It’s a fact that you need your hips to move. When the hip joints become sore or stiff, it can dramatically impact your lifestyle. With help from a physical therapist, you can improve your overall hip health and regain pain-free mobility. Talk to your doctor to make sure physical therapy is the right approach for you. 

Overcoming Painful Obstacles

There are many causes of hip pain, not least of which is simply getting older. Gender plays a role, too, as women tend to have more hip pain than men. Some of the most common hip disorders include:

• Osteoarthritis – Shows up after 45 years of age and feels worse when walking.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – Stiffness and pain after not moving for a while.
• Sprain or strain – Pain and swelling after a period of intense exercise.
• Joint infection – The hip feels hot to the touch and is swollen.
• Hip fracture – Severe pain and inability to move after a fall.

Clearly, you should see your doctor for severe symptoms or after an injury or fall. For milder symptoms related to overuse or aging, a visit to physical therapy near me may bring the relief you seek. 

Stride Towards Freedom

How can physical therapy help you? First, your PT will assess the condition of your hip and the root of the problem. Then your PT will create a plan of exercises and stretches that will help ease your pain and improve flexibility. Typically you will begin this program at the physical therapy office. Eventually, you will transition to home where you will continue to work with the program.

The assigned exercises will strengthen your muscles and loosen tight tendons and joints. There are proven exercises to choose from, such as:

1. Bridges – Lie on your back with your knees bent at an angle, feet flat on the floor close to your buttocks. Lift your pelvis so your back rises off the floor and hold for a count of five. Lower back to the floor. Repeat.
2. Knee Lifts – Lie flat on your back with arms and legs straight. Bend one leg and bring your knee toward your chest, using your hands to help. Hold for a count of ten then lower to the floor. Repeat with the other leg.
3. Butterfly Stretches – Sit on the ground, back straight. Bring the soles of your feet together, knees bent outward. Hold your feet with your hands and pump your knees up and down twenty-five times. Stretch your legs out and repeat. 

These stretches are just the beginning of what is possible when you visit physical therapy near me. A licensed physical therapist will assess your condition and build a program just for you. As you continue to perform the exercises and stretches, your PT will monitor your progress and make adjustments along the way.

Have you been experiencing hip pain? Search for a qualified physical therapist today. Get a referral from your medical provider or search online. The sooner you start the quicker you will enjoy physical freedom.