Hip, Pelvis and Knee Pain Osteopathy in Coolaroo and Epping
Hip, pelvic and knee pain can make everyday things harder, from stairs and getting out of the car to sleeping on your side, squatting at work or running at training. Because the hips, pelvis and knees work together, assessment usually looks at the whole lower limb and your lower back, not just the sore spot. Your osteopath will work out what level of activity is currently manageable and build a plan around your work, training and daily life.
This page covers a range of lower limb concerns. After assessment, your osteopath will explain what your symptoms may be associated with. Common presentations include:
Pain on the outside of the hip, often worse lying on that side or climbing stairs
Groin or front-of-hip pain with sitting, squatting or twisting
Pain at the back of the pelvis, around the sacroiliac region
Pain around or behind the kneecap with stairs, squats or prolonged sitting
Knee pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis
Hip and knee niggles linked to running, football, soccer or netball
Common contributing factors
Symptoms often follow a change in load, for example a jump in walking or running, a new job on your feet, a heavy block of squatting, or returning to sport after the off-season. Strength, previous injuries, footwear, time spent sitting and conditions such as osteoarthritis can also play a part. Pelvic girdle pain can occur during or after pregnancy; your osteopath can assess it and work alongside your GP or midwife.
What your assessment looks at
After talking through your history and goals, your osteopath may assess how you walk, squat, step and balance, along with hip, knee and lower back movement and the strength of the muscles around the hip and thigh. Some tasks may be tested specifically, such as single-leg movements, stairs or a short hop, depending on your activity. If findings suggest imaging or a medical review is needed, your osteopath will explain why and help coordinate with your GP.
Planning your management
Exercise is usually a central part of managing hip, pelvic and knee pain. Your plan may include:
Progressive strengthening for the hips, thighs and calves
Adjusting running, sport or work tasks while symptoms settle
Hands-on care or dry needling where appropriate
Advice on sleeping positions, sitting and stairs
Planned progressions towards your usual activity
What you can do in the meantime
Try to stay active with things that feel comfortable, such as walking on flat ground, cycling or swimming, and reduce the activity that clearly aggravates your symptoms rather than stopping everything. If lying on your side is painful, a pillow between your knees may be more comfortable. Notice how you feel the next morning; that is often a useful guide to whether you did a bit too much.
Common questions
Hip, pelvis and knee pain: your questions
For questions about referrals, fees, private health and funding pathways, see our full FAQ.
It may or may not be. Knee pain has many possible contributors, and changes seen on an X-ray do not always match how much pain someone has. Your osteopath will assess your knee, discuss what the findings suggest and recommend a GP review or imaging if it would change your management. If you do have osteoarthritis, staying active and building strength are generally recommended as part of managing it.
Not always. Many people can keep some running or training going with changes to distance, pace, surfaces or drills. Your osteopath will help you find a level your hip or knee currently tolerates, and will be clear about when a short break is the more sensible option.
No referral is needed for a private appointment. If you are attending under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan through Medicare, an approved WorkCover or TAC claim, or DVA, those pathways have their own requirements, so please bring the relevant paperwork.
It varies with the presentation, how long you have had symptoms and the demands of your work and sport. Your osteopath will talk through what to expect after your assessment and review your progress with you as you go.
