Like most joints, the hip is susceptible to a multitude of conditions that can cause pain and limit your ability to participate in the activities you want to do. Symptoms can range from a mild ache that comes and goes over time, to debilitating pain that restricts all activities and even the ability to sleep. No matter what the cause, our team of highly trained clinicians will have you back up and moving again, enjoying the activities most important to you.
A few of the more common conditions our clinicians have expertise in include:
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis of the hip occurs when the cartilage inside the joint wears out causing pain and inflammation. Symptoms tend to be worse with weight-bearing activities and hip range of motion is often limited especially internal rotation and hip flexion. Joint mobilization and stretching can result in significant pain relief, and in many lower severity cases, symptoms can be effectively managed with a strengthening program designed by your physical therapist.
Bursitis
A bursa is a fluid-filled sack that decreases shear forces between tissues of the body. Trochanteric bursitis (inflammation of a bursa) is caused by excessive stress on the bursa between the IT Band and the greater trochanter. Signs and symptoms include pain over the outer aspect of the hipbone, which often is exacerbated when lying on the affected side, standing on the affected leg, or excessive walking. Treatment often includes rest, ice, physical therapy including stretching and progressive strengthening.
Hip Replacement Surgery
For some osteoarthritic hip joints and femur fractures, the only option is a total hip replacement. While physical therapy can be an effective treatment approach to address the primary underlying condition that leads to total hip replacements (osteoarthritis), in some more advanced cases, surgery becomes the only option. Although this is a major surgery and involves the largest joint in the body, most patients begin weight-bearing again within 24 hours post-op and are able to start the rehabilitation process the same day. Out-patient physical therapy usually begins within about two weeks following surgery and typically lasts between 2 to 6 weeks depending on the individual’s rate of recovery, co-morbidities, and overall health.
FAQ’s
.Is Exercise good for hip arthritis?
Current research suggests that exercising in moderation can be safe and effective in managing the symptoms associated with hip arthritis. A well balanced exercise program can improve joint mobility, muscle strength and endurance, balance, and it can help to minimize joint pain and stiffness. This is where we can help! Evaluating your specific limitations and severity of impairments, we will construct a program that specifically addresses your needs allowing you to exercise at a level that’s right for you.
What will PT do?
Our first goal for many patients is to help alleviate their pain. This is achieved by starting with a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of symptoms and then implementing a combination of therapeutic modalities, manual treatments, and therapeutic exercises to reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and overall pain. As symptoms improve your physical therapist will help you to restore your normal mobility by implementing a stretching and strengthening program to provide better support to the structures of your hip and lower extremities as well as extensive education on posture and body mechanics to help avoid future injury.