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Knee Pain While Running? Here's How Mount Pleasant PT Can Help

Running should feel free, empowering, and energizing—not painful. Yet for many runners in Mount Pleasant, knee pain is the one thing standing between them and the activity they love. Whether it creeps in during a long run or shows up as a sharp twinge after hill work, knee discomfort can quickly derail progress and drain motivation.



At Made2Move, we work with runners of all levels to uncover the root cause of their pain and create personalized treatment plans that don’t just manage symptoms—they fix the problem. If you’ve been dealing with nagging knee pain while running, physical therapy might be the key to not only recovery, but long-term performance.



physical therapy mt pleasant sc

What’s Causing Your Knee Pain?

Knee pain in runners can show up in different ways: dull aches around the kneecap, sharp pain on the outside of the knee, or stiffness and swelling after mileage builds up. Often, the issue isn’t isolated to the knee itself. In fact, many cases of running-related knee pain are linked to problems higher or lower in the kinetic chain—like hip weakness or poor ankle mobility.


Here are a few of the most common culprits:

  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee): Pain on the front of the knee

  • IT band syndrome: Pain on the outer side of the knee

  • Tendonitis or tendinopathy: Overload of the patellar or quadriceps tendon, especially with hill training or speed work.

  • Biomechanical inefficiencies


The key is knowing that knee pain is usually a symptom—not the root problem. That’s where physical therapy makes all the difference.


Why Physical Therapy Works for Runners

Most runners want to keep running—even when they’re in pain. But rest alone won’t solve the underlying issues that caused the problem in the first place. Physical therapy helps runners recover faster and stay pain-free by correcting the way their bodies move.


At Made2Move, we go beyond the surface to evaluate:

  • Joint mobility in the ankles, knees, and hips

  • Muscle activation and strength (especially the glutes and core)

  • Running mechanics and gait patterns

  • Training volume, intensity, and recovery routines


From there, we build a custom plan that combines manual therapy, movement retraining, strength programming, and running-specific drills. You’ll not only reduce pain—you’ll move more efficiently and run stronger than before.


How Made2Move Supports Runners in Mount Pleasant

Runners in Mount Pleasant need more than generic rehab—they need care that understands the sport. That’s exactly what you get at Made2Move. Our physical therapy model is one-on-one, meaning every session is tailored to you, your goals, and your progress.


We start with an in-depth evaluation that includes mobility testing, movement analysis, and a full review of your training history. For runners, we also incorporate treadmill gait assessments and performance-based testing to understand how your body moves while you run.


Treatment plans may include:

  • Hands-on therapy to reduce pain and improve mobility

  • Strength training to strengthen running muscle groups and improve running economy

  • Drills to reinforce healthy movement patterns and avoid overload

  • Education on pacing, progression, and smart recovery


And because we understand that runners hate being sidelined, we focus on modifying your training—not stopping it altogether. The goal is to keep you moving while setting the stage for lasting improvement.



Don’t Wait Until It Gets Worse

The earlier you address knee pain, the easier it is to resolve—and the less likely it is to become a chronic issue. Small aches can become big problems if left untreated. But with the right support, you can take control of your recovery and return to running with more strength, confidence, and longevity.


At Made2Move, we’re not just helping people recover—we’re helping runners thrive. If you’re dealing with knee pain while running, don’t wait for it to sideline you.


Reach out today and take the first step toward running pain-free with a team that understands your sport and your goals.


 
 
 

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