Hip Pain – Warning Signs You’re Ready for Physical Therapy

Have you ever suffered from pain in your hip?

Do you notice hip pain or leg pain lying on your side or back? Do you have pain with walking, running, or when going up or down stairs? Do you have pain when sitting with crossed legs? How about low back pain? Each of these are signs that PT is for right for you to help determine the true underlying cause of the pain and treat accordingly.

There are many potential causes to hip pain. Hip pain and low back pain effect people of all ages. The hip itself may have stiffness, arthritis, or imbalances in stabilizing muscles that are increasing pain. In addition, hip pain can refer down the leg toward the knee.

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On the other side of things, hip and leg pain can be coming from the nerves of the low back being “pinched”. In fact, it is not uncommon to see hip and low back pain together, especially when a hip becomes arthritic, so instead of the hip moving the way it should, the low back often compensates and becomes irritated. Physical therapy can help determine the true cause of the pain and make a huge difference in everyday function and pain.

Don’t let hip arthritis ruin your summer! Even when arthritis is the root of the cause, PT can help! Through the proper stretching, manual therapy to improve mobility, and exercise program, pain can often be substantially reduced or even eliminated.

What to do regularly to prevent hip and low back pain:

Stretch Regularly: Stretching helps improve the motion in the hips and back and decreases pressure on the joints. Also, when pain is present muscles will typically “guard” or tighten up to protect the area.

Keep moving: Don’t stop being active and exercising. By keeping moving and active the body will maintain strength and stamina. If moving is causing pain, seek help from your PT.

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Maintain correct posture: Maintain correct posture to help use the correct muscles and decrease compression on the joints. Often we stand bent forward at the hips and shoulders rounded forward, this compresses the hip joint and the lower back. Be sure to stand tall!

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If you have any questions please feel free to email me at [email protected] or give us a call to book your free pain consultation.

By Mike Bertrand, DPT

Back in Motion Physical Therapy – Gorham, Maine