Knee pain can have many different causes. The problem may be located in the knee itself, but the function of the foot, ankle and hip, as well as the strength of the thigh, gluteal and calf muscles, can also affect how the knee is loaded.

Power Plate’s three-dimensional vibration rapidly activates the muscles and increases blood flow and metabolism in the working muscles. Training can begin with light, supported movements and progress gradually as the knee recovers.

Power Plate training can be used as part of rehabilitation for the following knee conditions:

PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN

Pain around or behind the kneecap can make activities such as climbing stairs, squatting, running and sitting for long periods difficult. Rehabilitation focuses especially on strengthening the thigh, gluteal and core muscles and improving the alignment and control of the leg.

In a randomized controlled trial, four weeks of vibration training combined with strengthening exercises reduced patellofemoral pain and improved lower-limb function more than the same exercises performed without vibration.

KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Knee osteoarthritis is often associated with pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced muscle strength. Movement and muscle strengthening are important parts of its treatment, as strong muscles support the knee and make movement easier.

A meta-analysis published in 2025 included 16 randomized controlled trials involving 589 people with knee osteoarthritis. Adding vibration training to conventional rehabilitation reduced knee pain and increased the strength of the knee extensor muscles more than rehabilitation exercises alone.

JUMPER’S KNEE – PATELLAR TENDINOPATHY

Patellar tendon pain is particularly common in sports involving frequent jumping, running or rapid changes of direction. Rehabilitation aims to gradually improve the tendon’s ability to tolerate load and strengthen the muscles that support the knee.

In a randomized controlled trial, three months of vibration training reduced symptoms associated with patellar tendinopathy. The reduction in pain was comparable to conventional heavy, slow resistance training, and the benefits were maintained at the six-month follow-up.

ACL INJURY AND POSTOPERATIVE REHABILITATION

The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, plays an important role in knee stability. After an injury or surgery, rehabilitation focuses on restoring muscle strength, balance, control of the leg and confidence in using the knee.

A systematic review of vibration training found that adding it to conventional postoperative rehabilitation improved knee and body stability in certain measurements.

In a 2025 study, adding vibration training to an exercise programme increased activation in the nervous system involved in controlling the quadriceps. A study published in 2026 found that it helped participants regain stability more quickly after landing from a jump.

After ACL surgery, training always progresses according to the individual postoperative rehabilitation plan.

REHABILITATION AFTER KNEE REPLACEMENT

The strength of the thigh muscles often decreases rapidly after knee replacement surgery. Rehabilitation focuses on restoring knee mobility, muscle strength and safe walking.

In one study, vibration training started early after surgery increased knee extensor strength and reduced swelling in the calf. Another randomized controlled trial found benefits from vibration training during six months of rehabilitation in knee replacement patients who also had low bone density.

Training should begin only after approval from the surgeon or healthcare professional responsible for the rehabilitation.

MENISCUS INJURIES AND OTHER KNEE INJURIES

Treatment for a meniscus injury depends on the type of injury, the symptoms and whether surgery has been performed. After the acute phase, exercise can help restore the strength of the thigh and gluteal muscles, knee mobility and control of the leg.

Power Plate can be introduced when the knee is ready for exercise and any postoperative restrictions have been considered. Training is always planned according to the injury and the instructions provided by the healthcare professional responsible for the treatment.

IT BAND PROBLEMS AND RUNNER’S KNEE

Pain on the outside of the knee may be related to irritation around the iliotibial band, or IT band. Contributing factors can include increasing the amount of training too quickly, weak gluteal muscles or difficulty controlling the movement of the leg.

Rehabilitation focuses on strengthening the gluteal and leg muscles, improving mobility and correcting movement patterns that affect how the knee is loaded. Power Plate training can be used for muscle activation, mobility exercises and a gradual return to other forms of training.

INDIVIDUAL KNEE REHABILITATION

The same exercises are not suitable for every knee problem. Before training begins, we assess the location of the pain, knee mobility, muscle strength, leg alignment and the movements that cause symptoms.

The aim is not only to reduce pain, but also to restore strength, movement and confidence in using the knee.

In knee osteoarthritis, the evidence for whole-body vibration is strongest when it is combined with conventional rehabilitation exercise. In anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation, post-operative knee rehabilitation and tendon-related conditions, Power Plate should be integrated into rehabilitation individually, according to tissue healing, pain, swelling and the rest of the care plan.