subject: Hip Pain And Physical Therapy [print this page] Hip pain is common problem, and it can be confusing because there are many causes. It is important to make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of patients symptoms so that suitable treatment can be directed for the problem.
Arthritis
Arthritis is among the most frequent causes of hip pain. If conservative treatments fail, hip replacement surgery is an option. But physical therapy for hip pain helps a lot.
HIP arthritis
Hip arthritis is a breakdown of the cartilage that cushions hip joints. Many people develop arthritis in their hips as they age.
Patient may feel hip aching, pain and stiffness. These symptoms can be felt in the front and side of the hip the buttocks, groin and rarely the knee.
Symptoms
Symptoms are usually worse in the morning, after long hours of not moving or continuing prolonged activities. People will have difficulty in walking squatting climbing stairs, crossing the legs, getting in and out of the car or putting shoes and socks on. The pain is felt on the front and side of the hip the buttocks groin, and occasionally the knee.
Physiotherapists tips and suggestions
Patient should move his hip often: Arthritic joints feel better with gentle movements and worse with long periods of not moving. If a person has been sitting for a while, moving leg(s) out to the side and back several times before he gets up, will help.
If one has been standing for a while, he has to hold onto a table and swing leg gently in circles.
It is necessary that the patient should maintain correct body weight overweight will put extra strain on his hips.
Walking aid: Walking with a limp can put extra strain on patients body.
Use of a cane, walking stick or walker will help one walk with less pain and without a limp.
Supportive shoes: Good cushioning and arch support can make standing and walking more comfortable. Avoid high heels and non-supportive shoes.
Sitting: Sit in a chair that allows patient to have hips higher than the knees. Scoot to the edge of the chair before he stand. Use the arm rest.
Avoid sitting in low chairs, soft couches or a low toilet. This is stressful on hips and makes it difficult to get up. It may also be helpful to get a raised toilet seat.
Sleep: Use a pillow between legs when the patient sleeps on side or under his knees when he sleeps on his back.
Heat or cold: Place heat or cold packs on patients hips for 10-15 minutes as needed to help manage pain. Place a thin layer of cloth between the ice or heat and skin. It can be alternated back and forth between heat and cold.
Exercise: Exercise can help the patient to maintain range of motion, decrease pain and maintain activity level.
Aerobic exercise: It is important to continue with regular aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise like riding a bike, using a pedal exerciser, swimming or water exercises are good forms of exercise for patients hip.
Stretching: These exercises will help maintain range of motion in hip and flexibility in hip muscles.
Back of hip, Strengthening, are some of the exercises will help him maintain strength in hips.
Anita Lendach is qualified and experienced physical therapist who applies her skills to alleviate the pain of the suffering patient. She is available for consultation at South Beverly drive, Beverly Hills, California. She is using unique technology and professional skills to cure hip pain due to Arthritis.
