If you love high-impact activities like running, jumping, CrossFit, martial arts, or competitive sports, you probably know what knee pain feels like. For some, it’s a dull ache after a long run. For others, it’s a sharp pain that flares up during squats, box jumps, or takedowns. While high-impact training can keep you strong and conditioned, it also puts a lot of stress on your knees - especially if there are weak links elsewhere in your movement chain.

As a physical therapist, I want you to know that you don’t have to live with knee pain or stop doing what you love. The key is managing your pain smarter, not just “pushing through it.”

No two bodies are the same and neither are injuries. Yet too often, injury recovery is treated like a “one-size-fits-all” process: generic rest, generic stretches, and a handout full of exercises that may or may not apply to your situation.

At Tualatin Valley Physical Therapy, we take a different approach: every injury recovery plan is individually tailored to the person in front of us. Why? Because a plan that’s not personalized won’t give you the best chance at healing fully or staying injury-free long term.

Let’s explore why tailoring your recovery plan matters and how a personalized approach leads to better outcomes.

Chances are, you’ve heard of carpal tunnel syndrome, or maybe you’re experiencing it yourself. That familiar tingling or numbness in your fingers, the wrist pain that flares up at the keyboard, or the hand that suddenly feels weak and clumsy? That’s not something to brush off. It could be carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and if left untreated, it can lead to chronic discomfort or even long-term nerve damage.

The good news? You can often manage and recover from carpal tunnel syndrome without surgery, and physical therapy plays a major role.

Orthopedic physical therapy (PT) might sound like something only athletes or post-surgical patients need, but the truth is that almost everyone can benefit from it at some point in their lives.

If you’ve ever dealt with joint pain, muscle strains, limited mobility, or injuries from daily life, workouts, or accidents, then orthopedic PT is designed for you.

Let’s break down what orthopedic physical therapy actually is, what conditions it treats, and when you should consider seeing a PT.

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, yet many find themselves facing a maze of treatment options, from surgery to medications, that may not address the root of the problem. Fortunately, a growing body of academic research supports conservative care methods that focus on active self-management, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications as safe and effective alternatives.

Recovering from ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and meniscus injuries can be a challenging journey, but with the right approach, you can return to your activities stronger than ever. Physical therapy plays a critical role in the recovery process, and there are also steps you can take independently to aid your rehabilitation. At Tualatin Valley Physical Therapy, we specialize in personalized care that supports you every step of the way. Here's how you can recover faster and stronger.

At Tualatin Valley Physical Therapy, we often hear from patients who are unsure about the difference between simply managing pain and truly getting back to their best. Today, we’ll break down two key approaches in physical therapy (symptom management and functional recovery) and explain why our focus on long-term gains and real functionality sets us apart.

Starting physical therapy can feel like a big step, but at Tualatin Valley Physical Therapy, we’re here to make it smooth, informative, and empowering. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or trying to regain function after surgery, your first visit sets the tone for your recovery journey.

Here’s what you can expect when you come in for your initial appointment: