Helping Movement Feel More Natural Again
Hip and knee pain often shows up during the moments people rely on most, such as walking, standing from a chair, climbing stairs, exercising, or sitting for long periods. When these joints hurt or feel stiff, movement can feel cautious and limited. Over time, that discomfort may lead people to avoid activity, which can affect strength and confidence.
Hip and knee pain can interfere with daily activities and make movement feel restricted or uncomfortable. Many patients seek care when pain begins to affect work responsibilities, fitness routines, or the ability to enjoy everyday life. At IMPACT Physical Therapy & Sports Recovery, physical therapy and athletic training provides people within hip and knee pain relief in Illinois by restoring strength, mobility, and control so movement feels more dependable again.
Common Hip & Knee Pain Conditions
Difficulty Walking
As we age, with declining activity or after an injury, walking can become difficult. With pain in the knee or hip, our walking pattern can change, leaving us with a limp and possibly back pain. Changes in posture can also be responsible for changes in walking patterns.
When walking patterns change, abnormal stresses and strains with everyday activities can be transmitted to areas it shouldn’t. For example, if you have knee pain and you begin to limp, the other hip and your spine now have to take double the weight. This can lead to pain and dysfunction in those areas also. The good news is that walking can be helped and our physical therapists are the experts uniquely trained to do so.
Trochanteric Bursitis
The ending of the word “itis” is defined as inflammation. Therefore, bursitis is inflammation of a bursa and tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon. A bursa is a fluid filled sac that sits between muscles or tissues to cushion and reduce friction. In the hip there is a rather large bursa on the outside between the bony area (tronchanter) and the thick band of tissue stretching from your hip to your knee (iliotibial band). This is called the tronchanteric bursa.
This bursa can often become inflamed due to abnormal joint movements, poor posture and weakness of the surrounding musculature. This causes strain to the tissues and excessive friction on the bursa. People tend to feel pain with prolonged walking or standing. It is often, very tender to touch on the outer hip and thigh.
Poor Balance
Our ability to balance relies mainly on 3 factors. Our ability to perceive movement comes from the nerve sensors in our joints and muscles, our vision and the position of our head in space through the vestibular system in the inner ear. When any one of these factors is not optimum, our ability to balance is affected and our risk for falling greatly increases.
The good news is that there is a lot than can easily be done to improve your ability to balance, which improves your walking and makes the risk of falling significantly less.
Sprain / Strain
Sprains refer to injuries of the ligaments (connect bone to bone) and strains refer to injuries of the muscles or tendons (connect muscle to bone). Sprains and strains occur from quick over-stretching of the tissues causing micro-tearing and subsequent injury. Swelling begins as part of the inflammation process, causing pain and difficulty with movement.
The first step in treating sprains or strains in the hip is to rest, ice and elevate it. With severe limitations in movement you should see your physical therapist right away. There are different levels of sprain or strain from mild to severe. In some cases, the tearing can be complete and even be in need of surgical repair.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of the hip can be painful as the hip is needed to move with sit to stand, walking, squatting and bending. The hips take a lot of wear and tear over the years leading to a degeneration of the cartilage that lines the joint. As the cartilage wears over time, the joint becomes stiffer and the muscles of the buttocks generally weaken over time. This compounds the effects on the hip causing grinding and wearing. In advanced stages, bony spurs can form around the joint and even change the shape of the joint.
Most minor to moderate cases of hip osteoarthritis can highly benefit from physical therapy. In advanced stages a total or partial hip replacement may be needed to repair the damaged joint. Physical therapy in the hospital and outpatient facilities is highly important in the recovery from a hip replacement surgery.
Hip Replacement
When the hip has suffered a significant trauma such as a fracture or with long-term arthritis that is affecting your ability to move and walk, a total hip replacement surgery may be needed. In a total hip replacement surgery, the socket of the hip joint and head of the femur are replaced. With a partial hip replacement either the head of the femur is replaced or the socket of the hip. There have been many advances in the technology of the total hip replacement prosthesis and procedures allowing for less invasive surgery and faster recovery times.
Typically people have suffered for a while before having surgery, leading to changes in walking, muscle strength and function. Physical therapy before surgery in general has shown to help the speed and quality of recovery after surgery.
Post-surgery Rehab
Other types of surgeries for the hip are fracture repairs using pinning or repair from trauma. The amount of force it takes to break bone means that the soft tissues around the hip are most likely significantly injured also. After surgery, due to limited movement, range of motion is lost as well as strength, rather quickly. Since walking is a very complex action of different muscles moving in a coordinated action, it can be difficult to walk after a hip surgery.
LCL Tears
The lateral Collateral ligament (LCL) is an important ligament that checks the side to side sliding of the femur bone on the tibia bone in the knee. This ligament can be injured with sports or falls, especially with blows to the inside of the knee while the foot is planted on the ground.
The LCL can be sprained which means it is still intact. If it is ruptured it means it is completely broken. When a LCL injury involves a sprain, there is typically swelling that occurs in the knee and a feeling of instability with walking. Sprains are classified according to their severity with grades 1 through 3. Grades 1 and 2 are often treatable without surgery, while grade 3 is most often a complete tear and typically requires surgery.
With a sprain, the ligament is overstretched and micro-tearing results, causing pain and inflammation. There is little blood flow to the ligaments and they get most of their nutrition from the joint fluid. This means, that their healing is a lot slower than most other tissues. Depending on the severity of the sprain and joint stability the potential for future injury can increase.
With grade 3 LCL tears, surgery is most likely needed to repair. Physical therapy is vital to the rehabilitation after this surgery. Recovery does take time and the goal is to protect the surgery site and maintaining stability while getting back into walking and eventually running.
MCL Tears
The medial Collateral ligament (MCL) is an important ligament that checks the side to side sliding of the femur bone on the tibia bone in the knee. This ligament can be injured with sports or falls, especially with blows to the outside of the knee while the foot is planted on the ground. It is common for the MCL to be injured along with the medial meniscus.
The MCL can be sprained which means it is still intact. Ruptured means it is completely broken. When a MCL injury involves a sprain, there is typically swelling that occurs in the knee and a feeling of instability with walking. Sprains are classified according to their severity with grades 1 through 3. Grades 1 and 2 are often treatable without surgery, while grade 3 is most often a complete tear and typically requires surgery.
With a sprain, the ligament is overstretched and micro-tearing results, causing pain and inflammation. There is little blood flow to the ligaments and they get most of their nutrition from the joint fluid. This means, that their healing is a lot slower than most other tissues. Depending on the severity of the sprain and joint stability the potential for future injury can increase.
With grade 3 PCL tears, surgery is most likely needed to repair. Physical therapy is vital to the rehabilitation after this surgery. Recovery does take time and the goal is to protect the surgery site, maintaining stability while getting back into walking and eventually running.
PCL Tears
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is an important ligament that checks the backward sliding of the tibia bone on the femur bone in the knee. This ligament can be injured with sports or falls, especially with blows to the front of the knee while the foot is planted on the ground.
The PCL can be sprained which means it is still intact. If ruptured it means it is completely broken. When a PCL injury involves a sprain, there is typically swelling that occurs in the knee and a feeling of instability with walking. Sprains are classified according to their severity with grades 1 through 3. Grades 1 and 2 are often treatable without surgery, while grade 3 is most often a complete tear and typically requires surgery.
With a sprain, the ligament is overstretched and micro-tearing results, causing pain and inflammation. There is little blood flow to the ligaments and they get most of their nutrition from the joint fluid. This means, that their healing is a lot slower than most other tissues. Depending on the severity of the sprain and joint stability the potential for future injury can increase.
With grade 3 PCL tears, surgery is most likely needed to repair. Physical therapy is vital to the rehabilitation after this surgery. Recovery does take time and the goal is to protect the surgery site, maintaining stability while getting back into walking and eventually running.
ACL Tears
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an important ligament that checks the forward sliding of the tibia bone on the femur bone in the knee. This ligament can be injured with sports or falls, especially with blows to the knee from the side, while the foot is planted on the ground.
The ACL can be sprained which means it is still intact. If ruptured it is completely broken. When an ACL injury involves a sprain, there is typically swelling that occurs in the knee and a feeling of instability with walking. Sprains are classified according to their severity, with grades 1 through 3. Grades 1 and 2 are often treatable without surgery, while grade 3 is most often a complete tear and typically requires surgery.
With a sprain, the ligament is overstretched and micro-tearing results, causing pain and inflammation. There is little blood flow to the ligaments and they get most of their nutrition from the joint fluid. This means, that their healing is a lot slower than most other tissues. Depending on the severity of the sprain and joint stability the potential for future injury can increase.
With grade 3 ACL tears, surgery is most likely needed to repair. Physical therapy is vital to the rehabilitation after this surgery. Recovery does take time and the goal is to protect the surgery site, maintaining stability while getting back into walking and eventually running.
Why Hip and Knee Pain Develops and Why Timely Care Matters
The hip and knee joints work together to absorb force and guide motion. Pain can develop gradually due to repeated stress or appear after an injury or increase in activity.
Hip pain can be caused by injury, overuse, arthritis, muscle strain, or joint irritation. Discomfort may be felt in the front of the hip, groin, outer hip, or buttock, depending on the structures involved.
Knee pain can occur for many reasons, including overuse, ligament injury, cartilage damage, muscle imbalance, or wear and tear within the joint. Some people experience pain around the kneecap, while others notice discomfort along the joint line or deep within the knee.
When pain is ignored, people often change how they walk or move without realizing it. These changes can increase stress on surrounding joints. Physical therapy supports better function by addressing strength, mobility, and movement quality early.
Common Symptoms That Affect Hip and Knee Function
People with hip or knee pain may experience:
- Pain during walking or prolonged standing
- Difficulty climbing or descending stairs
- Stiffness after sitting or resting
- Weakness in the hips or legs
- Pain with squatting, bending, or kneeling
- Reduced range of motion
- Discomfort during exercise or recreational activity
- A sense of instability or hesitation with movement
Symptoms vary based on activity level and movement demands, but persistent discomfort often affects daily routines.
How Care Is Delivered at IMPACT Physical Therapy & Sports Recovery
Care at IMPACT Physical Therapy & Sports Recovery focuses on how the hip and knee function during real-life movement. Physical therapists evaluate joint mobility, strength, balance, and movement patterns to understand what is contributing to pain.
Treatment approaches commonly used for hip and knee pain include:
- Manual therapy, used to address joint stiffness and soft tissue restriction to support smoother movement
- Graston Techniques, applied to help reduce soft tissue restriction and support mobility
- ASTYM® Therapy, which supports the body’s natural healing response and improves tissue tolerance to activity
- Targeted strengthening exercises, focused on the hips, thighs, and core to improve joint support
- Movement retraining, helping correct inefficient patterns that place excess stress on the hip or knee
- AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill, when appropriate, to allow walking or running with reduced joint load during recovery
- Athletic training principles, used for patients returning to sport, running, or physically demanding activity
Each method is selected based on how pain affects daily movement and what the patient wants to return to.
A Practice Focused on Skilled, Individualized Care
At IMPACT Physical Therapy & Sports Recovery, we’re proud to offer personalized, one-on-one care in a welcoming environment. As a physical therapist-owned practice, the team emphasizes hands-on treatment, clear communication, and thoughtful progression.
We’ve grown with one purpose in mind, helping people get back to doing what they love using highly skilled manual techniques. This philosophy guides how hip and knee pain is treated across Illinois.
Take the Next Step Toward Stronger, More Confident Movement
If hip or knee pain is limiting how you move, stay active, or enjoy daily life, contact IMPACT Physical Therapy & Sports Recovery to request an appointment and learn how personalized physical therapy and athletic training can support your recovery and long-term movement goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hip and Knee Pain
How does physical therapy address pain during walking or stair use?
Can athletic training help after hip or knee pain improves?
Why does stiffness feel worse after sitting or resting?
We provide hip and knee pain relief in all of our clinics: Champaign, IL, Hinsdale, IL, Lakeview in Chicago, IL, Naperville, IL, Norridge in Chicago, IL, Oak Lawn, IL, Orland-Park, IL and South-Loop in Chicago, IL