Knee Pain and Stiffness Relief in Mineola, NY

MULLIGAN CONCEPT

Knee Pain and Stiffness

Knee pain and stiffness can come from arthritis, an old injury, or recovery after surgery such as a knee replacement. At Enhanced Physical Therapy in Mineola, we use Mulligan knee mobilization with movement, often while you stand, squat or step, to help the knee bend and straighten with less pain, then build leg strength so the knee can handle more of your day.

Certified Mulligan Practitioner Over 10 Years of Experience

Our clinics director is a Certified Mulligan Practitioner (CMP) with over a decade
of experience using this evidence-based approach. Each treatment is customized to
your specific diagnosis and movement limitations to achieve optimal outcomes.

Common signs of knee pain and stiffness

Knee pain with stairs, standing up or walking
Stiffness first thing in the morning or after sitting
A knee that won't fully bend or straighten
Swelling after activity
A knee that feels weak or gives way

What causes it

Knee arthritis is a gradual change in the joint linked to age, past injury, body weight and muscle weakness. Injuries, casts and surgery can leave the knee stiff. X-ray changes do not always match how much pain you have.

How we examine it

Before any hands-on treatment, we ask about your health and screen for anything that needs a doctor first. We assess how your knee bends and straightens, strength, balance and walking, and check the hip and ankle. We test Mulligan glides during your painful movement, such as a squat or step.

Mulligan techniques we use

Tibiofemoral glide and rotation MWM. A gentle glide of the shin bone while you bend the knee.
Weight-bearing knee MWM. The glide applied during squats, steps or lunges so the change carries into daily life.
Traction Straight Leg Raise and hip MWM. Techniques away from the knee that can ease knee pain.
Mulligan knee taping. Tape to support the glide during walking.

What the research says

A 2025 meta-analysis found Mulligan mobilization reduced pain and disability in knee arthritis, especially in weight-bearing positions and combined with other treatment. After knee replacement, a 2025 trial found knee bend improved by about 10 degrees with MWM compared with 2.5 degrees with standard rehab at 6 weeks. Guidelines recommend exercise as first-line care for knee arthritis, and Mulligan fits within that.

What else is in your treatment plan

Your plan includes Mulligan techniques, progressive quad, hip and calf strengthening, balance work and a walking plan. After surgery, we follow your surgeon's protocol.

How long recovery takes

Many patients notice easier stairs or standing within 2 to 4 weeks. Strength gains take 8 to 12 weeks. Recovery after knee replacement continues for several months.

If you are over 65

Knee arthritis is one of the most common reasons older adults lose confidence with walking and stairs. Our plans focus on getting up from a chair, managing curbs and stairs, and walking further. If you have had or are planning a knee replacement, we work within your surgeon's plan.

When to see a doctor first

Call your doctor, or get urgent care, if you have any of the following:

A hot, red, very swollen knee, especially with fever
A knee that locks and won't straighten
Unable to bear weight after a fall
Calf pain and swelling or shortness of breath after surgery: seek care immediately
Wound redness or drainage after surgery

Knee pain and stiffness treatment near Mineola

Enhanced Physical Therapy is at 137 Willis Ave, Suite 100, Mineola, NY 11501, a short walk from NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island. We see patients from Mineola, Garden City, Williston Park, New Hyde Park, Carle Place, Westbury, Albertson and Manhasset, and across central Nassau County.

Frequently asked questions

Can physical therapy delay a knee replacement?

For many people, yes. Exercise-based care improves pain and function. If you do need surgery, being stronger helps recovery.

Is walking good for knee arthritis?

Generally yes, at a level that keeps pain manageable and builds over time.

How far should my knee bend after a replacement?

Your surgeon sets targets. Most people aim for enough bend to manage stairs and chairs comfortably.

Will Mulligan therapy repair cartilage?

No treatment regrows cartilage. Mulligan techniques may reduce pain and improve movement so you can exercise and stay active.

Written and clinically reviewed by Jacob Kurian, PT, MSPT, CMP, DPT, Certified Mulligan Practitioner, Enhanced Physical Therapy, Mineola NY. Last updated October 14, 2026.

Move Better, Feel Better

If this is limiting your work, sleep or activity, call Enhanced Physical Therapy at (516) 833-5880 to book an evaluation with Jacob Kurian, Certified Mulligan Practitioner. Mulligan treatment may help reduce pain and improve movement, and we will tell you honestly what to expect.