Hip pain can be disruptive and affect your daily activities. This type of pain can originate from various structures in and around the hip joint like tendons, muscles, and bones. Some common causes of hip pain are osteoarthritis, overuse injuries, hip fractures, and bursitis. Physiotherapy for hip pain is a non-invasive treatment option that can relieve discomfort and improve mobility.
Physiotherapy is a branch of rehabilitative medicine that uses movement, exercise, and manual therapy to manage and prevent injuries and disabilities. The goal of physiotherapy for hip pain is to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence of the injury. A physiotherapist will assess your hip joint’s biomechanics, strength, range of motion, and stability. Based on the assessment, the physiotherapist will develop an individualized treatment plan.
The treatment plan may include exercises that help improve range of motion, flexibility, strength, and balance. The physiotherapist may also use manual therapy techniques like massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation. The goal of manual therapy is to reduce muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and decrease pain.
One common exercise used in physiotherapy for hip pain is the clamshell exercise. This exercise strengthens the gluteus medius muscle, which is important in stabilizing the hip joint. To perform the clamshell exercise, lie on your side with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Keep your heels touching and raise your top knee towards the ceiling while keeping your feet together. Lower your knee back down to the starting position. Repeat this exercise 10-15 times on each side.
Another exercise that is beneficial for hip pain is the hip flexor stretch. The hip flexor is a group of muscles that attach the thigh bone to the pelvis. Prolonged sitting or standing can cause tightness in the hip flexor muscles, which can lead to hip pain. To perform the hip flexor stretch, start in a lunge position with your back leg straight. Gently shift your weight forward until you feel a stretch in the front of your hip. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
Physiotherapy for hip pain may also include education about posture, ergonomics, and activity modification. The physiotherapist may advise you on proper body mechanics when standing, walking, or sitting to avoid aggravating your hip joint. They may also suggest modifications to your daily activities to reduce stress on your hips.
In addition to the above treatments, the physiotherapist may also recommend the use of heat or cold therapy, electrotherapy, or ultrasound therapy. Heat therapy can help relax muscles and improve blood flow to the affected area, while cold therapy can reduce inflammation and pain. Electrotherapy and ultrasound therapy use electric current and high-frequency sound waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain.
Physiotherapy for hip pain is generally safe and effective for most people. However, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program. If you experience severe pain or any unusual symptoms during or after physiotherapy, contact your physiotherapist immediately.
Hip pain can be a hindrance to your daily activities, but physiotherapy can help manage it effectively. The combination of exercises, manual therapy, and education can improve your hip joint’s function and reduce discomfort. If you have been experiencing hip pain, consider seeking physiotherapy treatment to get back to your normal daily routine.