Originally Posted by
FBinNY
It might be related to your pedaling style. Possibly, you're exerting peak force too early while the knee is still very bent. Delaying the peak push, might make a difference.
On steep climbs, rather than standing, I push farther back in the saddle, which is sort of like raising the saddle and opens the knee a bit. Then, I think steam or hydraulic power, and press smoothly and more lightly, through a longer arc. At first it took conscious effort, but now I do it without any thought as easily as changing gears.
You may be on to something. I changed the stroke for the pained knee to avoid the pain to more of a toe down style and don't dip the heel at the bottom. In doing so I see where the push comes later in the stroke when the knee is less bent. Sitting back in the saddle works on easy climbs, and as long as I use the semi toe down stroke there is no pain, however on steep grades I have to stand. Long climbs I prefer to stand, as I always have as it allows me to stretch the legs and back.
Not sure a PT will do self funded visits. Will have to ask the one down the road if it is possible. Back in the old days this is how it was done, but not any more. In 87 I went to a sports doc and PT, all self funded, but now they won't bother with you unless you have insurance. The times, they are a'changin'.