Common Hip Injuries
These are some of the more common and general injuries we may see and are not an exhaustive list. Our dedicated and experienced staff will work with you on any issues and pain you may be experiencing and create a unique plan of care to meet and exceed your goals.
Hip Impingement
Hip impingement (femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) occurs when the hip joint becomes irritated due to bony changes around the joint. This can occur with repetitive movements over time via overuse and is common in athletes that cut and pivot. Often hip impingement can coincide with hip labrum injury resulting in popping, clicking, or other “mechanical” symptoms. Hip impingement and labral injuries often respond well to conservative management. Treatment involves symptom management strategies, stretching, abdominal and lower body strengthening, and a gradual return to activity.
Muscle strains are injuries that occur due to acute injury or chronic overuse/overload. Commonly seen hip muscle strains include glute, upper hamstring, hip flexor, and adductor/groin muscles. Recovery from hip muscle strains is variable in nature occurring as quickly as 2 weeks or less, and as much as 8 or more weeks depending on the severity of the strain. Following an evaluation, your physical therapist will work with you to establish a treatment plan that gets you back to performing at your best. Treatment often includes a combination of strengthening, symptom management including soft tissue mobilization and dry needling, and progressive activity as appropriate.
Tendinopathy
Tendinopathy (also referred to as tendinitis or tendinosis) is characterized by a painful tendon that limits function. Common areas for tendinopathy in the hip include the glute, upper hamstring, and hip flexor tendons. This painful condition can be managed by physical therapy through symptom management, a progressive strengthening and exercise (or loading) routine, and stretching as needed. Throughout your plan of care, your physical therapist will encourage activity modification, provide home exercises, and work with you to establish an effective management plan so that you can continue to perform.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a condition characterized by painful and stiff joints that limit function. At the hip, this may present as a loss of range of motion in all directions, painful movement, and an inability to perform daily activities without pain. Osteoarthritis responds favorably to physical therapy management including range of motion activities, strengthening, activity modification, and general exercise routines.