Walking the dog. Playing with your grandkids. Cooking a meal for your partner. These are all common daily tasks that can be much more difficult when you’re living with knee pain. 

There are a large number of Americans who live with frequent knee pain. In fact, researchers estimate that 25% of U.S. adults are affected by frequent pain in this joint. The most common diagnosis for pain in the knee is called patellofemoral pain syndrome. The diagnosis is so common, they even have a foundation sponsored by the Yale Medical Library. No matter what’s causing your patellofemoral pain, our physical therapists can help you find effective ways to treat it. 

How is hip weakness connected to knee pain? 

Patellofemoral pain syndrome, or runner’s knee, is a common disorder. Researchers from one study reveal that about 23% of people deal with this issue annually. Runner’s knee can limit daily activity and participation in sports due to pain in the front of the knee. 

Until very recently, treatment plans focused on exercises for strengthening and stretching the knee. However, recent studies have connected hip issues to the onset of runner’s knee. The latest evidence indicates that the knee joint is influenced by abnormal motions at the hip and the ankle. These motions cause the knee to over-rotate. In turn, the combination of abnormal hip and knee motions can cause: 

• Abnormal joint wearing
• Inflammation of joint soft tissue 
• Valgus stress — This type of stress makes the leg angle at the knee like an L shape so when the knees are touching the feet are apart.

What treatments are used for patellofemoral pain syndrome? 

One of the newest ideas for treating patellofemoral pain is strengthening of the hip muscles or glutes. Recent studies have proven that adding hip strengthening exercises to the conventional plan of knee exercises improves the patient’s function and decreases pain. One study even showed that doing hip exercises led to a 43% reduction in knee pain after four weeks. 

Other therapy techniques that may also be included in your treatment plan are: 

• Manual therapy
• Knee strengthening exercises
• Recommendations to improve your gait

Franklin Rehabilitation offers cutting-edge treatment options for knee pain

Are you suffering from pain in your knees? Our therapy team at Franklin Rehabilitation is here to help you. We offer complimentary screenings designed to pinpoint the source of your pain, even if it’s rooted in weak hip muscles. Our therapists also excel at building personalized therapy plans designed to strengthen the knees and hips and reduce pain. 

Take the next step to begin getting our help with your knee issues. Contact our team today for more information about how we can help you or to schedule your initial appointment.