Hip Pain
Tendinopathy
Tendon pathologies usually occur due to repeated stressors or sudden increases in activity. Gluteal tendinopathies can cause pain on the side of the hip, particulary with prolonged walking, climbing stairs or sleeping on your side. They may also cause stiffness first thing in the morning or after sitting for a prolonged period. Treatment for this condition involves decreasing initial stress of the tendon affected to improve inflammation, then a graded strengthening program to remodel tendon and improve load tolerance.
Impingement
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) usually presents with decreased range of motion and pain following activity. Impingement can occur due to a variety of reasons, the most common being bony abnormalities of the ball and socket of the hip joint. The inflammation and bruising in the joint can lead to muscle imbalances. Treatment aims to decrease muscular tension, inflammation and stress applied to the joint. This is followed up with a strengthening and stretching program for long term management. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.
Trochanteric Bursitis
Bursitis refers to inflammation within the fluid filled sac that normally cushions the tendons and bony surfaces of the hip. It can occur after contact sports or falls, or as a result of overload and associated tendinopathy. This inflammation leads a dull ache in the side of the hip that worsens with activity. The aim of treatment is to reduce muscle tension and compression of the bursa through soft tissue release, activity modifications and strengthening exercises. Medical management may also prescribe anti inflammatory medications and occasionally refer for cortisone injection.
Sciatic Pain/Piriformis Syndrome/Deep Gluteal Syndrome
When the sciatic nerve is compressed at the level of the spinal cord the pain is referred to as sciatica. If the sciatic nerve is compressed further down in the buttock area the condition can be known as piriformis or deep gluteal syndrome. Physiotherapy treatment focuses on decreasing compression and tension on the sciatic nerve, and correcting biomechanics through strengthening muscles surrounding the hip and back.
Contact Free Movement Physio to book an appointment for a one on one consultation to discuss your hip concerns.
