Melbourne's Knee Treatment Specialists

Advanced AxIT Testing with Expert Post-Operative Rehabilitation

At Keilor Road Physiotherapy, our knee specialists combine advanced AxIT strength testing with comprehensive rehabilitation programs to treat everything from acute sports injuries to complex post-surgical recovery. With direct partnerships with Melbourne's leading orthopedic surgeons and our evidence-based GLA:D program for knee osteoarthritis, we provide specialist-level care that delivers measurable results. Over 95% of our knee patients achieve significant improvement and return to full function.

Same-day appointments available for acute knee injuries.

 

Meet Our Knee Specialists

Robbie Webb - Sports Physiotherapist

Knee Injury & Rehabilitation Specialist

  • Masters in Sports Physiotherapy (La Trobe University)

  • Special interest in knee injuries - recognised expertise area

  • GLA:D certified for knee osteoarthritis treatment

  • 15+ years experience in knee injury management

  • APPI qualified Pilates instructor for knee stability

  • Expert in post-operative ACL and meniscus rehabilitation

  • Combines manual therapy with progressive strengthening

Sean Williamson - Physiotherapist

VFL Sports Physiotherapist & Knee Specialist

  • Specialised expertise in knee conditions

  • VFL high performance team experience (2023 Werribee Tigers)

  • Masters in Physiotherapy (La Trobe University)

  • Expert in treating athletic knee injuries

  • Evidence-based rehabilitation protocols

  • Post-operative knee surgery rehabilitation

  • Person-centered approach for optimal outcomes

Bryce De Kort - Physiotherapist

Knee & Sports Injury Specialist

  • Specialist expertise in knee and foot/ankle injuries

  • Doctor of Physiotherapy (Monash University)

  • Strength and conditioning specialist (Exercise & Sport Science, Deakin University)

  • Member of high performance team at Football Victoria

  • Expert in post-operative knee rehabilitation

  • Personal trainer background for functional rehabilitation

  • Evidence-based exercise prescription and progressive loading

Additional Knee Specialists: Teagan Ferris (netball injury expertise) and Sarah Isaac (strength & conditioning specialist) complete our comprehensive knee rehabilitation team.

 

Advanced Knee Assessment with AxIT Technology

Objective Measurement for Complete Knee Recovery

Traditional knee assessments can miss subtle strength deficits and movement imbalances that lead to re-injury or persistent pain. Our AxIT system provides objective, measurable data about your knee function.

AxIT for Knee Assessment:

The AxIT Force Plate System and dynamometry equipment measures:

  • Quadriceps and hamstring strength in both legs

  • Single-leg squat performance and control

  • Jump testing for power and landing mechanics

  • Left-right symmetry to identify imbalances (critical for ACL injuries)

  • Baseline measurements to track recovery progress

  • Return-to-sport readiness with evidence-based criteria

  • Hop test protocols for ACL reconstruction clearance

Why AxIT Matters for Knee Treatment:

  • ACL reconstruction: Requires 90% limb symmetry before return to sport - AxIT measures this precisely

  • Post-arthroscopy: Identifies quadriceps weakness that persists after surgery

  • Patellofemoral pain: Measures strength ratios that contribute to kneecap pain

  • Knee osteoarthritis: Tracks strength improvements through GLA:D program

  • Prevention of re-injury: Ensures complete recovery before returning to activities

The Strength Testing Advantage:

Research shows that athletes who pass objective strength testing before returning to sport have significantly lower re-injury rates. AxIT ensures you're truly ready, not just feeling better.

Physical Therapy Treatment Timeline

Physical Therapy Treatment Timeline

PHASE 1
Pain Relief & Restore Mobility
Weeks 1-4

Focus

Reduce pain, decrease swelling, restore normal movement

Treatment Includes:

  • Hands-on manual therapy for joint mobility
  • Soft tissue release of tight muscles
  • Pain management strategies
  • Protected movement and early exercise
  • Gait retraining if needed
  • AxIT baseline assessment
Expected Outcomes

Significant pain reduction, improved range of motion, ability to walk normally

PHASE 2
Strengthening & Prevention
Weeks 4-12

Focus

Build strength, restore function, prevent re-injury

Treatment Includes:

  • Progressive resistance training (guided by AxIT testing)
  • Sport-specific conditioning
  • Balance and proprioception training
  • Movement pattern optimization
  • Return-to-activity progressions
  • Final AxIT testing to confirm readiness
Expected Outcomes

Full strength restoration, confident return to activities, reduced risk of future knee problems

Timeline Varies By Condition

Acute Injuries
6-8 weeks
Chronic Conditions
8-12 weeks
Post-Operative
3-6 months

GLA:D Program for Knee Osteoarthritis

Delay or Avoid Knee Replacement Surgery

Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark (GLA:D)

If you've been told you need a knee replacement, the GLA:D program may help you delay or avoid surgery. This internationally proven program combines education with supervised exercise to reduce pain and improve function.

GLA:D Program Results for Knee Osteoarthritis:

  • 25% reduction in pain

  • Improved physical activity levels

  • Reduced need for pain medication by one-third

  • Delayed or prevented surgical intervention

  • Long-term favorable outcomes (proven in 30,000+ patients)

Program Structure:

  • Initial assessment with functional testing

  • Two education sessions about osteoarthritis management

Supervised neuromuscular training twice weekly for 6 weeks

  • Delivered by GLA:D-certified physiotherapists

  • Group-based format for motivation and support

  • AxIT strength testing to track improvements

Strongly Recommended by:

  • Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

  • National and international clinical guidelines

  • First-line treatment BEFORE considering surgery

Learn more about our GLA:D program here.


Expert Post-Operative Knee Rehabilitation

Specialist-Level Surgical Recovery

We excel at post-operative management of all knee surgeries, working in close collaboration with Melbourne's leading orthopedic surgeons to optimise your surgical outcomes.

Surgeries We Rehabilitate:

ACL Reconstruction:

  • Evidence-based 9-12 month return-to-sport protocol

  • AxIT testing at key milestones (3, 6, 9 months)

  • Limb symmetry index testing (90% required for sport clearance)

  • Progressive agility and cutting drills

  • Collaboration with surgeon for clearance decisions

Meniscus Surgery:

  • Repair vs. meniscectomy protocols

  • Protected weight-bearing progression

  • Quadriceps reactivation (critical in first 2 weeks)

  • Return to activity timelines (4-6 weeks for meniscectomy, 3-4 months for repair)

Total Knee Replacement:

  • Pre-operative "prehab" to optimise outcomes

  • Post-operative range of motion and strength restoration

  • Functional mobility training

  • Home exercise progression

  • Return to golf, walking, cycling, swimming

Other Knee Surgeries and Procedures:

  • Partial knee replacement

  • Patella realignment surgery

  • Cartilage repair procedures (microfracture, OATS)

  • Multi-ligament reconstruction

  • Revision knee replacements

  • Tibial osteotomy

  • Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation) Injections (Also called: gel injections, Synvisc, Durolane, Hylan, Monovisc) for knee OA

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

Orthopedic Surgeon Partnerships:

We maintain strong relationships with Melbourne's most trusted orthopedic surgeons, ensuring:

  • Coordination of pre-operative conditioning

  • Adherence to surgeon-specific protocols

  • Regular progress reports to surgical team

  • Seamless communication throughout recovery

  • Objective AxIT testing data for clearance decisions

 

Anatomical illustration of knee joint showing common injury sites

Comprehensive Knee Conditions Treated

Comprehensive Knee Conditions Treated

Acute Knee Injuries

Sports & Traumatic Injuries:
  • •ACL tears and sprains
  • •MCL, LCL, PCL injuries
  • •Meniscus tears (medial and lateral)
  • •Patella dislocation
  • •Knee ligament sprains
  • •Tibial plateau fractures (post-cast rehabilitation)
  • •Quadriceps and hamstring strains affecting knee
  • •Multi-ligament knee injuries

Overuse & Chronic Conditions

Degenerative & Tendon Issues:
  • •Knee osteoarthritis (including GLA:D program)
  • •Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner's knee)
  • •Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
  • •Iliotibial band syndrome (ITB syndrome)
  • •Quadriceps tendinopathy
  • •Pes anserine bursitis
  • •Osgood-Schlatter disease (adolescent knee pain)
  • •Hoffa's fat pad syndrome

Patellofemoral (Kneecap) Problems

Kneecap Conditions:
  • •Patellofemoral pain syndrome
  • •Patella tracking disorders
  • •Patella tendinopathy
  • •Chondromalacia patella (cartilage softening)
  • •Plica syndrome
  • •Patella instability

Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Surgical Recovery:
  • •ACL reconstruction (all graft types)
  • •Meniscus repair and meniscectomy
  • •Total knee replacement
  • •Partial knee replacement
  • •Patella realignment surgery
  • •Cartilage repair procedures
  • •Multi-ligament reconstruction
  • •Knee arthroscopy

Sport-Specific Knee Injuries

Athletic Conditions:
  • •Football (AFL, soccer) knee injuries
  • •Netball ACL and meniscus tears
  • •Running-related knee pain
  • •Basketball landing injuries
  • •Skiing and snow sports injuries
  • •Return to elite sport after knee surgery

Adolescent & Youth Knee Conditions

Growth-Related Injuries:
  • •Osgood-Schlatter disease (tibial tuberosity apophysitis)
  • •Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD lesions)
  • •Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome
  • •Juvenile patellofemoral pain
  • •Patellar sleeve fractures
  • •Growing pains and apophysitis
Youth Athlete Management:
  • •Growth plate-safe rehabilitation
  • •Modified training during growth spurts
  • •Education for young athletes and parents
  • •Long-term athletic development focus

Evidence-Based Treatment Techniques

Manual Therapy & Joint Mobilisation

  • Knee joint mobilisation for stiffness

  • Patella mobilisation for tracking problems

  • Soft tissue release (quadriceps, hamstrings, ITB)

  • Trigger point therapy

  • Dry needling for muscle tension

  • Neural mobilisation for nerve symptoms

Clinical Pilates for Knee Stability

  • APPI-certified Pilates instruction

  • Hip and core strengthening for knee control

  • Movement control and coordination

  • Low-impact rehabilitation option

  • Prevention-focused exercise

AxIT-Guided Strength Training

  • Objective baseline strength assessment

  • Progressive resistance training guided by AxIT data

  • Quadriceps and hamstring strengthening

  • Left-right symmetry correction (critical for ACL)

  • Regular reassessment to track progress

  • Evidence-based return-to-sport criteria

Sport-Specific Conditioning

  • Return to running programs

  • Agility and change-of-direction drills

  • Jump and landing training

  • Sport-specific movement patterns

  • Match/competition preparation

 

Why Choose KRP for Knee Treatment?

Advanced AxIT Assessment Objective knee strength and symmetry testing provides measurable data essential for safe return to sport - particularly critical for ACL reconstruction (90% symmetry required) and post-operative recovery.

Expert Post-Operative Care We excel at post-operative management of all knee surgeries with evidence-based protocols and strong orthopedic surgeon partnerships for coordinated care.

GLA:D Certified Program Evidence-based program for knee osteoarthritis proven to reduce pain by 25% and delay or avoid knee replacement surgery in thousands of patients.

Sports Physiotherapy Expertise VFL and football team physiotherapists with extensive experience treating athletic knee injuries and facilitating return to elite sport.

Two-Phase Treatment Approach Proven methodology combining immediate pain relief with long-term strengthening to prevent recurrence - not just symptom management.

Over 95% Success Rate More than 95% of our knee patients achieve significant improvement and return to full function with our comprehensive approach.

 
What to Expect at Your Assessment

What to Expect at Your Assessment

Our comprehensive knee assessment and treatment program combines advanced technology with evidence-based practices to support your recovery journey.

Initial Knee Assessment

40 minutes
  • Comprehensive knee injury history and functional limitations
  • Physical examination including range of motion, stability tests, and special tests
  • AxIT strength assessment for objective baseline measurement (when appropriate)
  • Movement and gait analysis
  • Patella tracking assessment for kneecap problems
  • Review of imaging if available (MRI, X-ray)
  • Clear diagnosis with explanation of findings
  • Discussion of two-phase treatment approach
  • Realistic timeline for recovery
  • Immediate hands-on treatment
  • Home exercise program

Follow-Up Treatment Sessions

20-40 minutes
  • Progressive manual therapy and joint mobilisation
  • AxIT-guided strengthening exercises (when ready for loading)
  • Sport-specific or functional rehabilitation
  • Balance and proprioception training
  • Regular reassessment with AxIT to track progress
  • Treatment plan adjustments based on objective data
  • GLA:D program enrollment if appropriate
  • Coordination with orthopedic surgeon for post-operative cases

Quick Answers to Common Questions

  • Recovery timelines vary by condition:

    • Minor ligament sprains: 4-6 weeks

    • Meniscus tears (conservative): 6-8 weeks

    • Patellofemoral pain: 8-12 weeks

    • ACL reconstruction: 9-12 months for return to sport

    • Knee replacement: 3-6 months for full recovery

    • GLA:D program for osteoarthritis: 6 weeks of training

  • The GLA:D program is specifically designed to help delay or avoid knee replacement. With proven 25% pain reduction and improved function, many patients successfully manage osteoarthritis without surgery. It's always worth trying conservative management first.

  • Evidence-based protocols require 9-12 months minimum. You must pass AxIT strength testing showing 90% limb symmetry and demonstrate good movement quality before returning to pivoting sports. Returning too early significantly increases re-injury risk.

  • AxIT objectively measures your knee strength, power, and left-right symmetry. This is critical for determining when you're ready to return to sport safely - particularly after ACL surgery where 90% symmetry is required. It provides measurable data, not just guesswork.

  • Not all meniscus tears require surgery. Many respond well to physiotherapy, especially degenerative tears in older adults. We'll assess your specific situation and coordinate with our trusted orthopedic surgeons if surgical consultation is needed.

  • Absolutely! Exercise and physiotherapy are first-line treatment for knee osteoarthritis according to clinical guidelines. The GLA:D program has strong evidence showing pain reduction and improved function, helping many delay or avoid surgery.

  • Classic signs include: hearing/feeling a "pop" during injury, immediate swelling, knee instability or "giving way," and difficulty weight-bearing. We can perform clinical tests during assessment and coordinate MRI if needed to confirm diagnosis.

  • No referral is needed. However, a GP referral allows Medicare rebates through a Chronic Disease Management plan, and may be required for coordination with orthopedic surgeons if surgery is needed.

  • We work with Medicare CDM plans with a small gap payment and accept all private health insurance. On-the-spot rebates available for eligible patients.

 

Book Your Knee Assessment Today

 
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Don't let knee pain limit your activities or delay your recovery from surgery. Our specialist team combines advanced AxIT technology with expert post-operative rehabilitation and the evidence-based GLA:D program to deliver measurable results.

Same-day appointments available for acute knee injuries.


Servicing: Keilor, Niddrie, Essendon, Airport West, and Melbourne's northwest suburbs for over 40 years.


Call: (03) 9379 4557


Clinic Hours: Monday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday: Closed

Expert knee care with advanced AxIT strength testing, evidence-based GLA:D program for osteoarthritis, and specialist post-operative rehabilitation. Strong orthopedic surgeon partnerships and over 95% success rate. VFL and sports physiotherapy expertise for athletic knee injuries