Physical Therapy for Hip Pain

Published on December 15, 2012 by: Renee Kirbs

Hip Pain Is A Common Ailment

Contrary to popular belief, hip pain is not restricted to seniors. It can affect individuals of all ages at any time through over-exertion, sports injury, accidents and disease. When it happens it can be extremely debilitating. The hip is one of the major weight and stress bearing joints in the body. Impairment in hip function makes it difficult to maintain an active lifestyle or even day to day activities. The hips support our entire torso and are the bridge between the joints in the lower extremities (knee, ankle, foot) and the torso.

Sometimes, biomechanical abnormalities in the lower body manifest over a period of several years, triggering hip pain and knee pain. If an individual is overweight, there is excessive strain on the hip and knee joints while walking and climbing stairs. For example, years of running or even sitting in the wrong posture can cause excessive degeneration of the hip joint, finally take their toll several decades later in the form of excruciating hip pain.

Muscle Strain, Arthritis or Somethnig Else?

Patients everywhere, including Ann Arbor, Michigan, find it difficult to describe hip pain. Determining the location of the symptoms will pinpoint if the pain is from the hip or the lower back. If the pain is in the front of the hip or joint, it is likely that you are experiencing arthritis in the hip joint or have experienced a muscle strain. If the pain is on the side of the hip, it might be caused by the swelling of the bursa of the hip, a sac filled with fluid that allows muscles and bones to move smoothly. If the pain is in the buttocks or back of the hip is a likely sign that the pain is centered in the lower back.

Overusing over a period of time can result in pain, which explains the high incidence of hip pain in athletes. Despite this, some of the common causes of hip pain include sitting too much and driving long distances.

Lifestyle Causes

A sedentary lifestyle in the western world can also cause hip issues. Some cultures require sitting on the floor and squatting, which can result in greater flexibility and movement.

If you have added movement to your lifestyle, changed your sitting posture, tried gentle stretching, your hip should feel a lot better.

What To Do For Hip Pain

If the hip pain persists, call a physical therapist that can create a customized treatment plan to mitigate hip pain and improve or restore your quality of life.

You will discover a lifestyle that incorporates better posture, alignment, and better movement. Contact your therapist to find out why your hips are in pain and learn to take the necessary steps to get rid of the pain.