Knee and hip: walking, climbing stairs, getting back to sport
Whether it is osteoarthritis, an injury or pain that will not go away, therapeutic exercise is at the heart of treatment for the knee and hip: it reduces pain, restores strength and confidence in movement and, in many cases, makes it possible to avoid or delay surgery. We also provide rehabilitation after joint replacement and ligament surgery.
What we treat
Below you will find the problems we see most often.
- Knee and hip osteoarthritis Pain and stiffness when walking, climbing stairs or getting up from a chair.
- Anterior knee pain Pain around or behind the kneecap, typical in runners, on stairs or after sitting for a long time.
- Ligaments and meniscus Sprains, cruciate ligament or meniscus injuries, with or without surgery.
- Tendons Patellar tendon, iliotibial band syndrome, lateral hip pain, groin tendons. We can add shockwave therapy.
- After joint replacement Rehabilitation after hip or knee replacement, to walk safely again.
- Back to sport Strength and movement control tests to get back to running, jumping and changing direction.
How we work
- 01 Listening and assessment We listen to your story, rule out signs and symptoms that may need further investigation, and measure strength, mobility and function.
- 02 Managing load We find out which activities irritate the joint and adapt them, without stopping you completely.
- 03 Progressive exercise Strengthening of the thighs and hips, balance and movement control, with manual therapy when it helps.
- 04 Back to your activities From walking to sport, with personal training if you want to keep training with us.
Three myths to bust
Sources: NICE, osteoarthritis: therapeutic exercise as core treatment · Siemieniuk et al., BMJ, 2017 · Alentorn-Geli et al., JOSPT, 2017
When to see a doctor straight away
Contact your doctor or the emergency department straight away if you have:
- a swollen, warm and red joint, with fever
- being unable to put weight on your leg after a fall or injury
- a locked knee that you cannot straighten
- a swollen, warm and painful calf, especially after surgery
- hip or groin pain after a fall, especially in older age
- a history of cancer and new pain that does not go away
Frequently asked questions about the knee and hip
Content by Luca Barbisan, OMT physiotherapist · Updated October 2026
I have osteoarthritis: is physiotherapy still useful?
Yes. Guidelines recommend exercise as the first treatment for knee and hip osteoarthritis, at any stage. We help you find the type and amount of exercise that suits you.
Is it worth having physiotherapy before a joint replacement?
Often yes: going into surgery with more strength and mobility helps recovery. In some cases exercise improves symptoms enough to postpone the operation; the decision is made with your surgeon.
How long does rehabilitation after cruciate ligament surgery take?
Usually several months. Returning to sport does not depend only on the time that has passed, but on passing strength and movement control tests.
Can I keep walking or running?
In most cases yes, by adapting distance and intensity. During the assessment we tell you what to keep doing and how to dose it.
Is physiotherapy for the knee and hip covered by insurance?
Yes. With a medical prescription it is covered by basic health insurance, minus the deductible (franchise) and co-payment. All the details on costs and health insurance.
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