Hip and knee pain are two of the most common musculoskeletal conditions affecting adults in the United States. These joints play a major role in walking, climbing stairs, exercising, and performing everyday activities. When pain or stiffness develops in either joint, it can significantly affect mobility and quality of life.

Why Hip and Knee Pain Often Occur Together

The hip and knee joints are closely connected biomechanically. They share many of the same muscles and nerves and work together to stabilize the body during movement.

During activities such as walking, running, and squatting, both joints must coordinate movement and absorb forces placed on the lower body. When one joint becomes weak or restricted, the other often compensates.

Research shows that hip impairments are frequently present in patients experiencing knee pain, including those with knee osteoarthritis. Because of this relationship, physical therapists often evaluate both joints when diagnosing and treating lower-extremity pain. 

How Common Is Hip and Knee Pain?

Hip and knee conditions affect millions of people each year.

Studies show that:

• Approximately 22% of the general population experiences knee pain.

• 15–18% of people suffer from osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis affecting the hip or knee. 

• Among adults over 60, about 30% experience functional difficulty with activities like rising from a chair or climbing stairs due to knee osteoarthritis.

These conditions can lead to decreased mobility, reduced activity levels, and a lower quality of life if left untreated.

Common Hip Conditions Treated With Physical Therapy

Hip Osteoarthritis

Hip osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage inside the hip joint gradually wears down. As cartilage deteriorates, the joint becomes less smooth and more painful during movement.

Common symptoms include:

• Groin or deep hip pain

• Stiffness after sitting

• Pain when walking or climbing stairs

• Reduced range of motion

• Difficulty with daily activities

Evidence-based treatment for hip osteoarthritis typically begins with non-surgical management, including physical therapy exercises, education, activity modification, and weight management when appropriate. 

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (Hip Bursitis)

Greater trochanteric bursitis occurs when the bursa near the outer hip becomes inflamed. This condition often develops due to overuse, muscle weakness, or abnormal movement patterns.

Symptoms often include:

• Pain on the outside of the hip

• Pain when lying on the affected side

• Pain when standing after sitting

• Discomfort during walking or stair climbing

Physical therapy focuses on strengthening hip stabilizing muscles, improving movement patterns, and reducing stress on the joint.

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

Femoroacetabular impingement occurs when abnormal contact between the femoral head and acetabulum causes friction inside the hip joint.

Over time, this friction can lead to cartilage damage and contribute to osteoarthritis.

Patients often experience:

• Deep hip or groin pain

• Clicking or catching sensations

• Pain during physical activity

Treatment often includes strengthening exercises, mobility work, and activity modification to reduce joint stress.

Common Knee Conditions Treated With Physical Therapy

Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain. It occurs when cartilage in the knee joint deteriorates, causing stiffness, swelling, and difficulty with movement.

Risk factors include:

• Age

• Previous knee injuries

• Obesity

• Meniscus or ligament damage

Physical therapy is a highly effective treatment option for knee osteoarthritis.

Research has shown that patients receiving manual therapy combined with supervised exercise experienced significantly greater improvement than those performing exercise alone. 

Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is a cartilage structure that acts as a shock absorber in the knee.

These structures help distribute 60–90% of the load transmitted through the knee joint, depending on knee position. 

Meniscus injuries often occur during twisting movements with the foot planted and may cause:

• Knee locking or catching

• Swelling

• Pain during twisting movements

• Joint line tenderness

Physical therapy treatment typically includes restoring range of motion, strengthening surrounding muscles, and improving walking mechanics.

ACL and Other Ligament Injuries

Ligament injuries such as ACL tears often occur during sports or sudden changes in direction.

Symptoms may include:

• Knee instability

• Swelling

• Pain with movement

• Difficulty returning to physical activity

Rehabilitation may involve strengthening exercises, neuromuscular training, and movement retraining to restore stability.

How Physical Therapy Helps Hip and Knee Pain

Physical therapy plays a major role in treating hip and knee conditions, both conservatively and after surgery.

Treatment programs may include:

• Targeted strengthening exercises

• Joint mobilization and manual therapy

• Balance and stability training

• Gait and movement retraining

• Education on injury prevention and activity modification

Exercise programs have been shown to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and improve overall function in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis. 

The Importance of Staying Active

One of the most important strategies for managing hip and knee conditions is maintaining regular movement.

Appropriate exercise can help:

• Strengthen muscles supporting the joint

• Improve stability and balance

• Reduce stress on cartilage

• Maintain independence and mobility

Working with a physical therapist ensures exercises are safe, effective, and tailored to your individual condition.

Physical Therapy for Hip and Knee Pain in Houston

If hip or knee pain is limiting your mobility, physical therapy may help you return to the activities you enjoy.

At Bowman Physical Therapy, we provide individualized treatment plans designed to reduce pain, improve strength, and restore functional movement.

Our experienced team works with patients experiencing:

• Hip osteoarthritis

• Knee osteoarthritis

• Meniscus injuries

• Hip bursitis

• ACL and ligament injuries

• Chronic hip or knee pain

If you’re looking for physical therapy for hip pain or knee pain in Houston or Friendswood, our team is here to help.

Give one of our three Bowman Physical Therapy clinic locations a call today to schedule an appointment, or request an appointment here on our website: 

 Oakbend Physical Therapy of River Oaks: 832-409-6390

 Oakbend Physical Therapy of Upper Heights: 346-571-6381

 Oakbend Physical Therapy of Friendswood: 281-482-7380

FAQ: Hip and Knee Pain

Can physical therapy help hip osteoarthritis?

Yes. Physical therapy can improve joint mobility, strengthen surrounding muscles, and reduce pain in patients with hip osteoarthritis. Exercise and manual therapy are considered core treatment strategies.

Is knee pain always caused by arthritis?

No. Knee pain can be caused by ligament injuries, meniscus tears, muscle weakness, movement dysfunction, or inflammation. A physical therapy evaluation can determine the underlying cause.

Should I exercise if I have hip or knee pain?

In many cases, appropriate exercise actually helps reduce pain and improve joint health. A physical therapist can design a safe program tailored to your condition.

When should I see a physical therapist for hip or knee pain?

You should consider seeing a physical therapist if:

• Pain lasts more than a few weeks

• Walking or stairs are becoming difficult

• Your activity level is decreasing

• Pain interferes with sleep or daily activities

Early treatment can often prevent symptoms from worsening.