*Hip and Knee Pain and PT

HIP and KNEE PAIN

Pain in the hip and knee can occur with a trauma or repeated movements such as walking or lifting.  Pain in the leg can affect most daily activites and make it difficult to even move short distances. 

Common causes of hip and knee pain 

• Muscle or Ligament sprain:  sprain of one of the muscles or ligaments of the joint
• Meniscus Tear: tear in the fibrocartilage of the knee. 
• Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis:  degeneration of the knee joint, more common in the elderly. 
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome:  pain from the back of the kneecap, especially with steps. 
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome:  tightness of the IT band causing outside knee pain.
• Trochanteric Bursitis:  lateral (side) hip pain.

Conservative Physical Therapy Management of hip and knee pain may include:

• Modalities: such as heat and ice
• Manual Therapy:  “hands on” treatment to improve pain and restore function and movement. 
• Mobilization and Manipulation:  movement of a joint to improve pain and restore functional movement.
• Therapeutic Exercise:  specific exercise to improve pain and restore functional movement. 
• Functional Movement Training:  exercises to improve posture and movement.
• Biofeedback:  a way of using a computer or other device to “see” and improve body functions such as muscle activity or indicators of stress.   
• Electrical Stimulation or TENS:  used to help improve pain, inflammation, muscle spasm, muscle function, and circulation.

Physical Therapists are specialists in restoring movement and function related to muscle, bone, or joint dysfunction.  They often work to improve pain and disability.  To learn more about PT or find one in your area, check out a consumer oriented site on PT here   or the main site of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) here.

*Links are given to provide a general overview of a topic and not intended to suggest complete or authoritative information on a particular subject.  The information provided is always subject to change.*