hip pain relief.

Your hip is a very stable and strong joint known as a “ball-and-socket joint”. The hip joint consists of the thigh (femur) and the pelvis. Ball-and-socket joints give the most movement of all the different types of joints in the body. A covering of muscles, attached to the bones by strong cords called “tendons”, hold the hip joint together and provide support and stability. In a healthy hip, the area between the femur and the pelvis are covered by a layer of cartilage, allowing the bones to glide smoothly when the hip joint is activated.

All these active parts help support your leg and upper body movement. However, despite its stability, the hip joint isn’t indestructible. With age and use, the cartilage can wear down or become damaged. Muscles and tendons in the hip can be overused. Bones in the hip can break during a fall or other injury. Any of these conditions can lead to hip pain. Because the hip plays such an important part in everyday functions—many of which occur behind the scenes—consulting a physical therapist is a great first step toward diagnosis and long-lasting hip pain relief.

There are many causes of hip pain. Patients often describe the onset of hip pain for no apparent reason. Sometimes recreation or sport can put repetitive strain on the hip and cause pain. Because the hip is a major weight bearing joint, arthritis of the hip is a common problem.

Pain in your hip might begin as acute but can become chronic if left untreated. Certain degenerative conditions can also lead to hip pain. Diagnosing and managing pain at an early stage can help limit symptoms in both time and severity. Click on the diagnoses below to see detailed information about how physical therapists at Professional treat these conditions:

Hip pain is typically considered chronic when it has persisted for more than 3 months. Long-term persistent hip pain could be the result of more severe issues, such as osteoarthritis, sciatica, piriformis syndrome, or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

Consulting a certified physical therapist for hip pain relief is an important tool to lay the foundation for appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.

While pain in your hip is often treatable and preventable with ongoing physical therapy, serious conditions may require surgical intervention. When surgery cannot be avoided, research shows that physical therapy is a vital part of your road to recovery—both before and after your procedure. Before a surgery to address hip pain caused by severe conditions, physical therapy allows you to strengthen your muscles, educate yourself on what to expect post-surgery, and develop a home exercise routine to prepare for the journey ahead.

The stronger and more informed you are before surgery, the stronger and more assured you’ll be afterward. Post-surgery physical therapy may feel similar, with treatment targeted toward regaining strength, mobility, and flexibility to help you heal properly and recover most effectively.