understanding hip pain

The hips are one of two ball-and-socket joints in the body next to the shoulder. Not having accessing to the full range of motion most likely affect tasks like walking, running, or athletics. The problem is that more often than not, the hips tend to be tight and lacking in mobility. When joints that should move a lot don’t, other joints need to take off the slack and move more. This causes stress in other parts of the body like the knee and low back which were not designed for those roles. Luckily, having pain in the hips doesn’t automatically equate to a serious problem. In fact, we have witness first-hand clients returning to the lifestyle they love despite being limited by hip pain initially.

Below are some articles about hip pain that you might find helpful.

If you are dealing with hip issues, or simply have questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to call or text us at 949)787-2014 or simply click the button below, fill out your information, and we’ll contact you!

Physical Activity and Exercise Therapy Benefit More Than Just Symptoms and Impairments in People With Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis

Authors: Søren T. Skou, PT, PhD, Bente Klarlund Pedersen, MD, DMSc, J. Haxby Abbott, DPT, PhD, FNZCP, Brooke Patterson, PT, Christian Barton, PT, PhD

Publication: Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. Published Online:May 31, 2018 Volume 48 Issue 6 Pages 439-447

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Short Summary:
Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the hip joint, affecting many people worldwide and making everyday activities challenging. Exercise therapy is a proven and safe way to manage this condition, helping to reduce pain and improve movement without the risks of medications or surgery. For hip OA, specific exercises like walking, strength training, or land-based activities are particularly helpful. These exercises not only improve the hip joint but also make it easier to stay active, which helps with overall health. Evidence shows it can be as effective as common pain relievers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) but without the associated risks. To get the best results, it’s important to address the issue early with targeted treatment, follow a tailored program designed by a therapist, and continue exercising over time.

Physiotherapy management of hip osteoarthritis

Authors: Kim Bennell, Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, Department of Physiotherapy, The University of Melbourne, Australia

Publication: Journal of Physiotherapy 2013 Vol. 59 – Australian Physiotherapy Association 2013

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Short summary:
Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the hip joint, limiting movement and reducing quality of life. Physical therapy, especially exercise programs, can significantly benefit people with hip OA by reducing pain and improving mobility. Exercises like stretching, strengthening, and walking help make the hip joint more stable and functional. For those with severe pain, water-based exercises are a great option because they allow movement without putting stress on the joint. Manual therapy, which involves hands-on techniques like stretching and joint mobilization, has also been shown to reduce pain and improve function in some cases. Overall, physical therapy offers a safe and effective way to manage hip OA, helping people stay active and avoid or delay the need for surgery. It also supports better overall health by improving fitness and reducing the risk of other chronic conditions.

Treatment of an Individual with Piriformis Syndrome Focusing on Hip Muscle Strengthening and Movement Reeducation: A Case Report

Authors: Jason C. Tonley, DPT, OCS, Steven M. Yun, MPT, OCS, Ronald J. Kochevar, DPT, OCS, Jeremy A. Dye, MPT, OCS, Shawn Farrokhi, PT, PhD, DPT, Christopher M. Powers, PT, PhD

Publication: Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy Published Online:February 1, 2010 Volume 40 Issue 2 Pages 103-111

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Short summary:
Case Study. The patient, a 30-year-old man with pain in the buttock and thigh, experienced symptoms caused by weak hip muscles and excessive hip movement, which strained the piriformis muscle and compressed the sciatic nerve. The treatment involved exercises to strengthen specific hip muscles, such as the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius, and correcting how the hip moved during activities like walking and stepping. Over 14 weeks, the patient reported no pain during daily tasks or sports, and his hip movements became more controlled and aligned. This approach avoided the typical treatments for piriformis syndrome, such as stretching, and achieved long-term relief by addressing the root cause of the problem—poor hip strength and movement. This case highlights how physical therapy focused on hip muscle strengthening and movement correction can effectively treat piriformis syndrome, providing a safe and lasting solution without invasive methods.