Struggling with Knee Pain on the Stairs? Do I Need Surgery?

If you’re struggling with knee pain when climbing or descending stairs here in Surrey, it’s natural to wonder: Do I need surgery? It’s a big question—and one that we, as experienced registered massage therapists in Surrey BC, hear often at Therapy NOW.Knee pain can feel overwhelming and affect your day-to-day life, making simple activities difficult. But before you jump to conclusions about surgery, it’s important to understand the causes of your pain, and the many ways you might relieve it without going under the knife.

Why Does Knee Pain Happen on Stairs?

Stairs place a heavy load on your knees — up to 4 to 6 times your body weight. This can irritate the joint surfaces, tendons, and muscles, especially if there’s an underlying issue.If your knee hurts on stairs, it’s often because of:

• Muscle imbalances or weakness around the knee
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome (when your kneecap doesn’t track properly)
• Tendon inflammation or overuse
• Early wear and tear (arthritis)

Pain doesn’t always mean something needs to be cut out or repaired surgically.

When Might Surgery Be Necessary?

Surgery is generally considered only when:

• You have a severe injury like a torn ligament or meniscus that doesn’t improve
• You experience persistent, worsening pain despite conservative treatments
• You have advanced arthritis causing major loss of function or quality of life

Most of the time, knee pain on stairs can be managed without surgery.

How Acupuncture and Massage Therapy Can Help

At The Therapy NOW Team in Surrey, our experienced acupuncturists and registered massage therapists in Surrey BC specialize in non-surgical treatments that target the root causes of knee pain. Here’s how we help:

• Acupuncture: Helps reduce inflammation and stimulates natural healing to ease pain and improve knee function.
• Massage therapy: Relieves muscle tension, corrects imbalances, and supports better movement and stability.

These therapies often reduce the need for more invasive interventions.

What You Can Do Right Now to Support Your Knees

While you explore treatment options, here are some simple steps you can take at home:

• Strengthen and stretch the muscles supporting your knee — the quads, hamstrings, and hips.
• Use handrails when climbing or descending stairs to reduce strain.
• Maintain a healthy weight to lessen joint pressure.
• Wear shoes with good support.

When to See a Specialist

If your knee pain is ongoing or getting worse despite these efforts, it’s time to consult a professional who can assess your condition and guide you on the best treatment path.

Your Knee Pain Doesn’t Have to Define Your Life

Surgery isn’t the only answer for knee pain when going up or down stairs. At The Therapy NOW Team, we’re dedicated to helping Surrey residents move better and feel better—naturally. Our skilled massage therapists in Surrey BC work closely with you to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help you avoid unnecessary surgery. We combine the power of acupuncture and hands-on massage therapy to create personalized care that addresses your body’s specific needs. If you’re unsure about your knee pain or need guidance on next steps, reach out to us anytime.

Call us at 604-401-4059
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Take the first step toward knee pain relief today — we’re here to support you.

Warmly, The Therapy NOW Team