The hip joint and its function:

The hip joint is a ball in the socket joint made up of the femur’s head and the “bowl-shaped” acetabulum of the pelvis. The femur is held in place by a cartilaginous ring called the labrum, which acts like a suction cup to add stability to the joint. Much like the shoulder, this type of joint allows for a wide range of motion. However, unlike the shoulder, the hip is one of the largest weight-bearing joints in the body. This joint’s sturdiness allows it to take on the brunt of the workload during day-to-day activities. This being said, there are still a lot of issues that can occur when this joint is stressed by things such as repetitive motions, high impact activities (such as running), developmental disorders, or trauma.

What are some common problems that can occur in the hip?

Because of its role in supporting the majority of our body weight, the hip joint takes a lot of daily abuse. This can lead to arthritis, joint instability/weakness, labral tears, limited range of motion, tendonitis, bursitis, snapping hip syndrome, fractures, and much more. Like any other joint in the body, the joint’s articular cartilage can begin to wear down over time, taking away much needed “cushion” and potentially leading to pain. Hip pain should be treated sooner rather than later, as it can not only affect your quality of life but could also lead to damage to the back as well.

So, what can we do to prevent damage to this integral joint? While surgery is sometimes unavoidable, there are many things physical therapy can help with to improve the wellbeing of the hip joint. A physical therapist can work with you to find a treatment plan that works best for your needs. Possible treatments for hip pain can include:

• Exercise and balance programs to improve strength and stability
• Skilled manual techniques such as joint mobilizations to improve pain and hip range of motion
• Modalities such as heat, ice, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound to improve circulation and promote healing
• Techniques to manage joint inflammation and pain
• Postoperative rehab to regain strength and improve gait following a hip replacement or other surgery

If you or someone you know is suffering from hip pain, there are many treatment options available, and we are ready to help you improve your quality of life! Talk to your doctor today to discuss starting physical therapy for your hip or call Premier Physical Therapy at (573) 335-7868 with any questions.