No matter what sport you play, your knees are likely getting a workout. From sprinting down a soccer field to jumping for a rebound, they’re essential to strong sports performance. But when something goes wrong with your knees, the pain and loss of motion can stop you in your tracks.
It’s probably no surprise that knee injuries are common among athletes and active individuals. Fortunately, the team at Professional Care can help you address them, prevent them, and get back in the game—quickly and safely.
Why the Knee Is Prone to Sports Injuries
Your knee is a complex hinge joint made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. It connects the thigh bone to the shin bone and is supported by the kneecap.
The knee absorbs shock and provides stability as you move throughout the day. But unlike joints such as the hip or shoulder, it doesn’t have the same range of motion or rotational ability. That makes it especially vulnerable during quick pivots, sudden stops, and impact landings—common movements in many sports.
Another important factor: the knee doesn’t work alone. It’s part of the kinetic chain—the system of connected joints throughout your body. If there’s weakness or imbalance in your hips or ankles, your knees may be forced to overcompensate, which can lead to strain or injury over time.
Common Sports-Related Knee Injuries to Watch Out For
- Runner’s Knee
Pain around or behind the kneecap caused by repetitive motion or kneecap misalignment. - Jumper’s Knee
Pain and inflammation in the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shin. Often due to repetitive jumping or overuse. - Ligament Tear
A tear in one of the four ligaments that stabilize the knee. ACL tears are particularly common and are usually caused by sudden stops or direction changes. - Meniscus Tear
Damage to the meniscus, the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. Often caused by forceful twisting or deep squatting.
Helping Athletes Bridge The Gap
Physical therapy is essential to properly rehabilitating after a sports injury. But many athletes find there’s a gap between the end of their PT program and their full return to sport. They may have rehabilitated the injury but still need targeted, sport-specific training to get back in the game safely.
That’s why Professional Care offers our exclusive ProCare Bridge Program — connecting sports rehab to sports performance. This program gives athletes the tools to rebuild confidence, speed, and strength before stepping back on the field or court. Utilizing cutting-edge equipment and technology, we ensure they are fully prepared to return to their sport safely.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ProCare Bridge Program
What is the ProCare Bridge Program?
It’s a structured transition program for athletes finishing physical therapy. The Bridge Program helps restore physical readiness before full return to sport. The program is led by both a physical therapist and a sports performance specialist and focuses on advanced strength, balance, and speed training.
Who is it for?
Athletes recovering from orthopedic or sports-related injuries.
Participants are grouped by injury type and stage of recovery for more focused training and peer support. Smaller groups of athletes with similar injuries and timelines create a team environment where they can motivate and support each other competitively.
Check out our new video to see how the Bridge Program can help you recover and get stronger! Then, fill out the form for more details and pricing.
https://www.procareathleticperformance.com/bridge-program
What makes it different from regular training?
Each athlete begins with a complete movement assessment, including:
- Range of motion tests
- Balance checks
- Movement quality evaluations
This establishes a baseline for building the right program tailored to each athlete.
We also utilize advanced diagnostic tools, including:
- Dynamometer: Measures extension strength in each leg and compares the operative leg with the non-operative leg
- 1080 Motion: Analyzes peak speed (mph), time to top speed, and force generation by each leg
- Vald ForceDecks: Assesses leg symmetry and force output
What’s the goal of the program?
To fully prepare athletes for return to play — mentally and physically.
The ProCare Bridge Program closes the gap between injury recovery and sport performance.
It’s focused. It’s safe. It’s highly effective.
Ready to Graduate from Physical Therapy?
If you think you or someone you know might benefit from the ProCare Bridge Program, schedule an appointment at our Professional Care Islip facility to learn more!
How the Professional Care Team Helps Athletes Recover (And Stay Strong)
Physical Therapy: Targeted Recovery and Performance
Physical therapy is essential to managing sports-related knee injuries.
For overuse injuries like runner’s knee, we’ll work to address the underlying weakness or dysfunction contributing to your pain. For major injuries like an ACL tear, we’ll guide you through a comprehensive rehabilitation plan to restore strength and function.
We blend several treatment techniques to address the specific injury and contributing factors while keeping in mind the demands of your particular sport. Some examples include:
- Manual therapy to improve mobility, reduce swelling, and restore knee alignment
- Kinesiotaping to support the knee without limiting range of motion, helping you stay active as you recover
- Neuromuscular reeducation to train the body to use correct movement patterns, reducing stress on the knee
- Therapeutic exercise to strengthen the muscles around the knee, hips, and core, improving movement and preventing reinjury
- Balance and proprioception training to restore your balance and stability and ensure a safe return to play
Athletic Performance Training: Building Resilience
While we’re always here to treat sports injuries, we also want to help you prevent them!
Our ProCare Athletic Performance (PCAP) team offers safe, effective strength and conditioning programs to help get your body in peak condition—making you less likely to suffer an injury.
These programs focus on areas like:
- Movement mechanics
- Explosive power
- Joint stability
- Sport-specific endurance
Schedule an Appointment to Get Started
Knee injuries are serious, but with the right care, they don’t have to become long-term setbacks. At Professional Care, athletes get focused support, expert care, and proven strategies to recover, rebuild, and perform better than ever.
Don’t let a knee injury hold you back.
Contact our clinic today to set up your initial appointment.
ProCare Occupational Therapy Patient, Paul Schultz
Overcomes an Unexpected Life Challenge.
Life can certainly change in the blink of an eye, and Paul Schultz, a patient at ProCare Occupational Therapy, has experienced this firsthand.
In October 2024, Paul faced a serious health crisis that led to a hospitalization lasting several months. During his five-month hospital stay, he fell into a coma for several weeks. As a result of poor circulation, Paul tragically lost his right thumb (pollex) to amputation.
After his discharge in April 2025, Paul underwent skin graft surgery performed by Dr. Juan Jose Gilbert-Fernandez, a plastic surgeon at NYU Langone Suffolk Plastic Surgery Associates in Patchogue.
The surgery was a success, using skin from Paul’s outer thigh to repair the wound.
Starting Rehab with ProCare Occupational Therapy
Once healed, Paul began the next stage of his recovery—rehabilitation. He became a patient at ProCare Occupational Therapy in East Patchogue, where he’s been dedicated to his sessions for several months. He works one-on-one with his therapist, James Fioretti, MS, OTR/L, GTS, LSVT, CFPS.
During the early stages of therapy, Paul collaborated with a representative from Point Designs, a company in Broomfield, CO, specializing in prosthetic fingers for partial hand amputations.
Rebuilding Strength, Regaining Independence
After being fitted with his final thumb prosthesis, Paul and James shifted their focus to:
- Rebuilding strength in his hand and forearm
- Practicing essential daily tasks such as:
- Using utensils
- Opening jars
- Performing fine motor tasks
- Manipulating fasteners
Though Paul still has a journey ahead of him, we are incredibly proud of his progress and his unwavering determination to adapt to this significant life change.
Learn More About Prosthetic Solutions
If you or someone you know needs assistance with a partial hand prosthesis, we encourage you to learn more about the services offered by Point Designs.
No Referral? No Problem!
Did you know we can see you for Occupational & Physical Therapy with or without a referral from a doctor? Call us today for more information!
Five Star Review
“Professional Care Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation is amazing. I had an ankle injury and my doctor sent me to them, and I couldn’t be happier. Dr. Brooks Comeno is an outstanding doctor, who truly cares about every one of his patients, and his entire staff makes me feel welcome and right at home every time I go there. I would highly recommend them to everyone, I promise you will not be disappointed. I would never go anywhere else. I have complete confidence in them. Thank you Dr. Brooks and the whole staff for everything you have done!!”
Samantha H.
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.
