The hip joint and its integration with the pelvis, SIJ and lumbar spine (lower back) make it a complex region assess and treat.
Hip pain and injury are common for all age groups, from hip arthritis often seen as we get older (although not in everyone) to hip impingement, hip labral tears, gluteal tendinitis, hip bursitis and sports-related hip issues such as “sports hernias/ groin disruption”,groin and gluteal tendinopathies.
Some hip injuries come on through trauma such as a fall or unexpected load and others may come on after prolonged and repetitive activities such as walking, running, jumping and landing. Movement impairments, subtle hip weakness/ instability, often contribute to the repetitive overload of these soft tissues resulting in pain and injury.
Physiotherapy provides a comprehensive approach to managing and alleviating hip pain, focusing on both immediate relief and long-term health improvements. Physiotherapy offers numerous benefits for individuals experiencing hip pain, whether due to injury, surgery, arthritis, or other conditions. Here are some key benefits:
1. Pain Relief
- Manual Therapy: Techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, and manipulation help reduce pain and improve joint function.
- Focused Shockwave Therapy: can be great for alleviating pain and promoting healing in for gluteal tendon pain.
- Acupuncture & Dry Needling: can be a useful treatment for reducing pain.
2. Improved Mobility and Flexibility
- Stretching Exercises: Targeted stretches can improve the flexibility of the hip joint and surrounding muscles, reducing stiffness and improving range of motion.
- Joint Mobilisations: Specific movements can help restore normal joint motion and function.
3. Strengthening
- Exercise Programs: Tailored exercises strengthen the muscles around the hip, and lumbo pelvic region enhancing support and stability, and reducing strain on the hip joint.
- Functional Training: Exercises that mimic daily activities improve overall strength, conditioning and coordination.
4. Movement Retraining
- Movement and Gait Training: Improving movement quality, walking and running patterns can help distribute weight evenly and reduce hip pain.
5 .Personalised Treatment Plans
- Individual Assessment: Physiotherapists assess the specific causes of hip pain and develop customised treatment plans to help treat and long term management of hip pain and hip arthritis.
- Progress Monitoring: Regular assessments ensure that the treatment plan is effective and adjustments are made as needed.
6. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
- Recovery Programs: Post-operative physiotherapy helps restore function, strength, and mobility following hip surgeries, such as hip replacement or repair of a hip fracture.
- Scar Tissue Management: Techniques to manage scar tissue improve mobility and prevent complications.
Book an appointment to get your hip assessed, improve the way you move, reduce your pain and get back to doing what you love.