Hip, Hip, Hooray! There Are Answers to Hip Pain!

Do you experience discomfort in your hips? Does it hinder your daily activities and overall quality of life? Hip pain is an all too common issue affecting many people, but understanding its causes, anatomy of the affected area, and treatment options can pave the way towards relief and recovery. In this month’s blog, we’ll explore hip pain, its incidence, hip anatomy, and how physical therapy can provide effective solutions for alleviating hip discomfort and improving mobility.

 Causes

Hip pain can present itself in many different ways, including stiffness, aching, and limited mobility in the joint. This discomfort can have a significant negative impact on your ability to walk, carry loads, climb stairs, or even sit comfortably. These issues can result from a variety of internal factors, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, or from falls, sports injuries, or accidents that can lead to fractures, dislocations, or strains in the hip region. Repetitive movements or overuse can cause excessive strain on the hip joint, commonly seen in athletes or individuals with certain occupations that commonly lift and carry heavy loads. Bursitis, which is inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs called bursae around the hip joint, is another common problem which can cause sharp or shooting pain possibly to the point of being incapable of moving the joint.

Incidence

Hip pain is prevalent across all age groups, but it becomes more common as we age. According to research, over 14% of adults over the age of 60 experience hip pain, impacting their daily activities and overall function. Additionally, athletes and those engaged in physically demanding jobs are also at higher risk for hip injuries and subsequent pain.

 Anatomy

To effectively address hip pain, it’s essential to understand the complex anatomy of the hip joint. Thankfully, you don’t have to be an expert yourself; Our team of Physical Therapy Doctors and Assistants have the requisite knowledge and experience to identify both the root cause and the best surgery-free solution, but as a point of education, let’s give an overview of the hip’s structure. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, consisting of the femur (thigh bone) forming the ball and the acetabulum (pelvic socket). The joint is surrounded by a network of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and a protective layer of cartilage that allows for smooth movement and stability. The bones themselves are technically referred to as “Os Coxae,” and are made up of three bones: the Ilium, Ischium, and Pubis.

Treatment

Physical therapy is a non-invasive, highly effective approach for managing and treating hip pain and weakness. Skilled Physical Therapy Doctors, like our own Dr. Mullis, design personalized treatment plans to address the specific needs and condition of each individual. Treatment may include things like:

1. Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the hip joint, enhancing stability and reducing pain.
2. Flexibility and Range of Motion Exercises: Techniques to improve hip flexibility and enhance the range of motion, aiding in pain reduction and improved mobility.
3. Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques, including joint mobilization and soft tissue massage, to relieve muscle tension and joint stiffness.
4. Gait Training: Evaluation and correction of walking patterns to alleviate strain on the hip joint and promote proper alignment.
5. Patient Education: Informative sessions about proper posture, body mechanics, and exercises to prevent future hip pain and injuries.

You don’t need to assume that now that you have hip pain you’re stuck with it. Find out how our team can help you get back to moving without pain. Call us at (941) 264-1414, email info@ptdoctorsfl.com, or send a message. Hip, hip, hooray – relief from hip pain is within reach!