Five causes of hip joint pain that can be treated by physical therapy

Prolonged or sudden and sharp pain in your hip joint can be scary because you don’t want to have surgery. However, many of the conditions and injuries that cause hip pain can be treated with physical therapy.

Physical therapists use methods like therapeutic exercise and manual therapy to help rehabilitate and strengthen the hips to reduce pain and improve their mobility. These treatments can be used to treat a variety of conditions, which can reduce the need for surgical intervention. This is beneficial because surgery can be painful and risky and requires a long time for recovery.

Physical therapy also helps reduce your dependency on medications. Pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications can cause side effects that make it difficult to get through your daily life. Cutting back on your dependency on these medications can help improve your quality of life.

Common causes of hip joint pain

1. Arthritis — Arthritis is one of the primary causes of prolonged hip pain and mobility issues. This condition causes the cartilage in your joints to wear down, which can affect one or both of your hips.
2. Bursitis — The bursae are small sacs of fluid that cushion and prevent the tendons and muscles from rubbing against the bones. Repetitive strain and overuse of the hip can cause inflammation in the bursae known as bursitis. It is very painful and limits your range of motion.
3. Strains — Overexertion of the hips can cause one of the muscles or tendons to stretch and tear. This is known as a strain. Strains are usually temporary injuries, but they range in severity, some requiring a few weeks for recovery and some requiring months.
4. Joint impingement — An impinged joint is one that has an increase in friction between the socket and the ball of the joint. This occurs from some form of wear and tear or if the joint is abnormally shaped. Sometimes, surgery is required, but many people with hip impingement can find treatment in physical therapy.
5. Fractures — A fracture can affect many of the bones in your hips. Direct impacts from a collision or a fall can cause one or more of these bones to break. Physical therapists can help you recover from a fracture, but you may also need surgery. Physical therapists still help if surgery is necessary. 

Visit Peak Performance Sports and Physical Therapy today for hip pain treatment

Do you have a sharp, sudden pain in your hips, or do you have prolonged pain that is limiting your mobility? Don’t let painful hips keep you from missing out on life. Contact us today to learn more about hip pain treatment or to schedule an initial appointment.