When is physiotherapy recommended for plica syndrome?

A plica is a fold of joint lining that can become sensitive and rub during repeated knee bending. Symptoms may include pain at the front or inner side of the knee, clicking, tenderness or discomfort with stairs, squats and prolonged sitting. These features can overlap with other knee problems, so the diagnosis should be checked clinically. Physiotherapy may focus on reducing irritation, restoring knee motion, strengthening the quadriceps and hip muscles, and improving control of the leg during movement.

A therapist may first adjust activities that repeatedly compress or bend the knee, then introduce controlled strengthening and mobility work. Keep exercises within the advised range and avoid repeatedly pushing through catching or sharp pain. Gradually rebuild stairs, squatting, cycling or sport as control improves. Tell your clinician whether swelling, locking, instability or pain after sitting is changing; those details help distinguish plica irritation from another source and guide the next step.

Seek prompt care if the knee becomes hot and very swollen, you develop fever, or you cannot bear weight after an injury. Arrange an earlier review for true locking, repeated giving way, rapidly increasing swelling, a new deformity or severe pain that does not ease. These findings can require assessment for a significant injury or infection before routine physiotherapy continues.

Ask what supports the diagnosis, which activities are irritating the plica, and how to strengthen without provoking catching. Clarify whether imaging or an orthopaedic review is needed and what improvement should allow you to resume sport or work tasks.