Alleviate Chronic Hip Pain Naturally with Physical Therapy
Chronic hip pain 一 a debilitating condition that affects your daily life and overall well-being 一 can be addressed through many different treatment options, including both surgical and nonsurgical. However, many people seek natural methods as a first line of defense to manage their hip pain without relying heavily on medications or invasive procedures.
Our team of providers at International Spine, Pain & Performance Center provides physical therapy in both of our offices to help alleviate your chronic hip pain naturally.
Here’s what you need to know about managing chronic hip pain with physical therapy.
What does physical therapy do for hip pain
Physical therapy is an umbrella that includes a variety of modalities, treatments, and therapies. Every physical therapy program is tailored to you based on the underlying cause of your hip pain, your overall goals, and your overall health. Regardless of what’s causing your hip pain, physical therapy has two goals:
- Alleviate pain
- Improve functionality of your hip
When it comes to alleviating hip pain, physical therapy can:
Provide targeted exercises
There are many reasons why your hips might hurt, and physical therapy focuses on targeted exercises and stretching routines tailored to your specific condition. These exercises aim to strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip joint, improve flexibility, and correct any imbalances or weaknesses that may be contributing to your pain.
Our physical therapy team designs a personalized exercise program that gradually progresses as your hip pain improves. The exercises may include low-impact activities such as gentle stretches, hip-strengthening exercises, and range of motion movements.
By consistently performing these exercises under our guidance, you can enhance the stability and function of your hip joint, reducing pain and improving mobility.
Include manual therapy techniques
Physical therapy often includes manual therapy techniques to address chronic hip pain. These hands-on techniques can include joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, and manual stretching.
Manual therapy helps to improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate pain. By applying skilled manual techniques, we can target specific areas of tightness or restriction, promoting healing and restoring proper movement patterns in the hip joint. Manual therapy can be a valuable component of your physical therapy treatment plan, providing immediate relief and facilitating long-term healing.
Include education and lifestyle modifications
Physical therapy also involves education about your hip condition and providing guidance on lifestyle modifications that can help manage chronic hip pain. For example, we teach you proper body mechanics and techniques to protect your hip joint during daily activities. We may also suggest modifications to your work or exercise routine to prevent exacerbation of symptoms. Additionally, our team can offer advice on posture, ergonomics, and the use of assistive devices to minimize stress on your hip joint. By implementing these lifestyle modifications, you can reduce the strain on your hip and promote optimal healing and pain management.
Physical therapy complements other treatments too
To sum it up, physical therapy offers a natural and effective way to alleviate chronic hip pain. Through targeted exercises, manual therapy techniques, and education on lifestyle modifications, physical therapy can improve your hip joint function, reduce pain, and enhance your overall quality of life
That being said, it's important to remember that each individual's hip pain is unique, and a comprehensive evaluation is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition.
Here in our Washington, D.C. and Arlington, Virginia offices, our team of orthopedic experts carefully considers your medical history, symptoms, and functional limitations to develop a personalized approach that addresses your needs and goals. In some cases, we may recommend additional treatments to complement your physical therapy sessions. This may include anti-inflammatory medication and interventional pain management.
Don’t let hip pain control your life. Call International Spine, Pain, & Performance Center to schedule your appointment today.