Knee pain on Crouch End’s hills?
Crouch End Hill, Shepherd’s Hill and the Parkland Walk all ask a lot of your knees. Whether it aches on the stairs, swelled after a twist at football or stiffens up with arthritis, our Crouch End physios will find the cause and fix it properly.
★★★★★ 5-star Google reviews from our Crouch End patients
Quick answer: Most knee pain, including kneecap pain, many meniscus tears and arthritis, improves with a progressive strength programme. Our Crouch End clinic inside Equal Results, 56 Crouch End Hill, N8 8AA, can assess you, often the same day, with no GP referral needed.
What is causing your knee pain?
Kneecap pain
Front of the knee
Hills, stairs, squats and sitting for long periods.
Meniscus tear
After a twist or gradually
Pain on the joint line, swelling or catching.
Ligament injury
ACL and MCL
A twist, a pop and swelling, or the knee giving way.
Arthritis
Stiffness and ache
Stiff first thing, achy with long walks.
Finlay shows you around our Crouch End clinic in this short video. Inside Equal Results we have gym equipment on hand, so knee rehab moves from simple exercises to proper strength training in the same place.
Martin brings an MPhil in Sports Physiotherapy and professional rugby experience to sports knee injuries.
Finlay shows you around our Crouch End clinic
Knee stopping you?
Book at our Crouch End clinic, often the same day.
What helps
- Easing off hills, stairs or sport for a short time, not stopping everything
- Strength for the thigh, hip and calf, progressed week by week
- Hands-on treatment or taping to help you move comfortably
- Balance and landing drills before you return to sport
- Rehab after surgery, including ACL reconstruction and knee replacement
As good
exercise therapy was no worse than keyhole surgery for degenerative meniscus tears
Kise et al, BMJ 2016
Similar
outcomes at 2 years from rehab with optional later surgery versus early ACL reconstruction
Frobell et al, NEJM 2010
~5
sessions is typical for our patients to reach their goals
BOOST PHYSIO patient data
Pain squatting? Pain at the front of the knee
Front of knee pain is one of the most common problems we see. This video explains where to 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 Crouch End physios
Finlay treats sports injuries and rehab after surgery, and Martin brings professional sport experience to every knee he sees.
Finlay McDonald
Senior Physiotherapist
Finlay treats sports injuries, back and neck pain and guides patients through rehab after surgery.
Martin Sarembock
Senior Physiotherapist
Martin has an MPhil in Sports Physiotherapy and professional rugby experience, and treats injuries of every kind.
What our Crouch End patients say
★★★★★
“I went in to get some rehab work on a pretty badly sprained ankle. Finlay was great at assessing the damage and putting together an exercise regimen to rebuild strength.”
★★★★★
“I’ve had a couple of sessions with Finlay and highly recommend him. He’s very knowledgeable and explains things in the way that’s easily understandable.”
★★★★★
“I found my sessions with Finlay really beneficial. Not only is he a very knowledgeable practitioner but he also has a really warm manner, which instantly put me - a first time physio patient - at ease.”
Watch: knee advice
Short videos our physios use with knee patients.
A torn meniscus, without surgery
Pain at the front of the knee
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 Crouch End 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 Muswell Hill, Kentish Town or East Finchley, or read more about knee pain physio.
Get your knee strong again
Book at BOOST PHYSIO Crouch End, Equal Results, 56 Crouch End Hill, N8 8AA.
Related reading
Your questions answered
Where is your Crouch End clinic?
Inside Equal Results at 56 Crouch End Hill, N8 8AA, a short walk from the Clock Tower.
Why do my knees hurt on hills?
Downhills and stairs load the front of the knee the most. Stronger thigh and hip muscles usually make a big difference.
Do I need a scan?
Often not at first. We will refer you if we suspect a ligament tear, a locked knee or something needing a specialist.
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.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the problem and your goals. On average our patients reach their goals in around 5 sessions, and we will give you an honest estimate at your first appointment in Crouch End.
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 Finlay McDonald and Martin Sarembock at BOOST PHYSIO Crouch End. Last reviewed 12 November 2026.
References
- Kise NJ et al. Exercise therapy versus arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for degenerative meniscal tear in middle aged patients. BMJ 2016;354:i3740.
- Frobell RB et al. A randomized trial of treatment for acute anterior cruciate ligament tears. N Engl J Med 2010;363:331-342.
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.
