Overcoming Hip Pain: Find Relief and Resume Your Active Lifestyle
Overcoming Hip Pain: Find Relief and Resume Your Active Lifestyle
Don’t Let Persistent Hip Pain Keep You Down!
Do you experience pain in your hips while enjoying leisurely walks, climbing stairs, or bending down? Hip pain can significantly limit your ability to perform and enjoy daily activities. Fortunately, treatment with physical therapy can help you find relief and get back to doing what you love!
Understanding Your Hip Joints
Your hips are ball-and-socket joints, where your femur (thigh bone) fits into your pelvis (hip socket). A cushion of cartilage in your hips prevents friction as your hip bone moves within the socket. Pain can occur if this cartilage wears down or is damaged due to age, injury, or overuse.
There are several reasons why you may be experiencing hip pain:
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common cause of hip pain, particularly in older adults. It occurs when the protective cartilage in the hip joint wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Tears and Ruptures
Ligaments and cartilage in the hips can tear due to injury or overuse, causing pain and instability.
Bursitis
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that act as a cushion between the bones, tendons, and muscles near the hip. Bursitis, or inflammation of these sacs, can cause pain and tenderness in the hip.
Strains
Sudden or repetitive activities can strain or inflame the muscles and tendons around the hip joint, resulting in pain.
Additional causes of hip pain include fractures, dislocations, and certain diseases. If you experience sudden or severe hip pain, especially after an injury, it is important to contact our office for evaluation as soon as possible.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy is a highly effective treatment for hip pain. Our PTs are movement experts who will conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the underlying causes of your pain.
Your personalized treatment plan may include:
Pain Relief
Specialized techniques, such as manual therapy, joint mobilizations, and soft tissue techniques, can help improve blood flow, free up tension or restriction in movement, and reduce pain in the affected areas.
Mobility Work
Prescribed exercises to improve movement and range of motion in the hip joint.
Strengthening Exercises
Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the hip joint, providing support and stability for a successful recovery.
Personalized Hip Pain Relief
A retired teacher sought help at our clinic due to persistent hip pain that had gradually worsened over the past year. The pain was most noticeable when standing up from a seated position, during walks with her dog, and at night while trying to sleep. She had tried over-the-counter pain medication, heat therapy, and rest but found minimal relief.
During her evaluation, our physical therapists observed limited range of motion in her hip and noted weakness in the surrounding muscles. After a comprehensive assessment, she was diagnosed with hip osteoarthritis, a common condition associated with aging and wear and tear on the joint.
Our PTs created a tailored treatment plan for her that focused on pain management, improving hip mobility, and strengthening the supporting muscles. Targeted manual therapy techniques were utilized to reduce pain and stiffness, while prescribed exercises aimed to increase her range of motion and improve overall hip function. We also provided her with education on proper body mechanics and strategies for managing daily activities.
After attending every physical therapy session and following exercise instructions in between, she experienced significant improvement in her hip pain and mobility. She was able to resume her daily walks with her dog, enjoy gardening without discomfort, and sleep soundly through the night.
Book an Appointment at Excel Physical Therapy Today!
At Excel Physical Therapy, we will perform a comprehensive health assessment and analyze your hip pain and condition. Then, we’ll design a personalized program to help you recover with strength and confidence.
Don’t let hip pain hold you back. Call us today to schedule your first appointment!
Patient Spotlight
“After sustaining a fractured neck, I faced a long journey of PT and I felt so supported and encouraged throughout my treatment with Amanda and Bob. Amanda was able to get me back on the path to do everything I wanted, and Bob was an excellent PT with a perfect combination of compassion, humor, and expertise.”
— Joan K.
Leave Us a ReviewPrehab and Rehab for Hip Surgery Success
Did you know that physical therapy is an important part of both the preparation for and recovery from hip replacement surgery? Prehabilitation, or “prehab,” focuses on strengthening the muscles around the hip joint and improving mobility to set you up for a faster and smoother recovery.
Prehabilitation
Prehab exercises may include:
- Targeted stretching and range-of-motion exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Gait training and balance activities
Patients may also learn how to use assistive devices like walkers or crutches, as well as practice post-surgery movements like getting in and out of bed or a chair.
Rehabilitation
Rehab begins almost immediately after surgery, with exercises becoming more challenging as the patient heals.
- Early mobilization is key to prevent complications and promote healing
- Prescribed Exercises
- Manage pain
- Help prevent blood clots
- Regain mobility and strength
The duration and intensity of both prehab and rehab vary depending on individual factors such as age, overall health, and the specific surgical approach. However, both are integral components of a successful hip replacement journey by contributing to improved outcomes, reduced pain, and a faster return to normal activities.
Prepare and Recover From Hip Surgery with Excel Physical Therapy
If you’re planning for hip surgery, or contemplating it down the road, contact us today to learn how our prehab and rehab programs can set you up for success. We’ll answer any questions you have and talk about what to expect at every stage. Call today!
Around the Clinic at Excel Physical Therapy
Congratulations, Ryan!
Congratulations to Ryan on his engagement to his beautiful fiancée Olivia!
Welcome, Trisha Weinke!
We are thrilled to introduce the newest member of our team, Trisha Weinke. Trisha and her husband Brian live in Winchester. They have 2 adult children and have been together since high school! Trisha worked at Rogan’s Shoes for 30 years and has been in the Oshkosh community since 2002. She enjoys gardening, thrifting, and spending time with family and friends. She has enjoyed meeting everyone over this past month and is looking forward to getting to know everyone better!
Double Knees to Chest
Start on your back with your knees bent. Slowly bring both knees to your chest. Grasp your knees. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat.
Robert Runge, Doctor of Physical Therapy
“I think one of the most rewarding things about being a physical therapist is providing hands-on care that not only helps reduce the pain and restore normal movement, but gives people hope that they will get better.”
Robert Runge, PT is the owner and Clinic Director of Excel Physical Therapy. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse School of Physical Therapy in 1992, he went on to become specialized in the treatment of muscular and joint injuries with an emphasis on rehabilitation of shoulder and lower extremities. Dr. Runge has specialized training and over 30 years of experience treating vertigo, dizziness and balance problems. Dr. Runge is married with five children and enjoys reading, gardening, weight training and outdoor sports.
Greek Yogurt & Berry Breakfast Parfaits
A quick, protein-packed breakfast that supports muscle recovery and steady energy – perfect for fueling up before a physical therapy session or a morning workout. Layer it up the night before for an easy grab-and-go start.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp rolled oats
- 1 tbsp chopped walnuts or almonds
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Spoon a layer of Greek yogurt into a glass or jar.
- Add a layer of berries, followed by a sprinkle of oats and nuts.
- Repeat the layers until the glass is full.
- Drizzle with honey and dust with cinnamon.
- Enjoy right away, or cover and refrigerate overnight for an easy grab-and-go breakfast.
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We’re so glad to have you as part of the Excel Physical Therapy community. Stay tuned each month for health tips, exercises, recipes, and news from our clinic – and don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s ever anything we can help you with.