Runner's Knee (Patellofemoral Pain) Treatment in Haywards Heath

Pain around or behind the kneecap when you run, take the stairs or sit too long is usually patellofemoral pain – “runner’s knee.” It rarely means damage, and it responds very well to the right rehab.

ASSESSMENT | DIAGNOSIS | TREATMENT | RESULTS

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Does this sound familiar?

  • “Pain around or behind my kneecap when I run – especially downhill”
  • “Stairs hurt, squats hurt, and long sits stiffen it up”
  • “It started when I upped my mileage or started a new plan”
  • “I’ve rested it, it feels better, then it comes straight back when I run”

Why rest alone doesn't fix it

Runner’s knee is usually a load problem: the demand on the knee has outstripped what it’s currently conditioned for – often after a jump in mileage, hills or intensity, and often with a strength or movement contribution from the hip. Rest settles symptoms but doesn’t change any of that, which is why the pain returns. Rehab does change it.

How we treat it

  • Full assessment of your knee, hip strength and movement – and your training history, because the “why” usually lives there
  • A progressive strength programme for the knee and hip
  • Load management, not shutdown – most runners keep running at a modified level while they rehab
  • Running re-education where technique is contributing
  • A graded return to your normal mileage, hills and speedwork

Why runners choose The Health Hub

  • A running-injury specialist physio who works in elite sport and runs himself
  • Honest, keep-you-running-where-possible philosophy
  • Sports massage on-site
  • Rated 5★ on Google from 250+ patients – including plenty of local runners

→Book your knee assessment, or call 01444 817851

Runner's knee treatment near you

We treat patients from:

If you’re searching for:

  • “Runner’s knee treatment & rehab near me”
  • “Physio for runner’s knee in Haywards Heath”

You’re in the right place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I stop running completely?

Usually not. We typically adjust distance, frequency, hills or speed rather than stopping – staying active within tolerable levels tends to speed recovery.

Is the pain damaging my knee?

Patellofemoral pain is generally not associated with structural damage. Painful doesn’t mean harmful, but it does mean the load needs managing.

How long until I'm back to normal running?

Most runners are back to normal training within 6-12 weeks, depending on how long it’s been going on and how much strength needs building.

Do insoles or knee straps help?

Sometimes, as a short-term aid. They work best alongside strength work, not instead of it.

Testimonials

Read what our patients have to say.

Jodie was recommended to me by a friend who spoke incredibly highly of her. She was able to squeeze me in when I had received a hospital cancellation. Her knowledge, empathy, kindness and practical approach is fantastic. She explained everything so clearly and her passion for what she does is apparent. I am so grateful for the care I have received from her and all the others in their welcoming team at the Health Hub and would absolutely recommend their services.

M Dewdney

A hugely professional team. Recently I broke my shoulder and, as no NHS support was forthcoming, I booked in for physio with Kirk. The medical acupuncture and the exercises that Kirk gave me have been transformational in my recovery.

Nicola Collins

I highly recommend the Health Hub – very friendly reception staff, lovely rooms with quality equipment and brilliant practitioners. I’ve seen Martin for physio to aid recovery from a torn ACL, and Sam for a Chiropractor appointment for neck/back pain. Both of them are excellent, and Sam sorted my very uncomfortable back issue in just one session. Well worth the money.

Hayley Plummer

After years of pain, I’m finally seeing some results since coming here for physio and acupuncture. Thank you.

Martin Wood

I’ve been seeing Martin for knee pain, and I couldn’t recommend him more highly. From the first session, he took the time to listen carefully and understand the problem, then explained everything clearly in a way that made sense. His treatment and exercise plan were spot on—my pain started improving quickly, and I now feel much stronger and more confident.

Harry Ellarby

Jodie and the team at The Health Hub have been amazing!! So knowledgeable, I never thought that I would love acupuncture & physio so much, they have helped so much in managing my pain and recovery from a hip replacement, plus the girls on reception are all so welcoming, its a really nice place to go to, I can’t recommend it enough.

Rebekah Hardacre

Martin fixed my running injury. He’s a 45 minute drive for me but it’s great to finally find a physio I can trust that actually fixes injuries. Highly recommended.

Phil Stevens

I went to go see Martin with my ongoing knee problems whilst playing football, he knew straight away what the diagnosis was. He started a treatment plan and within a few months I was pain free and back to playing football without any problems. I highly recommend the Health Hub!

Hanna Roberts

I damaged my knee during the first game of cricket this season, Due to my lack of warming up and little exercise for the previous 6 months, the knee have lost its tone.
I was in crippling pain and could hardly bend it past 90 degrees.
It was suggested that I make an appointment with Martin.
From Martins bio, I could see that he was competent with sports injuries. Martin analysed the knee, prodded it, bent it and stretched it.
He informed me what damaged had occurred and what tissues were still OK.
After a deep knee massage, he asked me if I would like some acupuncture. This treatment was new to me and I was initially hesitant. Martin suggested that the needles would stimulate the healing process so I agreed. The sensation was strange but not too unpleasant.
I was given an exercise plan and agreed to return.
After three sessions, my knee was over 95% healed, I could hop on it and bend it as far as the undamaged knee.
Martin was very professional and I would be happy to recommend him to anybody with a knee injury.
Thank you for sorting out my knee.

Graeme Sandwith