Your hip works hard to keep you balanced while you stand, walk and run. Everyone relies on this multi-axial, ball-and-socket joint to perform even simple daily activities. So it’s no wonder that hip pain isn’t uncommon, especially in people who have reached middle age. Specific exercises can ease hip pain by working the parts of your body that support hip joints. You can work with a physical therapist, who will show you specific exercise workouts that can reduce your pain.
When getting care from a physical therapist, you want a thoughtful and detailed provider who makes you both feel at ease, listens to any of your concerns, offers excellent service and works with you throughout your treatment. The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center is proud to possess all of those attributes.
As or until you work with a physical therapist to ease your pain, take these additional steps.
Lose weight. If you’re on the hefty side, shedding even 10 pounds will take 50 pounds of pressure off of your hips and knees. You’ll also find it easier to move around.
Stay away from high-impact activities. Anything that puts unusually high stress on your hips, such as kickboxing, jumping rope or basketball, will only exacerbate your pain. Take part in exercises that have only smooth motions, for instance, swimming, biking and walking.
Carry things correctly. Your hips absorb the burden of anything you have in your hands or on your back. Your hips will thank you for using a handcart to transport your stuffed grocery bags, and instead of toting a large purse or briefcase, use a knapsack or backpack, which distributes the weight evenly across your back.
Hoof it without high heels. Shoes with heels that are a mere 2 inches high can make highly sensitive hips hurt because they make you walk at an elevated angle and alter your body’s normal alignment. Flimsy sandals, flip-flops and bare feet also do sensitive hips no favors because they have no cushioning support.
Sit and lie straight. Even if you’ve settled on a cushy chair or couch, sitting with your legs crossed at the knees, leaning to one side or in a contortion position concentrates pressure on one side of your hip.
We here at The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center are courteous, professional and friendly. Please call us today to learn how we can serve you.