Did you know that for a lot of people, their knee pain is not actually due to a problem with the knee, but one with the hip? At PTPro Physical Therapy, we frequently observe that a problem originating in the hip can be first felt as knee pain and vice versa.
You might wonder how this is possible. The answer lies in what’s known as the kinetic chain, where the hip and knee joints work together. The interconnection means that an imbalance or dysfunction in one joint can lead to compensation and pain in the other. The good news is our therapists can help you figure out the source of your pain and, more importantly, guide you back to health.
To move towards a healthier, active life, we recommend you consult with one of our physical therapists as soon as possible!
Your Guide to Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Hip and Knee Pain
The Telltale Signs of Hip Pain
Localized Discomfort and Stiffness:
Morning Stiffness:
Difficulty in Performing Daily Activities:
The Telltale Signs of Knee Pain
Localized Pain and Swelling:
Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion:
Popping or Crunching Noises:
Difficulty in Bearing Weight:
A large number of individuals with knee pain report difficulty bearing weight on the affected knee. This is often described as a feeling of weakness or instability, making activities such as climbing stairs or even simple walking difficult.
Navigating the Path to Recovery with PTPro Physical Therapy
At PTPro Physical Therapy, our physical therapists will conduct a comprehensive evaluation and distinguish whether you’re dealing with an issue in your hip, knee, or both.
After completing the evaluation, we’ll design a program focusing on the actionable steps you can take to ensure long-term relief and prevention of future injuries, including the following:
- Tailored Therapeutic Exercises: Our therapists will provide you with stretching and strengthening exercises to help restore your mobility and function. For example, eccentric training focuses on elongating a muscle under tension, proving particularly effective in strengthening muscles and improving mobility.
- Neuromuscular Re-education: This involves using exercises and manual techniques to restore normal muscle function and movement patterns. These techniques are especially effective in reducing pain and enhancing function, especially in individuals with hip and knee pain.
Our therapists go beyond the surface, digging deep into your symptoms to identify the underlying issues and determine the true origin of your pain, whether the hip, the knee, or both. Our goal is to build a program that helps you get back to living your best life!
Follow These Simple Steps to a Pain-Free Life
Are you ready to embrace a lifestyle that promises better mobility and less pain? At PTPro Physical Therapy, we are here to guide you every step of the way, fostering a future where you feel better, move better, and live better!
Call today to schedule an appointment!
Your Success Is Our Priority!
Return to PTPro Physical Therapy and Let’s Continue Your Journey to Wellness Together. Schedule Your Appointment Now!
🦵 Hip vs Knee Pain: True or False
Test your knowledge and see how well you understand your pain!
Exercise of the Month
CLAMSHELLS (EXERCISE BAND)
Lie on your side with your knees bent and feet together. Position an exercise band above your knees. The side you want to exercise should be on top. While keeping your feet together, lift your top knee away from your bottom knee. Slowly return to the starting position. (Materials needed: exercise band)
3 Sets, 10 Reps.
🌟 Staff Spotlight
Meet one of the amazing experts helping you move better!
Laura Clever
MPT, OCS, CFMT
Laura blends her athletic background with advanced clinical expertise to deliver highly personalized care. With a Master’s from the University of Washington and certifications as an Orthopedic Specialist and Functional Manual Therapist, she specializes in women’s health, pelvic conditions, and complex lumbar and sacroiliac pain.
Her hands-on approach—focused on manual therapy and neuromuscular facilitation—helps patients move better and recover faster. Outside the clinic, Laura stays active with Pilates, yoga, skiing, scuba diving, and time with her family.
- Certified Functional Manual Therapist – Institute of Physical Arts (2020)
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (2022)
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Treatment – Herman & Wallace
- Visceral Manipulation – Barral Institute
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Training
- Extensive orthopedic manual therapy training (Upper & Lower Quadrants)
How Hip-Strengthening Exercises Can Help Alleviate Knee Pain
You may be surprised to know that the functioning of our knees is directly linked to the strength and stability of our hip muscles. Our hip muscles play a vital role in maintaining the alignment and stability of the knee joint.
Hip-strengthening exercises enhance the knee’s support system, helping evenly distribute the forces that travel through it during daily activities. A strong hip musculature can help prevent the knee from adopting faulty movements and positions, often leading to pain.
Hip exercises can also help improve posture and alignment, which is vital in preventing knee strain and subsequent pain. At PTPro Physical Therapy, we’ll guide you in adopting these exercises into your daily routine, a step towards a life marked by greater mobility and less pain.
Seeking Guidance at PTPro Physical Therapy
At PTPro Physical Therapy, we’ll guide you through the exercises that ensure you reap the maximum benefits while maintaining safety and efficiency. Our approach is always holistic, emphasizing the role of the hips as crucial players in alleviating knee pain and facilitating overall health and well-being.
Here are some highly effective hip-strengthening exercises that have been shown to lessen knee pain:
Hip Bridges:
Clamshells:
Side-Lying Hip Abductions:
Quadruped Hip Extensions:
These hip-strengthening exercises can provide stability and support to the knee, potentially reducing the strain and consequent pain.
Taking the Next Step
Remember, the journey to wellness is an ongoing process, and we are here to walk with you every step of the way. Ready to take a step towards a brighter, pain-free future? Call PTPro Physical Therapy today to get started!
Meet Marissa
Please join us in welcoming Marissa Sanchez to the PTPro team as our new Patient Care Coordinator! Marissa is excited to help create a positive experience for every patient who walks through our doors, from scheduling appointments to answering questions and supporting your care journey. We’re thrilled to have her as part of the PTPro family and look forward to the energy and compassion she brings to our clinic!
Patient Focused
Positive Energy
Always Helpful
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Behind the Scenes of Better Care
Our PTs spent the weekend investing in continuing education to stay at the forefront of evidence-based care and hands-on treatment techniques. At PTPro, ongoing learning is one of our core values because it helps us provide the most effective, personalized care possible for every patient we treat. From orthopedic rehab and manual therapy to pelvic health and sports performance, our team is always working to expand its skills and bring the latest knowledge back to the clinic.
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- All-purpose flour
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- 12 slices prosciutto
- 1 (8-oz.) Brie, cut into 12
- 1 large egg
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line baking sheets.
- Mix butter, honey, and salt in a bowl.
- Toss asparagus with olive oil.
- Roll puff pastry into rectangles and cut into 12 squares.
- Brush with butter mixture and layer prosciutto.
- Add asparagus and Brie.
- Fold pastry, seal with egg wash, and season.
- Bake ~15 minutes until golden and melted.
- Brush with remaining butter mixture before serving.
How To Have a Great Summer–PT Style!
The days are getting longer, the air is getting warmer, and school is winding down. That means one thing: summer is on its way! Here are some tips to ensure a healthy summer for you and your family:
- Drink plenty of water. While you should strive to stay hydrated all year round, it’s particularly important in warmer weather.
- Ease back into summer activities gradually. Whether you’re hitting the pool more frequently or taking more evening walks thanks to the later sunsets, avoid doing too much too soon. Start slow, don’t push too hard, and remember to warm up first.
- Don’t skip your PT sessions. We know summer’s busy. But keeping up with your physical therapy will help you stay active and pain-free throughout the season–and beyond!
Ready to make the most of the summer months? Schedule an appointment with PTPro Physical Therapy today!
May Word Scramble
edaldnnoi
nhiigfs
uuasrt
prsnig
eskbta
lveendar
Answer Key
dandelion
fishing
taurus
spring
basket
lavender
Our Patients Get Great Results
“Living in a place with 5 PT clinics around me, I will drive 30 minutes to this place. The staff at PTPro is incredible, from the front desk to the physical therapists. Not only did they treat my pain, but they also taught me how to improve what I needed in order to prevent the pain from coming back. I cannot recommend this place enough.”
-Valeria O
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