YOUR HIP
Hip pain and joint injury is common for all age groups. Due to its integration with the pelvis and lower back, as well as its function in lower limb mechanics - knee, ankle and foot, there are a multitude of factors which may be responsible for hip dysfunction which eventuates into pain.
Generally, other than falls and direct trauma to the hip joint, most hip injuries begin with a slight niggle which progressively worsens to the point of unbearable pain or limited ability to perform an activity. The nature of the pain is that it improves with rest, but returns on resumption of activity.
The reason for this is that while the symptomatic pain has resolved, the underlining cause of WHY you have the hip pain has not been identified and treated. Here at Infinite Health Physiotherapy & Massage Therapy Chatswood, our physiotherapists are highly trained to thoroughly assess and treat ALL the factors contributing to your hip pain to allow you to return to your activity without the pain returning.
Below are a number of common hip injuries that we commonly see:
Hip Sprain
A hip sprain is a condition that occurs due to stretching or tearing of ligaments that support the hip joint. Pain is usually reported at the front of the hip joint and is worsened when moving the leg in a backward direction. This is usually attributed to a lack of control of the dynamic stabilising muscles surrounding the hip joint. These muscles are responsible for keeping the hip joint stable in all planes of movement. Another common factor is imbalance in the larger and stronger muscles working on the hip joint i.e. glutes, hamstrings, hip flexors, internal and external rotators.
Hip Bursitis
A bursa is a small, fluid filled sac that acts as a cushion between a bone and other moving parts, such as muscles, tendons, or skin. Bursitis is inflammation of this fluid sac, usually as a result of overuse, or abnormal biomechanics. Pain is usually reported on the side of the hip with symptoms improving with rest, and returning on resumption of activities.
Treatment for a hip sprain and hip bursitis involves rest initially, and then addressing of the contributing factors causing thet pain with a combination of hands on treatment and exercises. In some cases, hip bursitis may require an injection into the bursa to relief the swelling.