KNÓSIS Physical Therapy Hip Examination

At KNÓSIS, we begin by listening to you and understanding your concerns. Our thorough hip examination assesses pain-sensitive structures in the hip, spine, and pelvis, joint range of motion and mobility, muscle length and strength, and overall movement patterns. We analyze your biomechanics and functional movements to identify any strain on key structures, such as the labrum or gluteal tendons. If needed, we incorporate specialized tests to identify the source of your pain. 

During your first visit, we help you understand your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals. Whether your pain is due to an injury, muscle imbalance, or movement dysfunction, our approach ensures you receive the most effective care to restore mobility and function. 

KNÓSIS Physical Therapy Hip Treatment 

At KNÓSIS, every 45-minute one-on-one session is focused on helping you move better and feel better. Your therapist will use hands-on techniques and soft tissue release to ease pain, improve mobility, and restore proper movement in your hip. With over 30 muscles supporting the hip joint, it’s easy for imbalances to develop, leading to discomfort or injury. That’s why we focus on strengthening the deep hip muscles, which play a key role in stability and pain relief. 

To help your hip move smoothly and heal properly, we’ll guide you through targeted exercises designed to realign and support your joint. We often use Real-Time Ultrasound Imaging, a tool that lets you see your muscles in action, helping you activate the right ones more effectively. These exercises will be practiced during your session and included in a personalized home program so you can keep making progress between visits. 

Our goal is not just to relieve pain, but to help you move with confidence—whether that’s getting back to sports, staying active, or simply going about your day without discomfort. 

Hip Impingement, Hip Impingement or Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

Hip Impingement occurs when the bones in your hip joint rub, catch, or press against each other, often due to excess bone growth on the femur (thigh bone) or acetabulum (hip socket). Some people are born with uniquely shaped joints, while others develop bone spurs over time. These extra bone formations can appear on the femoral head (cam impingement), within the hip socket (pincer impingement), or both (combined impingement). The result is a persistent dull ache in the hip, which may also radiate to the groin, buttock, or thigh. Pain tends to worsen with activities that place stress on the hips—such as squatting, lunging, or jumping—and can become sharp or stabbing when sitting for extended periods or lying on one side. At KNÓSIS, we take a holistic, movement-based approach to treating FAI, addressing both structural and functional hip mechanics. Rather than just treating pain, we assess the body as a whole—examining posture, core stability, and movement patterns. Using targeted hands-on techniques, we release tension in overactive muscles, retrain deep stabilizing muscles through neuromuscular re-education, and enhance joint control to reduce excessive pressure. 

Total Hip Replacement

The hip is designed for smooth, multidirectional movement, but when joint deterioration leads to pain and dysfunction, a total hip replacement (THR) may be indicated to restore mobility and quality of life.  While following your surgeon’s protocol, at KNÓSIS we also focus on posture, gait mechanics, and neuromuscular control to ensure optimal healing and long-term function. We are well-versed in multiple surgical approaches and tailor our treatments to your specific procedure, blending advanced manual therapy and movement retraining to restore balance and strength. 

Myofascial Trigger Points, Commonly Known as “Muscle Knots,”

Myofascial Trigger Points are localized areas of tight, contracted muscle fibers that develop within the connective tissue (myofascia). Typically forming in the center of a muscle belly, these persistent contractions create palpable nodules that can lead to pain, discomfort, and restricted movement. They are often linked to myofascial pain syndrome, muscle tenderness, somatic dysfunction, and impaired daily function. Trigger points can arise from various factors, including aging, injury, poor posture, muscle overuse, repetitive micro-trauma, chronic stress, vitamin deficiencies, sleep disturbances, joint instability, and hypermobility. At KNÓSIS, we take an integrated approach, addressing not just the trigger points themselves but also the underlying postural imbalances and movement patterns that contribute to their formation. Through hands-on bodywork, movement training, and neuromuscular re-education, we help release tension, restore balance, and optimize posture for pain-free movement and long-term relief. 

Hip Dysplasia 

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip socket (acetabulum) is too shallow, preventing the femoral head (ball of the hip joint) from fitting securely. This misalignment can lead to joint instability, abnormal wear on the cartilage, and an increased risk of labral tears and osteoarthritis. While some people are born with hip dysplasia, others may develop symptoms later in life due to repetitive strain, muscle imbalances, or increased joint laxity. Common signs include hip pain, clicking or catching sensations, and discomfort with prolonged walking, running, or sitting. 

At KNÓSIS, we focus on stabilizing the hip joint and optimizing movement mechanics to relieve pain and prevent further joint damage. Our approach includes targeted strengthening of the deep hip stabilizers, manual therapy to improve mobility, and movement retraining to reduce excessive joint stress. If symptoms persist, we work closely with specialists to explore additional treatment options, ensuring the best possible care for your hip health. 

Anterior Hip Pain & Hip Flexor-Related Pain 

Anterior hip pain is often linked to hip flexor dysfunction, particularly involving the iliopsoas and rectus femoris muscles. This pain may develop due to overuse, poor movement mechanics, or excessive compression of the hip flexor tendons, leading to tendinopathy, muscle irritation, or impingement at the front of the hip joint. It is common in runners, dancers, and athletes who perform repetitive hip flexion movements, but can also affect individuals with hip instability, postural imbalances, or prolonged sitting habits. 

At KNÓSIS, we take a targeted, evidence-based approach to relieve hip flexor-related pain by reducing excessive tendon compression, improving deep hip muscle activation, and optimizing movement patterns. Instead of overstretching tight hip flexors—which can sometimes worsen symptoms—we focus on controlled strengthening, neuromuscular retraining, and load management to restore balance and improve hip function. Our goal is to help you move freely and comfortably, whether that means returning to sports, daily activities, or simply walking without discomfort. 

Posterior Buttock Pain 

Posterior buttock pain is often linked to deep gluteal syndrome, proximal hamstring tendinopathy, or irritation of the sciatic nerve, leading to aching, sharp, or radiating pain in the buttock, especially with sitting, walking, or hip movements. This discomfort may arise from excessive compression or overload of the deep hip muscles and tendons, particularly the gluteus maximus, deep external rotators, and hamstring tendons, which play a crucial role in hip stability and movement. Individuals with hip instability, prolonged sitting habits, or repetitive strain from sports like running and cycling are more prone to developing this condition. 

At KNÓSIS, we focus on reducing excessive compression on irritated structures, improving deep gluteal and hamstring muscle activation, and optimizing movement patterns to relieve pain and restore function. Instead of static stretching, which may aggravate symptoms, we emphasize progressive loading, neuromuscular retraining, and specific strength exercises to build resilience in the deep hip stabilizers. By restoring muscle balance and improving hip mechanics, we help you regain comfortable movement and prevent recurring pain. 

Hip Stress Fractures 

Hip stress fractures are small cracks in the bone caused by repetitive stress and overuse, rather than a sudden injury. They most commonly occur in the femoral neck, but can also develop in the pubic ramus, acetabulum (hip socket), or sacrum, especially in individuals who engage in high-impact activities like running, jumping, or military training. These fractures often result from sudden increases in activity, muscle fatigue, or biomechanical imbalances that lead to excessive strain on the bones. Symptoms typically include deep, aching pain in the groin, outer hip, or pelvis, which worsens with weight-bearing activities and improves with rest. If left untreated, stress fractures can worsen, potentially requiring more intensive treatment or surgery. 

At KNÓSIS, we focus on early detection, load management, and progressive rehabilitation to promote proper healing and prevent recurrence. Our approach includes gait and movement assessments, targeted strengthening exercises, and return-to-activity programs designed to restore function safely. We also work closely with physicians to monitor recovery and ensure the best possible outcome, helping you regain pain-free movement while protecting your long-term hip health.