Hip, Knee & Ankle

Lower-limb pain can change the way you move and hold you back from the things you enjoy. Hip, knee and ankle problems often build up over time from training, work or daily load, or they arrive suddenly after a twist, a fall or a heavy session. At Bond Osteopathy in Glen Iris, we assess the whole chain, from your hips down, to understand what is loading the sore joint, and most everyday lower-limb pain responds well to a clear, active plan.

What we commonly see

• Hip pain and stiffness, including pain with walking or sitting
• Knee pain, including training-related and runner’s knee
• Ankle sprains, foot pain and post-injury stiffness
• Tendon-related pain around the hip, knee or ankle
• Overuse and load-related complaints from sport and gym training
• Reduced mobility and confidence affecting daily life and running

What we assess

Your appointment starts with a thorough history: what happened, what makes it better or worse, your work, footwear, training and goals. Then a physical assessment looks at how your hip, knee and ankle move and load, your strength and control, and how the joints above and below are contributing. Where relevant, we include circulation and neurological checks (strength, sensation and reflexes) to understand what is driving your symptoms and to screen for anything that needs onward referral.

How we decide whether osteopathy is right for you

Osteopathy suits most mechanical lower-limb pain, the kind that changes with movement, load and position. Part of the assessment is checking for the small number of presentations that need a different pathway, such as a suspected fracture, significant ligament rupture or a joint that needs imaging or a specialist opinion (see “When to seek other care” below). If osteopathy is a good fit, we will explain why and what the plan looks like. If it is not, we will tell you honestly and help you find the right care.

What the first appointment involves

• A detailed history and a plain-English discussion of your problem
• A physical assessment of the joint and the chain around it, explained as we go
• A clear working diagnosis and what is likely driving it
• Hands-on treatment where appropriate, plus advice and exercises
• A plan you agree on together, with a sensible endpoint, not open-ended visits

Your first visit is a full initial consultation (around 60 minutes). Current fees and appointment lengths are shown when you book online.

Treatment options (and their limits)

Treatment is tailored to you and may include soft-tissue techniques, articulation and joint techniques, dry needling, cupping, and exercise rehabilitation. Hands-on care can help comfort and movement in the short term, but lasting results for the hip, knee and ankle usually come from the active side: graded loading, strength work and sensible load management as you return to activity. No technique is a guaranteed fix, and we are upfront about realistic timeframes. You are always in control, and nothing is done without your consent.

When to seek other care

Most lower-limb pain is not serious. See your GP or urgent care promptly, rather than booking osteopathy first, if you have: an inability to bear weight or walk after an injury; a joint that looks deformed or out of place; rapid or severe swelling; a hot, red, swollen joint with fever or feeling unwell; calf pain, warmth or swelling that comes on without injury; or numbness, pins and needles or weakness in the leg or foot. These are uncommon, but they need prompt medical assessment.

Common questions

Do I need a referral? No. You can book directly. If you have a GP care plan or a WorkCover, TAC or DVA claim, see the FAQ for what to bring.

Do I need a scan? Often not for everyday hip, knee or ankle pain. Where imaging would genuinely change your management, we will say so and help arrange the right referral.

How many sessions will I need? It depends on your presentation and goals, and we discuss it after your assessment. The aim is a clear plan with an endpoint.

Can I keep training with knee or ankle pain? Sometimes, with adjustments. We will help you work out what to modify and how to load the joint safely as it settles.

Written and reviewed by Dr James Beninati (Osteopath), Bachelor of Health Science, Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy), AHPRA registered. Last reviewed September 2026. More about James.

General information, not personal health advice. Sources: Better Health Channel on knee and joint pain; Healthdirect Australia on ankle sprains and lower-limb injuries.