Get back to doing what you love
If your knee is stopping you from training, working or getting through a normal day, you’re not imagining it. Knee injuries and knee pain are some of the most common reasons people come through our door, and they’re also some of the most treatable.
At Far North Physio in Cairns, our physios assess your knee properly, give you a clear diagnosis and build a hands-on treatment plan around your goals. Whether you’re dealing with an ACL injury, a niggling knee injury that won’t settle, or recovering from surgery, we’re here to help you move well again.
Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people come through our door, but it’s also one of the most poorly managed. A lot of people spend months resting, stretching, or pushing through the pain, with no clear picture of what’s actually going on.
The knee is a complex joint that sits between the hip and the foot. When something is off above or below it, the knee ends up carrying load it was never meant to handle. Treating the knee in isolation often misses the real problem.
The most common reasons knee pain doesn't settle:
A proper knee injury assessment looks at the whole picture, not just the sore spot. That’s where we start.
We treat the full range of knee injuries and conditions, from acute sports injuries to chronic joint pain and post-surgical recovery.
ACL tears are one of the most common serious knee injuries we see, particularly in rugby league, AFL and other contact sports. Whether you’ve been told you need surgery or you’re already post-reconstruction, we build a phase-by-phase rehab plan that progresses you safely back to full function.
Our ACL rehab covers:
We don’t rush the timeline. Getting this right the first time is the goal.
Pain at the front of the knee around the kneecap is extremely common in runners, cyclists, young athletes and people who spend long periods on stairs or kneeling. Patellofemoral pain responds well to physio, which typically includes load management, targeted strengthening and technique corrections.
The meniscus is a shock-absorbing disc inside the knee. Tears can occur from a twist or fall, or develop gradually over time. Many meniscus injuries are managed conservatively with physiotherapy. Where surgery is required, we provide pre- and post-operative rehabilitation.
Recovery after a total or partial knee replacement needs a structured approach. We work with patients before surgery to optimise strength and mobility, then guide them through each stage of recovery afterwards to get back to daily life as quickly and safely as possible.
Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of chronic knee pain, particularly in adults over 40. Our team is trained in the GLA:D program, an internationally recognised physiotherapy intervention for knee and hip osteoarthritis, and use it as part of a broader management approach to reduce pain and improve quality of life.
We also assess and treat:
Our process starts with understanding what’s actually driving your knee pain. From there, we build a plan specifically for you.
01
Your first appointment is a detailed assessment of your movement, strength and history. We find the root cause and provide a clear diagnosis before commencement of treatment.
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You’ll leave your first visit knowing exactly what’s going on and what the path forward looks like. We walk you through the diagnosis and give you a realistic timeline for recovery.
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Treatment is tailored to what’s driving your pain. Depending on your presentation, this may include manual therapy, dry needling, exercise rehabilitation, taping or load management guidance.
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For patients returning to sport, we use objective strength and movement benchmarks to confirm you’re ready before you go back to full activity.
Far North Physio is a Cairns-based physiotherapy clinic with a strong background in sports and musculoskeletal care. We’re the official physiotherapy provider for the Northern Pride rugby league team, and our physios bring real clinical experience to every patient, whether you’re returning from an ACL reconstruction or just want to walk without knee pain.
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ACL rehabilitation typically takes between 9 and 12 months for a return to full contact sport, though this varies based on the severity of the injury, whether surgery was required, and the demands of the sport or activity you’re returning to. Return to lower-impact activity can happen earlier. Your physio will give you a timeline based on your specific situation at your initial assessment.
Not necessarily. A significant number of ACL injuries, particularly partial tears, can be managed successfully with physiotherapy alone. The decision depends on the extent of the tear, your activity level, your knee stability and your goals. We’ll give you an honest assessment and, where surgical opinion is warranted, refer you to the right specialist.
Yes. Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for knee osteoarthritis. Targeted exercise, load management, hands-on therapy and education can significantly reduce pain and improve function. We use the GLA:D program as part of our osteoarthritis management approach. Physio is nearly always recommended before surgery is considered.
In most cases, physiotherapy begins before your surgery (to optimise your strength and mobility going in) and continues within the first week after your procedure. Early rehabilitation is a key factor in a good recovery. If you’ve already had surgery and haven’t started physio yet, it’s not too late.
No, you can book directly with us without a referral. However, if you have a GP Management Plan or a WorkCover or DVA claim, a referral or relevant documentation will be needed to access those funding pathways. Give us a call if you’re unsure about what to bring.
Private health insurance with extras cover typically includes physiotherapy. Medicare cover is available if your GP refers you under a Chronic Condition Management Plan (formerly an EPC plan), which allows a set number of Medicare-rebated sessions per calendar year. We also accept WorkCover Queensland, DVA, NDIS and motor vehicle accident (MVA) claims. Fees are listed in the online booking system.
Book a knee physio physio at Far North Physio in Cairns. We’ll assess what’s going on, give you a clear diagnosis and put together a plan to get you back to what matters.
Trusted by the Northern Pride & 5000+ Local Patients.
