Quite often a major complaint from patients is stiffness or limited motion in their hips. People complain about an inability to cross one’s legs, squat down, turn/pivot and more. They are concerned that they have “arthritis” and/or need a hip replacement.
Many are unsure if anything can be done but are desperate to have answers. And far too often some doctor saw them for 5 minutes and just told them they need a hip replacement with a very minimal examination. Worse yet, they were told nothing can be done. Or given the just live with it. Well…that is far from the truth so read on.
Let’s start here by asking a few questions…
- Is there pain associated with the motion limitation?
- What are you unable to do because of the limitation?
- Have you ever had anyone work to stretch or do hands-on treatments with the hip?
If there is no pain associated, then no need to worry yet. Sometimes hips get stiff because we sit too much and are not active enough. But even if there is some pain and it is more positional or situational- there are treatments that can be hugely helpful.
When the list of activities one struggles with starts to grow – that is the time people often start to seek answers. Best advice…don’t wait until this list gets really long. But even if this list is growing, still no need to worry just yet.
Seen a mobility specialist about the issue? If not, this should be your 1st call. There is no replacement for a thorough examination assessing your mobility, strength, and movement. A movement specialist will be able to determine if hands-on treatments are likely to be helpful. Chances are the answer will be a resounding YES…But even if not, any little motion or strength they help you get will make recovery from any surgery that much better.
But the doctor said therapy will make the hip worse? REALLY? If they are already recommending surgery – how much worse can it really get? Worst case scenario- you are more fit for surgery. Best case, you get to call and cancel surgery because by getting more motion you feel better.
So…got a stiff hip?
Time to have it stretched and moved and get instructed on how to get and keep your hip more mobile. Want even more answers? Click the following link HERE to set up your very own Discovery Visit to learn if your stiff hip can move and feel better.
I can’t say enough about the importance of hip mobility either. I perform a trunk flexion/rotation diagonal pulley exercise that I designed in a lunge position that really works the hips in both internal and external rotation. Also, it stretches calf, hamstrings, and adductors while working the core at the same time. It’s part of my gym routine that I perform 3x/week. Also, Nordic Track on a classic ski machine anywhere from 60-120′ three times a week using ling strides into hip extension to improve hip flexor mobility. This is all done with a 9-year-old total hip replacement and moderate OA in the other hip. Both are asymptomatic! Working the hips has allowed me to get back into compound weight training and a host of other exercises. Jacob’s Ladder has definitely helped strengthen the glutes as well as lateral incline walking on the treadmill. Hips are the epicenter!!!!
Michael- great to hear you feel exercise is the key to helping you remain active in spite of any joint replacement or OA.