stability and strengthen key muscles supporting the knee.
4. Knee Extensions
While seated at the edge of a chair, straighten your leg and hold it for 10–15 seconds before lowering it back down. This helps maintain mobility and reduces stiffness.
5. Ankle Pumps
Sit with your legs extended and move your feet forward and backward in a pumping motion. This exercise encourages blood flow and reduces swelling after an injury or surgery.
Each exercise is performed under the supervision of our licensed physiotherapists to ensure correct form and prevent strain.
Advanced Physiotherapy Techniques for Knee Pain
At Clifton Physical Therapy, our approach goes beyond simple exercises. We use advanced physiotherapy techniques and evidence-based treatments to accelerate your recovery and reduce pain effectively. Depending on your diagnosis and progress, your treatment plan may include:
1. Manual Therapy
Our therapists use hands-on techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, and myofascial release to ease stiffness, improve circulation, and restore normal movement patterns.
2. Ultrasound Therapy
Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to penetrate deep into the tissues, promoting faster healing, reducing inflammation, and alleviating pain around the knee joint.
3. Electrical Stimulation (E-Stim)
E-stim is used to activate weak muscles and improve circulation. It helps manage pain and reduce swelling, especially after surgery or acute injuries.
4. Kinesiology Taping
Kinesio tape provides support to the knee joint without restricting movement. It helps reduce pressure, enhance stability, and improve overall muscle function during recovery.
5. Heat and Cold Therapy
Alternating between heat and cold applications can help minimize inflammation and muscle tightness while improving comfort and flexibility.
When Should You See a Physical Therapist for Knee Pain?
Not all knee pain requires surgery—but ignoring persistent discomfort can lead to more severe issues over time. You should consider scheduling a physiotherapy evaluation if you experience any of the following:
Pain that lasts longer than a few days despite rest and home care
Swelling, stiffness, or redness around the knee
Difficulty bending, straightening, or bearing weight on your leg
Grinding, popping, or locking sensations in the knee
Pain that interferes with walking, climbing stairs, or sleeping
Knee weakness or instability during activity
If you’re unsure whether your knee pain requires treatment, our licensed physical therapists can perform a comprehensive assessment to determine the cause and create a tailored plan to get you back on track.
Will Insurance Cover Knee Physiotherapy?
In most cases, health insurance and Medicare provide coverage for physiotherapy when it’s deemed medically necessary. However, coverage can vary depending on your specific plan and provider, including the number of approved visits and the types of treatments included.
Before scheduling your appointment, it’s a good idea to review your insurance policy or contact your provider directly. Some plans require a doctor’s referral or prescription for physical therapy services, while others may need prior authorization before treatment begins.
In certain cases, your insurance company may initially approve only a limited number of sessions. If you need continued care, your therapist will complete a follow-up evaluation and submit updated documentation to request additional visits.
Meet Tiffany Zarcone, PT, DPT
Tiffany Zarcone, PT, DPT, is the Clinical Director at Clifton Physical Therapy in Clifton, New Jersey. She brings a wealth of experience in orthopedic rehabilitation, sports training, and women’s health, helping patients recover from pain and return to the activities they love.
Education & Background
Tiffany earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Columbia University and completed her undergraduate studies at Middlebury College, where she captained the varsity soccer team. Her background as both an athlete and clinician provides her with a unique understanding of how movement, strength, and performance intersect in the recovery process.
Call us today at (973)-241-1338 to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward pain-free movement.
What others are saying
"I recently had ankle surgery and Clifton PT has been nothing short of amazing! My goal was to get back to playing soccer as quick as possible before the college season started and so far I'm right on track. Izzy, Bianca, Tiff, and John have gone above and beyond to make sure I'm back to 100%. Couldn't be more grateful to be treated by the best team ever!." - Nat Rufino
All the therapists at Clifton Physical Therapy are awesome, but I spend most of my time with Izzy and Bianca—and they’ve been amazing. They’re enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and always take the time to explain what I’m doing and what my issues are. Their positive energy and clear communication make a big difference in my recovery." - Bryan Tompkins
"Going Clifton physical therapy was one of the best thing that came out of my back pain! Every single staff member is amazing and cares for your recovery! I have been with them for the past couple of months and now continuing their workout program! I can’t recommend them enough! Tiffany, Izzy, Bianca and everyone else I have worked with there! Can’t rave about them enough!!." - Monica Mehta
"Clifton Physical Therapy has been a great place for me to heal my meniscus tear. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, and has been extremely helpful in guiding me through my recovery. I highly recommend their services.." - Kelly Bevando
Clifton Physical Therapy
✆ Phone (appointments): (973)-241-1338
Address: 1059 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton, NJ 07012
