Hip Pain Treatment Near You
If hip pain is affecting you, engaging in physical therapy exercises can be a valuable way to enhance your mobility and alleviate discomfort. Collaborating with a physical therapist (PT) can assist in identifying the most suitable exercises tailored to your particular condition.
Hip pain frequently results in reduced range of motion, diminished hip joint strength, and reduced muscle activation, which can hinder your ability to walk or run normally. Participating in physical therapy exercises designed for hip pain can enhance your strength and mobility, facilitating your return to your regular activities. Modifying your daily activities can also contribute to reducing hip discomfort by minimizing excessive stress on your hip. Additionally, specialized therapeutics and clothing designed for hip pain can provide assistance in this regard.
If you are experiencing hip pain, contact our McHenry physical therapy clinic near you for hip pain treatment options at 815-451-4502 or fill out our online form.
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- What is hip pain
- Causes of hip pain
- Hip pain symptoms
- Physical therapy for hip pain
- What to expect from hip pain physical therapy
- Contact us
What is Hip Pain
Hip pain is a pain or discomfort in or around your hip joint. It is a common complaint that can be caused by a wide variety of problems. Your hip joint is where your thigh bone (femur) connects to your pelvis. Your hip joint is one of the largest joints in your body, and you use it constantly to move, support your weight, and maintain your balance. It can withstand repeated motion and wear and tear. The precise location of hip pain can provide clues about the underlying cause.
Hip pain is a common symptom which can be caused by anything from sports injuries to arthritis. You can usually treat hip pain at home by taking a break from physical activities and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. But if the pain persists or gets worse, other treatments may be necessary.
Problems within the hip joint itself tend to result in pain on the inside of the hip or the groin. Hip pain on the outside of the hip, upper thigh, or outer buttock is usually caused by problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues that surround the hip joint.
The hip joint can withstand repeated motion and a fair amount of wear and tear. This ball-and-socket joint – the body’s largest – fits together in a way that allows for fluid movement. You may have some questions or be wondering “when should I go to physical therapy for my hip pain?”
If you’re experiencing hip discomfort, McHenry physical therapy could be advantageous in managing your symptoms and enhancing your overall functional mobility. Your physical therapy regimen should prioritize reducing or eliminating your pain, enhancing the range of motion and strength in your hip, and reinstating regular functional mobility. Hip pain can greatly hinder your daily activities which is why we recommend contacting a McHenry physical therapy clinic near you for hip pain treatment options.
Causes of Hip Pain
Hip pain can arise as a symptom of various conditions, such as arthritis, hip injuries (including fractures, labral tears, and dislocations), bursitis, and structural problems. Athletes engaged in activities that involve diverse hip movements, such as dancers and gymnasts, are at a heightened risk of hip injuries and subsequent pain.
Common causes of hip pain include:
- Arthritis: Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, is a leading cause of hip pain, especially among older adults. It leads to inflammation of the hip joint and the breakdown of hip cartilage, resulting in gradually worsening pain, stiffness, and reduced hip mobility.
- Hip Fractures: Aging can make bones weaker and more prone to fractures during falls. Hip fractures can cause severe hip pain and are more common as people age.
- Bursitis: Bursae are fluid-filled sacs between tissues like bones, muscles, and tendons that reduce friction. Inflammation of these sacs due to repetitive activities can lead to hip pain.
- Tendinitis: Tendinitis is the inflammation or irritation of tendons, thick bands of tissue connecting muscles to bones. Repetitive stress from overuse is a common cause of tendinitis, leading to hip pain.
- Muscle or Tendon Strain: Repeated activities can strain the supporting muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the hips, resulting in inflammation, pain, and impaired hip function.
- Hip Labral Tear: This is a tear in the cartilage ring (labrum) surrounding the hip socket. Athletes and those performing repetitive twisting movements are at higher risk of developing this condition.
- Cancers: Tumors originating in or spreading to the bones can cause hip pain and discomfort.
- Avascular Necrosis: This condition occurs when blood flow to the hip bone decreases, leading to bone tissue death. It is most common in the hip and can result from factors like hip fractures, dislocations, or long-term use of high-dose steroids.
These various conditions can be responsible for hip pain, and their causes and symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. We always recommend contacting a McHenry physical therapist near you for hip pain treatment options whenever hip pain surfaces.
Hip Pain Symptoms
Hip pain can manifest in various locations, depending on the underlying condition:
- Thigh
- Inside of the hip joint
- Pain in Your Groin
- Outside of the hip joint
- Pain in the front of your hip
- Lateral hip pain
- Buttock pain
- Difficulty moving your hip and leg
- Difficulty walking, running, or climbing stairs
- Pain when rising from a seated position
It’s important to note that pain originating from other areas, like the back or groin (such as from a hernia), can also extend to the hip.
Furthermore, hip pain may intensify with physical activity, particularly in cases related to arthritis. It can also result in a reduced range of motion and, in some instances, lead to the development of a noticeable limp.
Physical Therapy Exercises For Hip Pain
Hip pain and discomfort should prompt a consultation with a qualified professional physical therapist like Dr. Debbie Mitchell, or an orthopedic surgeon for accurate diagnosis and guidance. Several at home physical therapy techniques can help those experiencing hip pain or discomfort improve strength and flexibility:
- Hip Squeeze: Lie on your back with your knees bent. Place an object (e.g., ball or pillow) between your knees, squeeze for 5-10 seconds, and then relax. Repeat for maximum benefit.
- Straight Leg Raise: Lay flat on the floor with a pillow under your knee. Raise your foot off the floor by straightening the knee, hold briefly, and lower slowly. If too intense, try seated leg extensions by sitting in a chair, and straightening your knee until your leg is parallel to the floor.
- Core Stabilizing: Strengthening the abdominal muscles can aid in alleviating hip pain, discomfort, and tightness. Lie on your back, place bands under your lower back, and pull your belly toward the floor. Hold for 15-20 seconds.
- Hip Hinge: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Tighten your core and bend at the hips, lowering your upper body almost parallel to the floor. Return to the standing position, emphasizing the use of your glutes and hips, not your lower back. Repeat for maximum effect.
These physical therapy exercises for hip pain can help improve hip strength and flexibility, but it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance based on your specific condition. Contact our McHenry physical therapists for hip pain treatment options near you.
What to Expect from McHenry Hip Pain Physical Therapy
During your initial interaction with our McHenry physical therapist, there will be extensive discussion to gather comprehensive information about your condition. This includes details about your symptoms, when and where you experience them, and what exacerbates or alleviates the pain. Your medical history, including surgeries, medications, past injuries, and family history, will also be reviewed.
Following this discussion, you will be asked to perform various movements like walking, squatting, or climbing stairs to help the PT assess your condition further. In some cases, this evaluation alone can identify the issue, while in others, additional tests like MRI or X-rays may be recommended, or you might be referred to a specialist.
If our physical therapist can address your problem, they will provide guidance on activities to either continue or avoid, aiming to alleviate current pain and prevent its recurrence. For instance:
- If you experience hip pain while sleeping, suggestions may include getting a new mattress or using a pillow between your knees if you’re a side sleeper.
- If you have weak glutes or limited hip flexibility, tailored exercises may be recommended to improve these areas. We always stress the importance of strong glutes.
- Choosing supportive, well-fitting shoes can also make a significant difference in managing discomfort, as they can alleviate strain on your body.
Ultimately, the goal is to provide personalized advice and interventions to ease your current discomfort and potentially slow the progression of underlying conditions like arthritis. You may have some questions for our physical therapists which they will happily answer during your first visit.
Your first visit to our nearby physical therapist for hip pain begins with a crucial initial evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. During this assessment, our therapist will gather information about your medical history, pain triggers, and relieving factors. This information guides a focused examination, which may include:
- Gait Evaluation: Assessing your walking pattern to identify any subtle hip issues and potentially performing a video gait analysis to detect contributing factors.
- Palpation: Using hands to feel for abnormalities or areas of tenderness around the hip.
- Range of Motion Measurements: Measuring how the hip joint moves, including bending, straightening, and rotation, to guide treatment.
- Strength Measurements: Evaluating muscle strength around the hip to identify weaknesses or imbalances contributing to pain.
- Functional Mobility Tests: Observing how your hip pain impacts your ability to walk, climb stairs, or run.
- Special Tests: Performing specific maneuvers to pinpoint the potential source of the problem, which may involve testing the lower back to rule out spinal issues.
Following the initial evaluation, you and your physical therapist will collaborate on a treatment plan for your hip. This plan may include the use of physical agents like heat or ice to assist with inflammation management. Contact our McHenry physical therapists near you for hip pain treatment options so we can get you back on your feet quickly.
Contact an Experienced McHenry Physical Therapist for Hip Pain Treatment Near You
If you are searching for physical therapy for hip pain, contact our McHenry physical therapists for hip pain treatment options at 815-451-4502 or fill out our online form. We look forward to working with you and getting you back to living pain free.
McHenry Physical Therapy Review
Red Rock Physical Therapy is a gem tucked away in McHenry. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They are willing to work with your schedule to get you in to receive care. They are concerned with your well being and safety. I recommend them to anyone needing physical therapy.
Shawn Smosna
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shawn Smosna, April 4, 2020
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