Hip Pain

The hip is a multiaxial, synovial ball and socket joint formed between the os coxa (hip bone) and the femur. The rounded projection or ball (femoral head) at the top of the thigh bone (femur) fits into the pelvic girdle's socket (acetabulum). Both the ball and socket are lined with cartilage, which cushion the joint. The space in each ball and socket joint is lined with a thin membrane called the synovium. The synovium cushions the joint and secretes a lubricating fluid (synovia), which reduces bone friction and help with fluid movement.

The hip is the largest joint and strongest in the human body. It is highly involved in supporting proper low back function and plays an integral role in healthy knee mechanics. When hip mobility is limited, there can be increased stress on the lower back as well as increased frictional stress in the hip itself. Physical therapy is strongly suited to treat hip issues as the treatment typically requires a combination of manual therapy, corrective exercises, and a gait assessment. A thorough hip evaluation will be performed along with a screening of the knees and lower back, as these areas directly affect hip function.

Common conditions we help include:

  • Arthritis
  • Postsurgical Rehabilitation
  • Sciatica
  • Piriformis Syndrome
  • Total Hip Replacement
  • Difficulty Walking/Poor Balance
  • Bursitis
  • Tendonitis
  • Hip Impingement
  • ITB Syndrome
  • Sacroiliac (SI) Pain