The hip is a ball-and-socket joint mainly designed for stability and weight-bearing. It is reinforced by strong bones, ligaments, and muscles, which enable it to withstand a fair amount of pressure. Nonetheless, with a person’s advancing age or involvement in high-impact activities, it can still become susceptible to injury or disease.
If you’re experiencing hip pain, you might be inclined to self-diagnose and experiment with home remedies. While some hip problems respond to self-care measures, there are also those that warrant a visit to an expert, such as a physical therapist, for effective management. But when do you exactly need to seek physical therapy intervention for your hip pain?
Check out this handy guide to learn when you should visit a physical therapy clinic for your hip pain.
When It Is Persistent and Accompanied by Stiffness
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the common culprit in persistent hip pain and stiffness. The pain is most noticeable in the groin area or around the hip, and it may act up in the morning, or after sitting or resting for an extended period. You might also notice that your hip has less mobility. These symptoms usually start slowly and worsen over time.
Older adults, over 50 years of age, are more susceptible to osteoarthritis. If you suffer from persistent hip pain accompanied by stiffness, it proves prudent to visit a physical therapy clinic.
Your physical therapist can incorporate exercises into your program and recommend lifestyle modifications to both mitigate your symptoms and help you regain your normal function and mobility.
When It is in the Side of the Hip
Pain in the side of the hip is typically a symptom of hip bursitis, a condition characterized by the irritation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that allows for the smooth gliding of muscles and bones). The hip has a large bursa, which can get irritated with muscle imbalance or repetitive strain.
If you have bursitis, your physical therapist may treat this using passive range-of-motion exercises, gradually switching to active and stretching exercises.
When It Warrants Surgery
For hip pain that is no longer responsive to conservative treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery. Physical therapy is highly recommended before and after surgery to enhance treatment results as well as facilitate a fast, successful recovery.
If you had a hip replacement, your physical therapist will demonstrate exercises that work within the range of motion of your new hip and improve circulation in the area. More importantly, your physical therapist will teach you how to adapt to your new hip. They will guide you through a progressive exercise routine, starting with minor stretches to more advanced strength exercises. The goal is to make your joint stronger, flexible, and less susceptible to injury.
Physical Therapy Clinic in Austin, TX
At Endeavor Physical Therapy & Wellness, our foremost goal is to provide the highest quality of care, enabling our patients to achieve exceptional treatment outcomes and ultimately live normal, pain-free lives. We have convenient locations serving Austin, Round Rock, Manor, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Bee Cave, and Hutto.
To schedule an appointment, call (512) 284-7192 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to helping you get effective relief from hip pain!
