Lower extremity rehabilitation is physical therapy specifically for the lower extremity of the body. This includes the hips, thighs, legs, ankles, and feet. Injuries in the lower extremities are common, especially as people age.

The hips, thighs, legs, ankles, and feet carry most of our weight. They are susceptible to joint injury along with general wear and tear. Sports injuries are also common in the lower parts of the body. All of the joints and muscles in the lower extremity work together forming a kinetic chain. Once one part of the chain is injured, it causes a malfunction on multiple levels.

Rehabilitation for a lower extremity injury typically involves the entire lower body. Because one injury site can impact the rest of the lower body, this type of holistic treatment is important. It’s not uncommon for a person with a knee injury to also be treated for his or her hips and ankles. Individual exercise and stretching plans help a patient to rehabilitate an injury and can prevent future injuries.

When treating lower extremity injuries, physical therapists will work on movement-based exercise and evaluate gait. Gait evaluation starts on a level solid surface and can be modified as a patient progresses in his or her treatment.