Lower Extremity Rehabilitation Program
Our Lower Extremity program provides physical therapy for knee, hip, ankle, and foot conditions to restore mobility, reduce pain, and return you to activity.
We treat knee injuries and arthritis, hip pain and bursitis, ankle sprains and instability, plantar fasciitis, and post-surgical recovery for lower extremity procedures.
Our physical therapists use therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, gait training, and sport-specific rehabilitation to restore strength, mobility, and function in the lower extremities.
Your Results:
✓ Reduce knee, hip, and ankle pain through targeted strengthening and manual therapy
✓ Restore mobility and confidence for walking, stairs, and community activities
✓ Adapt daily routines to protect joints and prevent pain flare-ups
✓ Return to exercise, sports, and active hobbies with reduced re-injury risk
Who Is This Program For?
Adults with lower extremity injuries, joint conditions, or those recovering from knee, hip, or ankle surgery.
Delivery Model: Clinic-based — evaluations and treatment in our outpatient clinics
Why Choose Our Lower Extremity Rehabilitation Program?
Getting you back on your feet with expert knee, hip, and ankle therapy
Interdisciplinary PT + OT
Physical Therapy strengthens your body while Occupational Therapy adapts your daily activities, home environment, and routines for lasting relief.
Whole-Person Pain Model
We use a biopsychosocial approach that addresses physical, psychological, and social factors contributing to lower extremity pain.
Real-Life Activity Training
Guided modifications for getting out of bed, dressing, showering, cooking, and cleaning, not just gym exercises.
Progressive Return to Activity
Structured rehabilitation from initial pain relief through sport-specific or community-level function.
Targeted Expertise
Our therapists combine advanced clinical training with compassionate, patient-centered care to deliver specialized treatment through:
Knee Pain & Arthritis
Quad strengthening, joint mobility, and activity modifications for knee osteoarthritis and injuries.
Hip Pain & Bursitis
Hip stabilization exercises, gait retraining, and ergonomic adaptations for hip conditions.
Ankle & Foot Rehabilitation
Ankle stability training, plantar fasciitis treatment, and footwear guidance for foot conditions.
Post-Surgical Lower Extremity
Progressive rehab after knee replacement, hip replacement, ACL repair, and ankle procedures.
Gait & Mobility Training
Walking pattern retraining, assistive device progression, and community mobility preparation.
Fall Prevention & Balance
Lower extremity strengthening and balance challenges to reduce fall risk in older adults.
Your Treatment Guide
Detailed information about your care plan, what to expect during treatment, and strategies you can use at home.
Treatment Guide
Knee Pain: Your Interdisciplinary Treatment Guide
Description: Knee pain significantly impacts a person's ability to fulfill their daily routines. It can be the result of an injury, muscular issue, degenerative disorder, poor positioning, or repetitive stress injuries. Disabling chronic pain is impacted by physical, psychological, and social or occupational factors, and individuals benefit from an interdisciplinary approach.
Why Work with Both OT and PT?
Evidence indicates an intensive, multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach that includes functional restoration improves a client's overall ability to have a reduction in pain, improved function, and improved quality of life.
Physical Therapy (PT) focuses on strengthening your body and improving movement patterns through clinical exercises and manual therapy.
Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on adapting your daily activities, home environment, and routines to reduce pain and maintain independence.
Together, the PT and OT work to address underlying causes with strengthening, positioning, and body mechanics to improve your ability to participate in daily routines. Therapy uses a biopsychosocial, client-centered approach addressing needs in all areas.
Guided Strengthening & Environmental Adaptations
Perform these exercises 3-4 times per week as prescribed by your therapist:
Knee Stability & Flexibility
Quad Sets: Sit with legs straight, tighten your thigh muscle by pushing the back of your knee into the floor (10 reps).
Straight Leg Raises: Lie on your back, keep one leg straight and lift it about 12 inches, then slowly lower (10 reps each side).
Heel Slides: Lie on your back and slowly slide your heel toward your buttocks, then slide back (10 reps each side).
Hamstring Stretch: Sit on the edge of a chair, extend one leg straight, and lean forward slightly until a stretch is felt (hold 30-60 seconds).
Note: Stop any exercise that increases pain. Consult your Therapist before beginning.
Guided Daily Activity Modifications
Morning Routine: When getting out of bed, push up with your arms while lowering your legs to the floor to avoid excessive knee strain.
Dressing: Sit on a bed or chair while dressing; use a long-handled shoehorn and sock aid to avoid deep bending.
Showering: Use a shower chair or bench if standing for long periods is painful.
Kitchen/Cleaning: Use a tall stool for meal prep instead of standing ; use a wheeled cart for laundry to avoid carrying heavy loads.
Body Mechanics for Daily Activities
Lifting & Moving
Stand close to the object.
Bend at your hips, not just your knees, to distribute weight.
Keep your back straight and core tight.
Lift with your legs, avoiding a deep squat if painful.
Avoid twisting,turn your whole body.
Sitting Posture & Home Adaptations
Keep feet flat on the floor or a footrest.
Knees should be at hip level or slightly below.
Use a reacher/grabber to pick up items from the floor to avoid kneeling.
Reorganize frequently used items to the "power zone" (shoulder to hip height) to avoid low reaching.
Sleep Positioning
Side Sleepers: Place a pillow between your knees to maintain hip and knee alignment.
Back Sleepers: Place a pillow under your knees to reduce tension.
Pain Management Strategies
Heat vs. Ice: Use Ice for acute pain or inflammation (15-20 minutes). Use Heat for chronic stiffness or muscle tension (15-20 minutes).
Pacing Activities: Break tasks into smaller segments. Alternate between sitting, standing, and moving.
Rest: Schedule rest breaks before pain increases.
Stress Reduction: Practice deep breathing, gentle yoga, or mindfulness to manage pain-related stress.
When to Contact Your Therapist
Pain that worsens or doesn't improve after 2 weeks.
New numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs.
Loss of bowel or bladder control (seek immediate medical care).
Pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities despite modifications.
Remember: Recovery takes time. Small, consistent changes lead to lasting improvement. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you treat knee replacements?
Yes. Post-knee replacement rehabilitation is one of our core physical therapy services. We work with patients from early post-op through return to full activity.
Can PT help with plantar fasciitis?
Yes. Physical therapy including stretching, strengthening, manual therapy, and footwear guidance is highly effective for plantar fasciitis.
How often will I need to come in?
Most patients attend 2-3 sessions per week initially, tapering as they progress. Your therapist will develop a schedule based on your condition and goals.
Do you treat sports injuries?
Yes. Our PTs have experience with sports-related lower extremity injuries and sport-specific return-to-play protocols.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us to learn more about our Lower Extremity Rehabilitation program or to schedule an evaluation with our expert therapists.