Hip Problems
Hip pain is another common problem many of us encounter. Hip pain can prevent you from doing your routine activities such as walking, standing, stairs, sitting, and also activities we may enjoy such as running, tennis, going to the gym or any sport you participate in. The hip joint works functionally together with the knee joint as well as with the SI joint. Because they are among the largest joints in our body, they are subject to a great amount of forces during our daily activities. Usually, irritation of the hip joint can cause pain in your groin or inside of your hip but can also be the driving force behind Low Back Pain. Hip problems can be associated with muscle, tendons, ligaments as well as Visceral strains in the abdomen. Symptoms can include back pain on either side, leg pain, thigh pain and groin discomfort.
Common Hip Problems We Treat
- Tendonitis, Bursitis
- Sprains and strains
- ITB syndrome or tightness
- Osteoarthritis/ degenerative joint disease
- Acetabular and Hip Labral tears
- Fractures
- Total or Hemi Hip replacements
Arthritis may cause people later in life to require a total hip or knee joint replacement surgery. Physical therapy can delay or prevent surgery by teaching special pain management techniques, strengthening exercises and stretching to decrease pain and improve overall function. Using physical therapy modalities, such as electric stimulation, ultrasound, cold laser, and taping can be used to aid with pain management.
Our highly skilled Manual Therapists will perform a comprehensive examination to determine exactly what tissue is responsible for your muscle imbalance, joint stiffness which leads to altered body mechanics. Your Physical Therapist will customize a rehab program to fit your exact goals and needs and will include the following.
- Pain and inflammation management program
- Patient education in limiting the stress placed on your joints, instruction in proper body mechanics with walking, stairs, standing or sport activities
- Postural training and restoration of proper alignment to normalize weight bearing through your joints
- Individualized Home Exercise Program
- Joint and soft tissue mobilization to regain range of motion
- Strengthening, stretching and balance exercises
- Return to professional career
- Sport specific exercise to get you back to your favorite activities
- Early movement strategies
- Functional rehabilitation
If surgery cannot be avoided, The Physical Therapist at Mid Town East Physical Therapy will refer you to the most qualified Orthopedic surgeons or Pain Management specialists. In the mean time focusing on increasing your strength and minimizing any dysfunction to prepare you for a quicker recovery.
A good exercise program is important to the success of your joint functioning well after any surgical intervention. Insufficient strength or motion after surgery can leave you with decreased walking ability or residual pain. Progression of flexibility and strengthening exercises must progress in a certain time frame which is usually determined by your specific procedure. Some procedures may require limiting how much you are allowed to bend your leg or how much weight you are allowed to place on your leg to allow proper healing to occur.
Physical therapy is of utmost importance to help you regain your muscle strength and your range of motion so your hip can function safe and well. Balance training must be incorporated into your rehab program to improve movement patterns and muscle coordination. Minimizing scar tissue must also be part of your program to aid in the ability to move your leg.
