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Hip Pain: Causes and Treatment Options

What is Hip Pain?

Hip pain is a common problem that may be caused by a wide variety of conditions. If you have hip pain a consultation by a physiotherapist is advisable as he/she can determine the underlying cause through a comprehensive physical assessment. When you have hip problems the pain tends to radiate on the inside of your leg, your groin, or the outside of your upper thigh. Your physical symptoms specifically depends on what is causing the hip pain. On occasion, pain into your hip can radiate from your low back. In this particular instance you are not experiencing hip pain but rather low back pain that is shooting into your hip.

Anatomy of the Hip

The hip is a ball and socket joint designed to withstand weightbearing activity. When the hip joint is in motion, the cartilage within the joint helps prevent friction. Unfortunately, the hip is prone to conditions that cause pain and stiffness and a wearing down of the cartilage. Wearing down of cartilage is part of the aging process which deteriorates the joint resulting in bone grinding on bone (arthritis). The muscles, tendons, ligaments and bursa can also cause issues creating more pain and discomfort in different parts of the hip.

Common conditions that can cause hip pain

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Our clinicians at Physiotherapy At Woodbridge will make a thorough physiotherapy assessment which will be conducted on your first visit. This will give your clinician the necessary indication of what your diagnosis is. The diagnosis will be explained, and a treatment plan will be co-ordinated with you. Quite often pain control is the first port of call for your therapist to address. The therapist may use modalities and treatments such as:

  • Dry Needling
  • Laser
  • Manual therapy
  • Kinesio-Taping
  • Exercise
  • Education

As once as your pain is beginning to subside your therapist will most likely use hands on techniques called manual therapy. Manual therapy can involve deep tissue massage, mobilizations, or soft tissue release techniques. Exercise prescription and education are also an important part of the treatment plan. This is because it is important you learn about your condition and how-to self manage in the long term. Sometimes a knee brace and/or orthotics will be recommended.  Lifestyle modifications, pacing, postural education and gradual return to sport or regular daily activities will be covered.

How Long Does it Take to Recover?

There is no easy answer to this question as everyone’s recovery is completely individualized. You will need an assessment by one of our highly trained therapists at Physiotherapy At Woodbridge. If you have a chronic condition that has been causing pain for many months or years, then your recovery will likely take longer. To give you a general ballpark on recovery time I would say a straight-forward strain would take 3-6 weeks for recovery. For more chronic conditions the recovery time may range anywhere from 6 weeks to many months. Physiotherapy can speed up a person’s recovery but the condition and tissue inside the body will have a natural healing pace that must be completed as the body heals. Studies have shown ff you are consistent with your stretching and strengthening programs your recovery will be faster. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding you hip pain. Call us today for a free 10min phone consultation.

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