Hip and knee pain can be incredibly debilitating, affecting everything from walking and getting dressed in the morning, to the overall quality of life. Fortunately, physical therapy is a great treatment option for musculoskeletal issues like hip and knee pain. Physical therapy exercises can be specifically designed and tailored to each patient in order to help alleviate any pain and symptoms.

Integrative Physical Therapy in Jacksonville, FL, is focused on providing holistic treatment to our patients with hip pain and knee pain. We treat the entire person, not just the site of pain or injury. For those dealing with a specific injury or just general aches and discomfort, our physical therapy team can provide individualised and tailored exercise programs to help our patients get back to normal life!

Common Causes Of Hip And Knee Pain

Hip and knee pain can stem from a variety of different factors. Some of the most common causes include:

• Muscle strain or overload: In some cases, hip or knee pain can develop from muscle overload. When the muscle is worked or stressed beyond its strength or ability to cope with the load, it can result in muscle strain. This can cause symptoms such as pain or stiffness. 
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative condition that occurs when the cartilage in the joints degrades over time. As a result, OA can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty with movements like walking or squatting.
• Bursitis: Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip and knee joints and reduce friction. When a bursa becomes inflamed, known as bursitis, it can cause pain and discomfort.
• Ligament or meniscus injuries: The ligaments and menisci in the knee joint can become torn or damaged, often as a result of sudden movements or impact. This can cause pain, swelling, and instability in the joint. Ligament injuries can also occur in the hips.

Physical Therapy Exercises For Hip And Knee Pain

No matter what the underlying cause of the hip or knee pain is, physical therapy can be an effective way to address the issue. Below are some of the most common exercises that physical therapists recommend for hip and knee pain:

Hip Exercises A Physical Therapist May Recommend

Physical therapists design and tailor exercises to address the underlying cause of the problem. This may include a combination of stretching and strengthening exercises. The following are some of the common hip exercises a physical therapist may prescribe for hip pain:

• Hip flexor stretch: This stretch targets the hip flexors, which are a group of muscles that help lift the leg and bend at the waist. It can be performed in standing, sitting, or lying positions. The goal is to stretch in the front of the hip to improve flexibility and mobility.
• Hip abductor strengthening: The hip abductors are the muscles that allow the leg to move and lift away from the body. There are a range of exercises that can target the hip abductors, from standing on one leg to lying on the side and lifting the leg away from the body. Consistent strengthening work on these muscles can help improve strength and alleviate painful symptoms.
• Bridges: This exercise targets the glutes and hamstrings, which are important muscles for stabilizing the hip joint. The technique of the bridge is critical for its efficacy. A physical therapist will perform the exercise with the patient to ensure proper form and technique.

Knee Exercises A Physical Therapist May Recommend

The knee is a common site for pain. There are many exercises that can be beneficial for various causes of knee pain. However, the physical therapist will be selective and choose the right exercises to maximize the benefits of the exercise program. Some of the common exercises a physical therapist may prescribe for knee pain include:

• Quadriceps exercises: The quadriceps are the large muscles on the front of the thigh that help straighten the knee. The goal of quadriceps exercises is to strengthen these muscles in order to better support the knee.
• Straight leg raises: Straight leg raises target the quadriceps and hip flexors. This combination can help improve the strength around the hip and knee in order to better stabilize and support the area.

It’s important to consult a trained health practitioner before starting an exercise program. The wrong exercise or improper technique may increase the risk of exacerbating the symptoms or further injury. Always follow the instructions of the physical therapist and stop and ask if any unusual or painful symptoms develop.

Get Back To Feeling Your Best With Integrative Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an effective way to address the underlying causes of a range of musculoskeletal problems. For those with hip pain or knee pain in Jacksonville, FL, consider getting in touch with Integrative Physical Therapy today!