5 physical therapy treatments that may be effective for relieving your hip pain

If it's uncomfortable to walk, run, climb stairs or even sit in your favorite chair, you may be experiencing a hip issue. Like any other joint, several conditions can affect your hips and your ability to bend at the waist comfortably. The good news is that there is physical therapy for hip pain relief. 

KC Rehab provides specialized PT care for patients throughout the Kansas City area. In this post, we'll discuss some common reasons for hip pain and how a physical therapist can help.

Why your hip hurts and when to see a doctor

Hip issues don't always cause pain at the joint. Patients may feel it in their groin, thighs or buttocks, which can make it tricky to figure out when to see a specialist. As a general rule, you should speak to a doctor as soon as you notice something seems off, especially if it interferes with your daily activities. 

After learning your symptoms and assessing the hip joint and surrounding areas, a health care professional can help you figure out what's wrong and what to do about it. The common reasons for hip flare-ups include:

• Hip arthritis — Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint pain, swelling and stiffness.

• Hip repetitive strain injury (RSI) — Common in athletes, repetitive movements can slowly irritate a hip-related muscle or tendon over time and lead to pain or tenderness.

• Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) — When this tendon (the IT band) gets too tight, it can rub against your bones and cause discomfort.

• Hip labral tear — If you tear the cartilage in your hip socket (the labrum), you may feel sharp, shooting hip pain.

• Hip fracture — If you've broken the upper part of your femur, you'll likely experience severe hip pain, along with swelling, bruising and limited mobility. 

• Bursitis — Hip pain can also mean the bursa (small, fluid-filled sac that cushions your hip joint) is inflamed or irritated.

• Hip dislocation — A dislocated hip is when your femur pops out of the socket. It can be quite debilitating and usually requires immediate care.

Some people are born with hip joint abnormalities, which can cause pain during childhood and adulthood. For example, hip dysplasia occurs when the bones in this joint don't fit properly. This can lead to dislocations, cartilage damage and other complications. Hip impingement is a bone abnormality that causes excess joint friction, which can feel painful and make it hard to walk or move smoothly.

5 physical therapy treatments for hip pain

The goal of physical therapy for hip pain is to improve joint mobility, strengthen the surrounding muscles and reduce discomfort. Your specialist will work with you to discuss your individualized treatment plan and any exercises you can do at home to support the recovery process. For instance, your physical therapist may recommend the following treatments:

1. Aquatic hip therapy

Aquatic therapy is one of the most beneficial services for hip arthritis, postsurgical rehab and other conditions. Offering a low-impact alternative to PT on dry land, the water helps reduce inflammation and strengthen your muscles in a way that's easier on your joints. It also supports your body, lowering your fall risk. An aquatic hip PT session may include exercises like:

• Squats

• Sidekicks

• Lunges

• Marching or jogging in place

2. Dry needling

According to NIH research, dry needling may be effective in reducing hip pain and improving hip function. During the procedure, a licensed clinician inserts thin, sterile needles into specific trigger points in your hip, thigh or buttocks to release tension and restore mobility.

3. Sports medicine

Are you an athlete with a hip injury? In your case, seeing a sports medicine specialist might be the best option. They can help you ease your way off the bench and back into the action with a sports-specific PT program tailored to meet your unique performance needs. They can also recommend safer ways to move during your sport to avoid future hip issues. 

4. Manual hip therapy

This is when your physical therapist uses a hands-on approach, applying pressure to the muscles and manipulating the hip joint. By doing this, they can identify specific pain points and release the tension. 

5. Hip exercise and stretching programs

A provider may ask you to perform specific exercises and stretches during your in-office PT session or at home. Along with muscle and IT band stretches, your hip conditioning program may include core, balance and stability exercises like:

• Standing hip abductions

• Straight leg raises

• Bridge exercises

• "Monster" walks with a resistance band

Learn more about physical therapy for hip pain relief at KC Rehab

Many people with hip pain require surgery, but that's not always the case. Your provider may refer you to a physical therapist to help you manage your condition. And even if you do need surgery, physical therapy will likely play a critical role in your recovery. If you're in the Kansas City area, the team at KC Rehab can help you get back on your feet with targeted hip rehabilitation services.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.