Knee pain in Kensington? Let’s get it sorted
Whether it is a sore kneecap on the stairs, a twist in five-a-side or a knee that aches after a run in Holland Park or Kensington Gardens, our Kensington physios will find the cause and build a plan to get you back.
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google from 127 reviews of our Kensington clinic
Quick answer: Most knee pain improves with the right exercise programme, adjusted to your sport and daily life. Our Kensington clinic is inside Virgin Active at 17a Old Court Place, W8 4PL, so your rehab can move straight into the gym. Same day appointments are often available and you do not need a GP referral.
What is causing your knee pain?
Kneecap pain
Patellofemoral pain
Ache around the kneecap on stairs, squats and after sitting.
Tendon pain
Patellar tendinopathy
Pain just below the kneecap with jumping, running and lunges.
Meniscus and ligament
Twisting injuries
Pain on the joint line, swelling, clicking or the knee giving way.
Arthritis
Wear and stiffness
Morning stiffness and aching that responds well to strength work.
Where the pain sits and what sets it off tell us a lot. Pain at the front of the knee on stairs is usually kneecap pain, pain below the kneecap after jumping is usually the tendon, and swelling after a twist needs checking within days.
We assess your whole leg, including hip strength and ankle movement, because they decide how much load the knee has to take.
Pain squatting? Pain at the front of the knee
Knee stopping your training?
Book at our Kensington clinic inside Virgin Active, often the same day.
Your knee rehab plan
- A clear diagnosis and what to expect from recovery
- Short term changes to running, squats or stairs to calm the knee
- Progressive strength for the thigh, hip and calf in the gym
- Taping or hands-on treatment where it helps you train comfortably
- A return to sport or running plan with simple milestones
Exercise
therapy for the hip and knee is the recommended treatment for kneecap pain
Crossley et al, BJSM 2016
As good
exercise therapy was no worse than keyhole surgery for degenerative meniscus tears
Kise et al, BMJ 2016
~5
sessions is typical for our patients to reach their goals
BOOST PHYSIO patient data
What can I do for a stiff knee?
A stiff knee after injury or surgery often needs specific work to get the bend back. This short video shows where we start.
When to seek medical advice
- A knee that locks and will not straighten
- Rapid swelling within hours of an injury
- A hot, red, swollen knee with fever
- Being unable to take weight after a fall
Meet your Kensington physios
Tanvi and Siubhan treat knee pain every week at Kensington, and both have a particular interest in rehab after surgery.
Tanvi Parikh
Senior Physiotherapist
Tanvi has a special interest in back and neck pain, spinal conditions and rehab after surgery.
Siubhan Slater
Senior Physiotherapist
Siubhan treats sports injuries, back and neck pain and rehab after surgery.
What our Kensington patients say
★★★★★
“I’ve been working with Tanvi for the past month. Tanvi is super knowledgeable and understands how to treat my back injury.”
★★★★★
“I’ve been working with Boost Physio Kensington over the past three months for some back issues, and I honestly couldn’t recommend them more highly.”
★★★★★
“I am taking time to write this one in hopes that it might help someone too..”
Watch: knee advice from our physios
Short videos our physios use with knee patients.
Why is my knee swollen?
How to prevent knee and ankle re-injury
One clinic, the experience of a whole team
Something our patients don’t always realise is how much support sits behind each physio. Our team trains together twice a month and every physio has a dedicated mentor who reviews cases with them, so when you see us in Kensington you get the experience of the whole BOOST PHYSIO group.
- Same day appointments, seven days a week across our clinics
- No GP referral needed
- Recognised by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, WPA and Aviva
Prefer another clinic? Book at BOOST PHYSIO Swiss Cottage, Hampstead or West Hampstead, or read more about knee pain physio.
Get your knee strong again
Book at BOOST PHYSIO Kensington, Virgin Active, 17a Old Court Place, W8 4PL.
Related reading
Your questions answered
Where is your Kensington clinic?
Inside Virgin Active Kensington at 17a Old Court Place, W8 4PL, a few minutes’ walk from High Street Kensington station.
Can I keep going to the gym with knee pain?
Usually yes, with changes. We will show you which exercises to keep, which to swap and how to build back up.
Do I need a scan?
Often not at first. If we suspect a ligament tear, a locked knee or anything that needs a specialist, we will refer you.
Do I need a GP referral to see a physio?
No. You can book directly with us online, by phone or on WhatsApp. If you are claiming on private medical insurance, check with your insurer first, as some ask for a GP or specialist referral.
Can I use my health insurance?
Yes. We are recognised by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, WPA and Aviva. Bring your authorisation number and policy details and we will do the rest.
Written and clinically reviewed by Steven Berkman, BSc Physiotherapy (University of Cape Town), HCPC-registered chartered physiotherapist, MCSP, founder of BOOST PHYSIO in 2008, with Tanvi Parikh and Siubhan Slater at BOOST PHYSIO Kensington. Last reviewed 12 November 2026.
References
- Crossley KM et al. 2016 Patellofemoral pain consensus statement. Br J Sports Med 2016;50:839-843.
- Kise NJ et al. Exercise therapy versus arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for degenerative meniscal tear in middle aged patients. BMJ 2016;354:i3740.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, book an assessment or speak to your GP. If you have severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, call 111 or 999.
