Month: February 2026

Knee Pain While Squatting? Causes & Physiotherapy Solutions

Posted on by Dr Dharam

Introduction

  • Do you get knee pain when you squat during daily activities or workouts? You’re not by yourself. One of the most common worries among athletes and fitness enthusiasts is knee pain while squatting. Squatting puts a lot of strain on the knee joint. Stress is increased by poor movement patterns. Pain, therefore, arises.
  • At Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre, we see this problem daily across Delhi NCR.
  • We help athletes, gym-goers, and working professionals recover faster. We also correct movement faults.
  • Our goal stays simple.
    • Remove pain.
    • Restore strength.
    • Improve performance.
  • If you searched for physiotherapy near you, physiotherapy Delhi, or physiotherapy Saket, you are already close to expert care.

What Is Knee Pain While Squatting?

  • Pain experienced during the descent or ascent of a squat is referred to as knee pain during squatting. The discomfort may appear in front, inside, outside, or behind the knee. Sometimes it feels sharp. Sometimes it feels dull. Often, it links to poor biomechanics, muscular imbalance, or tissue stress. The disease deteriorates in the absence of appropriate physical therapy.

Common Causes of Knee Pain While Squatting

  • Several factors contribute to this problem. Most cases involve multiple causes.
  • Poor Squat Technique
    • Knees collapse inward.
    • Heels lift.
    • The trunk leans excessively.
    • These faults overload the joint.
  • Weak Hip and Core Muscles
    • Weak glutes fail to control knee alignment.
    • Therefore, stress shifts to the knee.
  • Tight Quadriceps, Hamstrings, or Calves
    • Limited mobility alters squat mechanics.
    • As a result, compression increases.
  • Patellofemoral Overload
    • The kneecap tracks poorly during bending.
    • Pain appears in the front.
  • Meniscal or Ligament Strain
    • Twisting under load irritates internal structures.
  • Tendinopathy
    • Repeated jumping or heavy squats inflame tendons.
  • Previous Injury or Surgery
    • Old trauma changes movement patterns.

Types and Classification

  • Knee pain while squatting usually falls into these groups:
    • Patellofemoral pain syndrome
    • Quadriceps or patellar tendinopathy
    • Meniscal irritation
    • Ligament strain
    • Myofascial pain
    • Movement control dysfunction
  • Each type needs a different physiotherapy approach. That is why assessment matters.

Clinical Features and Symptoms

  • Pain during squat depth
  • Discomfort while climbing stairs
  • Clicking or catching
  • Stiffness after rest
  • Swelling around the joint
  • Reduced confidence during loading
  • Weakness in single-leg tasks

Diagnostic Methods and Physiotherapy Examination

  1. Detailed History
  2. Postural and Movement Analysis
  3. Palpation and Range Testing
  4. Strength Assessment
  5. Special Physiotherapy Tests Used in Assessment
  6. These tests confirm the pain source. They also help track progress.

Knee Pain While Squatting: Our Elite Treatment Approach

  • At Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre, treatment stays personalized. No generic protocols. We combine manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and advanced modalities. This integrated model delivers faster outcomes.
  • Phase 1: Pain Relief and Tissue Healing
    • First, we calm irritated tissues.
    • We use:
    • High Intensity Laser Therapy
    • Shock Wave Therapy
    • Super Inductive System (SIS)
    • Dry Needling and Cupping
    • Manual techniques support these modalities.
    • We mobilize stiff joints.
    • We release tight fascia.
  • Phase 2: Mobility Restoration
    • Next, we restore the full range.
    • We target:
    • Hip flexion and rotation
    • Ankle dorsiflexion
    • Quadriceps flexibility
    • Hamstring length
    • Better mobility reduces knee compression.
  • Phase 3: Strength and Motor Control
    • This phase defines success. We retrain movement.
    • Programs include:
    • Glute activation drills
    • Closed-chain quadriceps strengthening
    • Core stability progressions
    • Eccentric tendon loading
    • Single-leg control exercises
    • We correct knee valgus. We teach proper squat mechanics. Every repetition builds confidence.
  • Phase 4: Squat Retraining and Performance Return
    • Now we load intelligently.
    • We progress:
    • Bodyweight squats
    • Goblet squats
    • Split squats
    • Barbell patterns
    • We also add:
    • Plyometric control
    • Agility drills
    • Sport-specific tasks
    • This prepares athletes for real demands.

Why Choose Elite for Knee Pain While Squatting Physiotherapy?

  • Because results matter. At Elite, you receive:
  • One-to-one expert care
  • Sports-specific rehabilitation
  • Advanced technologies
  • Movement-based assessment
  • Evidence-driven protocols
  • We serve athletes across Delhi NCR
  • Many patients find us while searching for physiotherapy near me or physiotherapy Delhi. Our physiotherapy Saket team focuses on precision rehab. Not shortcuts.

Prevention Tips from Elite Physiotherapy

  • Warm up before squats
  • Strengthen your hips regularly
  • Maintain ankle mobility
  • Avoid sudden load spikes
  • Respect recovery days
  • Get the technique checked
  • Early physiotherapy prevents chronic issues.

Final Words

  • Never should knee discomfort become normal. With expert knee pain when squatting physiotherapy, healing remains feasible. We at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre can help you squat more painlessly, safely, and powerfully. Book your assessment today. Your knees will appreciate it.