6. Knee and hip
The knee and hip are weight bearing joints which are therefore subject to impact injuries and general wear and tear. The knee, in particular, is protected by cartilage and small cushion-type structures called bursa, but is highly susceptible to acute injuries (possibly from playing sport where you turn suddenly, such as squash, or where there is a direct impact, such as football). It is also vulnerable to chronic overuse problems, for example running on hard surfaces. It is common for sufferers to experience pain in both the hip and the knee if the initial problem is left untreated.
Either way, the knee may become swollen and sore and may be restricted in movement. Apart from the pain, this may result in pain in the foot, hip, or even spine as the body makes adjustments to compensate for the knee problem. Pain felt around the hip may be due to a problem with the hip or may have its roots in the lower spine or sacroiliac-iliac joints (situated where the spine inserts into the pelvis).
Osteopathic treatment concentrates on reducing the inflammation and improving the knee's range of movement. It also treats other parts of the body which have been affected by or which may have caused the knee's dysfunction. Treatment around the hip frequently involves working on the large muscles around the hip and checking the low back, pelvis and feet.
Occasionally, patients may require further medical intervention, such as a joint replacement operation (there are approximately 160,000 full knee and hip replacements in the UK annually). In this instance, Osteopaths can refer the patient to other medical professionals and provide aftercare and help with rehabilitation.
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Either way, the knee may become swollen and sore and may be restricted in movement. Apart from the pain, this may result in pain in the foot, hip, or even spine as the body makes adjustments to compensate for the knee problem. Pain felt around the hip may be due to a problem with the hip or may have its roots in the lower spine or sacroiliac-iliac joints (situated where the spine inserts into the pelvis).
Osteopathic treatment concentrates on reducing the inflammation and improving the knee's range of movement. It also treats other parts of the body which have been affected by or which may have caused the knee's dysfunction. Treatment around the hip frequently involves working on the large muscles around the hip and checking the low back, pelvis and feet.
Occasionally, patients may require further medical intervention, such as a joint replacement operation (there are approximately 160,000 full knee and hip replacements in the UK annually). In this instance, Osteopaths can refer the patient to other medical professionals and provide aftercare and help with rehabilitation.
Back to the Body Map