The hips and knees are both areas in the body where several tendons, muscles, and joints are joined together, in order to help you achieve complex movement. If there is damage (and subsequent pain) in these areas, it can be difficult to perform daily activities. Fortunately, there are several specific ways that physical therapy can help in ending your hip and knee pain, once and for all. Contact Rehab Advantage & Sports Medicine today to find out how a trained physical therapist can help you relieve your pain.
What’s causing my hip and knee pain?
There are several specific conditions that often affect the knees and hips. These can occur due to repetitive motion, traumatic injury, or chronic disease. The most common conditions causing hip and knee pain include:
- Sprains and strains. Sprains occur when a ligament is stretched beyond its limits, while strains occur when a muscle or tendon is beyond its limits. It is also possible for ligaments to rupture, which can cause pain, bruising, and limited mobility. A physical therapist can help you recover quickly while showing you exercise techniques to reduce pain.
- Bursitis. Bursitis occurs when a small sac of fluid, known as the “bursa,” becomes inflamed. This is often caused by overuse or repetitive injuries. Bursitis can occur in a variety of locations in the body, including the hips and knees. Physical therapy can aid in recovery and the reduction of pain.
- Arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that results in the inflammation of tissues surrounding the joints. This condition can cause knee and hip pain if it develops in those joints. A physical therapist can teach you correct posture and proper movement techniques to protect your joints and relieve arthritic pains.
- Meniscus tears. This is one of the most common knee injuries that people experience. A torn meniscus can cause mild to severe pain, swelling, and stiffness. This condition can occur as the result of either a sudden injury or repetitive motions. You’re at a higher risk of sustaining a meniscus tear if you’re engaging in a sport or hobby that requires aggressive pivoting and twisting of your legs. A physical therapist can provide non-surgical treatment for a torn meniscus.
How can physical therapy provide relief?
No matter what condition is causing your hip and knee pain, a physical therapy program can help relieve your pain. Your physical therapist will evaluate your condition and create an individualized treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Range of motion and strength measurements may be taken during the physical therapy evaluation. There are several treatment methods a physical therapist may use to help limit or relieve both knee and hip pain, including:
- Ice and heat therapies. Ice is typically used to reduce swelling and inflammation, while heat is typically used to increase mobility and lessen pain.
- Manual therapy. A physical therapist might use hands-on techniques to reduce pain in your hips and knees, including stretching exercises or a variety of massage techniques.
- Laser therapy. Laser therapy is increasingly being used in physical therapy for pain management. It can help increase circulation, reduce swelling, and improve the growth and reproduction of cells.
- Ultrasound therapy. A physical therapist may use ultrasound to provide deep heating in the tissues and identify any problem areas.
- Home exercises. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to do at home, in order to alleviate your hip and knee pain. Physical therapy techniques can be incorporated into a home exercise program that can become part of your daily routine.
Contact us today:
Physical therapy treatments will be able to help you remain as pain-free and active as possible. One of our highly-trained physical therapists will create a customized treatment plan for you, in order to treat your particular condition.
Contact our office today to schedule an evaluation with an experienced physical therapist. And find out how physical therapy can reduce or even eliminate your hip and knee pain!
