Hip & knee injuries are a common sight for physical therapists
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that nearly half of all Americans develop knee arthritis, and a quarter develop hip arthritis by the time they reach age 85.
Due to the anatomy and importance of the essential functions of the hips and knees, severe pain in either one or both of these areas can have a direct adverse effect on everyday life and can severely reduce quality of life.
Common Hip Pathologies:
Osteoarthritis
Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA)
Gluteus Medius Tendinopathy
Femoral Acetabular Impingement (FAI)
Acetabular Labrum Lesions
Ischemic Necrosis of the Femoral Head
Septic Arthritis
Fractures
Childhood Disorders
Common Knee Pathologies:
Osteoarthritis
Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)
Soft-tissue Injuries
Ligament Injuries
Meniscal Tears
Articular Cartilage Injury
Fractures
Patellofemoral Disorders
Childhood Disorders
Physical Therapy for Hip and Knee
Physical therapists should always assess both knees and hips even when the injury is in only one joint. This is to determine if one is influencing issues in the other, as they share a close biomechanical relationship, muscles, and innervation.
Assessment Methods:
- Functional movements to include gait, squat, single-leg stance & heel raises
- Visual inspection: Observe pelvic position, knee alignment, swelling & muscle symmetry
- Range of motion: both passive and active, including hip and knee
- Strength testing: noting pain and effort of exertion
- Special tests such as reflexes, sensation, and motor function to identify any nerve-related issues.
Physical therapists should closely assess each patient to find the root cause of hip and knee injuries to guide treatment.
Effective Rehabilitation Strategies May Include:
- balance and stability
- conditioning
- exercise
- gait retraining
- immobilization
- joint protection
- manual therapy
- mobilization
- modalities
- neuromuscular control
- pain management
- patient education
- range of motion
- stabilization exercises
- strengthening
- stretching
- weight bearing
Rehabilitation for hips & knees can vary greatly between patients depending on the type of injury and whether there is surgical intervention. Each patient needs to be treated uniquely. An individualized program is required.
RCCA preschoolers celebrating Independence Day
Thank You Amairis!
We are grateful for all the time that Amairis Racine has given to our preschoolers the past few months.
Best of luck to you in the fall with your own classroom!
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