Personal Injury
Knee Sprain / Strain
An underappreciated impact point in a collision.
How the Knee Gets Hurt in an Accident
The knee is a common, and commonly overlooked, injury site in car accidents — striking the dashboard, bracing against the floorboard, or absorbing an awkward twisting force as the body is thrown during impact. These forces can sprain the ligaments that stabilize the knee or strain the surrounding muscles and tendons.
Signs & Symptoms
- Swelling that may develop over the hours following the accident
- Bruising, especially over the kneecap in dashboard-impact injuries
- A sense of instability or the knee "giving way"
- Pain with weight-bearing or stair use
- Anxiety about walking, driving, or returning to normal activity after the injury
How We Evaluate It
We conduct a thorough medical evaluation to grade the injury, including specific ligament and meniscus testing, coordinate with imaging or orthopedic referral when a higher-grade injury is suspected, and check in on how the injury is affecting your confidence in daily movement.
Our Approach
- Medical evaluation to grade the injury and rule out more significant ligament or meniscus damage
- CNS-based physical therapy focused on the quad, hamstring, and hip control that stabilizes the knee
- Behavioral health support if anxiety about movement or reinjury is limiting your recovery
- Coordination with imaging or orthopedic referral when a higher-grade injury is suspected
What to Expect
Most knee sprains and strains from an accident respond very well to a structured program, particularly when they're caught and treated early rather than dismissed as minor bruising that will work itself out.
Frequently Asked Questions
My knee only bruised — do I still need it evaluated?
Yes. Bruising confirms impact, but it doesn't rule out ligament or soft tissue injury underneath, which is exactly what a proper evaluation checks for.
Will this need surgery?
Most accident-related knee sprains and strains do not require surgery and respond well to conservative care. We coordinate with an orthopedic specialist for the smaller number of cases that suggest a higher-grade injury.
Is it normal to feel nervous about putting weight on it again?
Yes — this is common after a knee injury from an accident, and physical therapy is specifically built to rebuild both strength and confidence together.
A knee injury that gets dismissed as minor bruising is one of the more common ways an accident injury quietly becomes a long-term problem — evaluating the whole picture the first time prevents that.
Confidential · No Pressure · Coordinated Care
Start today. Walk-ins welcome.
Call us, send a message, or just come by the clinic. Same-day appointments are available, and our team will meet you without judgment.
1010 E McDowell Rd, Suite 410, Phoenix, AZ 85006 · Open until 7 PM Wednesdays