Understanding Hip and Knee Pain

Your hips and knees are the largest and most important joints in your body. While many people experience hip pain or knee pain individually, it’s also common to have both at the same time. Hip pain often presents on the outer side of the hip, extending along the upper thigh or outer buttock. This pain can occur whether you’re resting, walking, or engaging in other physical activities.

Knee pain is another frequent reason people seek physical therapy. Along with chronic pain, symptoms often include stiffness, swelling, popping sounds, and feelings of instability. Many patients also report difficulty fully straightening the knee. If you’re dealing with hip or knee pain, contact our office today to schedule a free physical therapy consultation.

Request an Appointment

What Are the Common Causes of Hip and Knee Pain?

The hip joint is designed to be durable, but age and overuse can wear it down, leading to chronic pain. Falls can cause hip fractures, and arthritis can deteriorate the cartilage, further contributing to discomfort.

Common causes of hip pain include:

  • Bursitis
  • Tendinitis
  • Hip fractures
  • Work-related injuries
  • Tendon or muscle strains
  • Certain cancers
  • Osteonecrosis
  • And more

Similarly, knee pain is often linked to aging or repetitive use. Damage to the bones forming the knee joint—the fibula, tibia, and femur—as well as cartilage and ligament injuries, can all lead patients to seek physical therapy for fast relief. Other typical causes of knee pain include:

  • Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)
  • Sports injuries
  • Auto accident injuries
  • Torn meniscus
  • Medial plica syndrome

Dislocation of the knee joint from sports or work injuries can also cause persistent knee pain.

How Does Physical Therapy in Council Bluffs Help Treat Hip and Knee Pain?

If you suffer from persistent hip or knee pain, physical therapy offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive way to manage pain, restore strength, and improve mobility—without relying on prescription medications.

Research shows that manual therapy and joint mobilizations can reduce inflammation, relieve pain, restore natural movement, and strengthen the hip and knee joints.

Our physical therapists work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan focused on addressing the root cause of your pain—not just the symptoms—for quicker relief. Your plan may include at-home exercises as well as passive therapies like heat and ice treatment or electrical stimulation.

While surgery may be necessary in some cases, physical therapy is a gentle, holistic option. Even those who undergo surgery often require physical therapy afterward to ensure proper recovery and pain reduction.

Common Knee Conditions We Treat in Council Bluffs

  • ACL Repair, Meniscus Repair, Total Knee Replacement
    These surgeries are common for severe knee injuries. Physical therapy helps you recover safely and efficiently post-surgery.
  • Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
    Overuse of the connective tissues on the outer thigh and knee causes pain and tenderness, especially just above the knee joint. ITBS is a frequent cause of lateral knee pain in runners and cyclists.
  • Runner’s Knee / Jumper’s Knee
    Jumper’s knee often affects athletes who frequently jump (basketball, volleyball, racquet sports). Pain is usually felt below the kneecap, on both bone and tendon. Runner’s knee causes pain on the sides or under the kneecap.
  • Meniscus Disorders
    Twisting or rotating the knee forcefully, especially while bearing weight, can tear the meniscus. Physical therapy has a high success rate in helping patients avoid surgery for meniscus injuries.

Learn More About the Benefits of Physical Therapy for Hip and Knee Pain

If you or a loved one is struggling with hip or knee pain, physical therapy can offer fast, effective relief. Our experienced physical therapists tailor treatment plans to your unique needs, promoting natural healing without prescription painkillers.

Contact our friendly team online today for more information or to schedule your initial consultation.