WHY STRONG HIPS MATTER MORE THAN YOU THINK
Most people associate hip pain with arthritis or stiffness, but the hips influence much more than simple movement. These powerful joints help control how your body walks, bends, climbs stairs, balances, and transfers force from the legs to the spine. When hip mobility or strength declines, stress can begin to build in nearby areas like the knees, lower back, and even the pelvic floor.
At Emery Physical Therapy, many patients seeking care for knee pain or back discomfort are surprised to learn that their hips may be contributing to the problem. Whether you are active, sedentary, recovering from an injury, or simply noticing more stiffness with age, improving hip function can play an important role in preventing pain and improving overall movement quality.
Patients searching for Mount Prospect physical therapy, Des Plaines physical therapy, or Oakbrook Terrace physical therapy services often come to Emery Physical Therapy looking for answers to persistent pain that has not improved with rest alone. In many cases, restoring healthy hip mechanics becomes a key part of the recovery process.
HOW HIP MOBILITY AFFECTS LOWER BACK STRESS
The hips and lower back work together during nearly every daily activity. Walking, sitting, lifting, and reaching all require coordinated movement between the pelvis, lumbar spine, and hip joints. If the hips become stiff or weak, the lower back often compensates by moving more than it should.
One common example involves prolonged sitting. Sitting for extended periods can tighten the muscles at the front of the hips, especially the hip flexors. Tightness in this area may tilt the pelvis forward and increase strain on the lumbar spine, contributing to stiffness or chronic low back discomfort.
People who spend long hours working at a desk or commuting throughout the northwest suburbs of Chicago often experience these symptoms without realizing the source may begin at the hips. Physical therapy can help identify movement restrictions and muscle imbalances contributing to back pain while improving flexibility, posture, and core control.
At Emery Physical Therapy, individualized treatment plans frequently combine mobility exercises, strengthening programs, and movement retraining to reduce stress on the spine and improve long-term function. Patients can also learn more about treatment options through the clinic’s resources at www.emeryphysicaltherapy.com.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN HIP STRENGTH AND KNEE PAIN
The muscles surrounding the hips play a major role in stabilizing the legs during walking, running, squatting, and stair climbing. When the hips lack strength, the knees may collapse inward or absorb more force than they are designed to handle. Over time, this can contribute to irritation around the kneecap, tendon strain, or joint discomfort.
This is especially common in runners, athletes, and adults with early arthritis changes. Weakness in the gluteal muscles can alter alignment throughout the lower extremity, affecting balance and increasing mechanical stress at the knee.
Patients receiving physical therapy in Mount Prospect, Des Plaines, and Oakbrook Terrace often report knee pain during activities like climbing stairs, standing from a chair, or exercising. In many situations, strengthening the hips becomes an essential part of reducing pain and improving movement efficiency.
Exercises that target hip stability can help support the knees while improving overall lower-body control. A physical therapist can safely guide patients through progressive strengthening exercises designed specifically for their condition, goals, and activity level.
CAN HIP EXERCISES HELP WITH PELVIC FLOOR HEALTH?
Many people do not realize there is also a relationship between hip strength and pelvic floor function. Certain muscles deep within the hip region work closely with the pelvic floor to support bladder control and pelvic stability.
Weakness or poor coordination in these muscle groups may contribute to urinary leakage, particularly during coughing, exercise, jumping, or lifting. This issue can affect both women and men and is often more common after pregnancy, surgery, or periods of inactivity.
Targeted strengthening of the hips and core may help improve muscular support around the pelvis while enhancing overall stability. At Emery Physical Therapy, movement assessments help determine whether weakness, poor coordination, or mobility restrictions may be contributing to symptoms.
Patients throughout surrounding communities including Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, and Schaumburg often benefit from a comprehensive physical therapy approach that addresses the entire movement system rather than focusing on symptoms alone.
WHY A MOVEMENT ASSESSMENT MATTERS
Pain does not always begin where it is felt. A thorough movement evaluation can help uncover limitations in flexibility, balance, posture, strength, and joint mobility that may be contributing to discomfort elsewhere in the body.
Preventive physical therapy can help individuals improve movement quality before pain becomes more severe or limits daily activities. Early intervention often reduces the risk of future injury while helping patients remain active and independent.
At Emery Physical Therapy, treatment focuses on identifying the root cause of dysfunction and creating personalized plans that support long-term wellness, injury prevention, and improved performance in everyday life.
HOW WE CAN HELP
If you are experiencing knee pain, lower back discomfort, hip stiffness, or pelvic floor concerns, physical therapy may help you move more comfortably and confidently. Emery Physical Therapy provides individualized care designed to improve strength, mobility, balance, and long-term function for patients throughout Mount Prospect, Des Plaines, Oakbrook Terrace, and surrounding Illinois communities.
Emery Physical Therapy also offers a free assessment for patients looking to better understand their symptoms and treatment options. To schedule an appointment or learn more about available services, visit www.emeryphysicaltherapy.com or contact the clinic directly.