Natala Balla, PT, DPT
At Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers - Fairless Hills, we treat a wide range of conditions, from orthopedic to neurological diagnoses.
In this blog series, we'll explore various orthopedic topics to help you better understand your body and the possible causes of your pain or limitations.
Focus on the Hip Joint: Musculoskeletal Injuries
Musculoskeletal injuries involve the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This week, we’ll focus on the hip joint and one of the most common conditions that affect it.
Anatomy of the Hip Joint
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint made up of two bones: the pelvis and the femur. The femoral head (ball) fits into the acetabulum (socket) of the pelvis, creating the joint.
This ball-and-socket structure allows for a wide range of movements, including walking, running, and bending. Both the ball and socket are lined with cartilage, allowing the femoral head to glide smoothly without pain.
Osteoarthritis: A Common Cause of Hip Pain
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common diagnosis for those experiencing hip pain. OA occurs when the cartilage which lines the joint deteriorates over time, leading to inflammation, pain, and reduced joint mobility.
Symptoms of Hip Osteoarthritis
If you have OA in the hip, you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Deep, aching pain: Often felt in the groin or on the outside of the hip.
- Stabbing pain: This may occur during activities such as squatting, twisting, or getting up from a chair.
- Pain after prolonged sitting or standing: The pain often worsens after periods of inactivity.
- Clicking or locking: You may feel the joint “catch” or lock when moving.
- Instability: A feeling that the hip is weak or that it may give way.
- Decreased range of motion: Challenges with movements such as bending over or sitting.
- Stiffness: This is especially noticeable in the morning or after sitting for long periods.
Bone Spurs and Their Impact
In addition to cartilage breakdown, osteoarthritis can lead to the formation of bone spurs. These bony growths can develop along the edges of the bone as a result of inflammation and joint damage.
Bone spurs can become problematic if they rub against muscles, nerves, or other bones. This can exacerbate pain, stiffness, and limit the range of motion, making daily activities more difficult.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing hip pain and improving joint function. Your physical therapist is a movement specialist who will evaluate your range of motion, strength, and balance, along with assessing your functional movements.
In addition to evaluating your hip, your therapist may also assess areas such as your knees or back, as these areas may contribute to the overall problem. The body works as an interconnected chain, so addressing one area can often improve other parts as well.
The goal of physical therapy is to improve strength, range of motion, and functional ability. Your treatment may include:
- Strengthening exercises: These may involve bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, or dumbbells.
- Manual therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue massage or passive range-of-motion exercises can help restore mobility.
- Stretching: Your therapist will guide you in effective stretching exercises to improve flexibility and prevent stiffness.
- Aerobic exercise: Incorporating cardiovascular exercises can support overall health and enhance healing.
- Activity modification: Your therapist will teach you how to modify daily activities to minimize pain and protect the joint.
Preparing for and Recovering from Hip Replacement Surgery
If you’ve been advised to undergo hip replacement surgery, physical therapy can be beneficial both before and after the procedure.
Prehabilitation (pre-surgery physical therapy) can reduce recovery time and minimize complications following surgery. Your physical therapist will help you strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and optimize your range of motion before the procedure.
Rehabilitation: After surgery, your therapist will guide you through safe, structured rehabilitation to restore strength, flexibility, and functional ability, helping you return to your normal activities.
Conclusion
Whether you're managing osteoarthritis, preparing for surgery, or recovering from a hip procedure, your physical therapist is there to support you. With the right physical therapy program, you can improve your quality of life, reduce pain, and regain the ability to move freely.
Here at Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers at Fairless Hills, we want to help you be your best self.
Is your day-to-day life affected by osteoarthritis?
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We look forward to helping you reach your goals.
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