About Hip Pain
Hip pain is not always straightforward. It may originate from the Spine, or from any of the many structures that make up the Hip, which include:
• Joints and articular cartilage
• Muscles
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Bursae
• Joint capsules
• Bones
Persistent and severe pain often originates from two or more of the above structures.
Characteristics of Hip Pain
Hip pain can range from mild discomfort during specific movements to unbearable pain even at rest. For an accurate assessment, it is important to establish whether the pain is triggered by movement, which movements provoke it, how long it takes to settle, or whether it persists at rest and for how long. It is also important to determine whether there is night pain and how long it lasts. Hip pain may have the following characteristics:
• Sharp
• Stabbing
• Throbbing
• Burning
• Electric shock-like
• Superficial
• Deep
• Mild
• Dull
• Constant
• Intermittent
How Is Hip Pain Relieved?
When hip pain appears, the immediate steps to take are:
• Rest the leg and avoid the activity that is causing the pain
• Gentle stretches of the hip, knee, and foot help maintain the flexibility of the leg
• Rest the leg with a slight hip flexion of 30 degrees, supported by a pillow
Differential Assessment for Hip Pain
Assessment by a Physiotherapist is essential to identify the affected structures and to rule out, or confirm, the co-existence of other conditions with similar symptoms, such as:
• Hip osteoarthritis
• Trochanteric bursitis
• Gluteus medius or minimus tendinopathy
• Bursitis
• Short hip rotator tendinopathy
• Gluteus medius or minimus tendon tear
• Snapping Hip Syndrome
• Hip fracture
Assessment by Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapist Mr Konstantinos Danalis is carried out through a detailed history-taking, clinical tests, and a trial treatment that follows.
How Does Physiotherapy Help with Hip Pain?
The priority is to reduce pain, which in some patients can be extremely severe. This is achieved through a combination of treatment options, such as specialist massage and the application of electrotherapy, which will reduce pain in every case. The hip is then mobilised through specialist exercises. As movement gradually improves, strengthening, balance, and proprioception exercises are introduced. The interventions applied include:
• Stretching and flexibility exercises to improve elasticity
• Dynamic stability and strengthening
• Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapy to reduce pain and improve flexibility
• Electrophysical modalities such as diathermy, cryotherapy, and electrotherapy to reduce pain and inflammation
• TECAR for deep tissue heating and to accelerate recovery
Schedule Your Appointment
Athanasia A.
Mr Danalis is a highly professional practitioner who gives the necessary attention to both the patient and their problem. Most importantly, the quality and effectiveness of his treatment is delivered in a creative and above all productive way. I recommend him without hesitation.
Erifylli S.
Mr Danalis knows his field very well and gives his patients a great deal of personal attention! He has a positive attitude and has helped me enormously!! I trust him completely and recommend him without hesitation.
Giota S.
He knows his subject very well, spent a great deal of time on my problem, and truly earned my trust! I will definitely recommend him!
How Can I Prevent Sciatica?
To prevent Sciatica in chronic cases, a monthly programme is required that includes:
• Orthopaedic manipulative massage
• A structured exercise programme
More advice on prevention and self-management can be found at the links below:
• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association
• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association
• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association
• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association
• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association
What Is the Cost of Treatment?
The cost of treatment is not high. Typically, 6 sessions are required, during which the treatment programme is adjusted each time to reflect the patient's current condition. Once symptoms have settled, a structured exercise programme is introduced to prevent any recurrence. The programme is provided to the patient electronically so they can follow it independently, with the option of online supervision at a low cost. The patient has the continuous support and communication they need with the Physiotherapist in order to address any difficulties.
If you have Hip Pain, call PhysioDanali today for specialist advice from our Physiotherapist!
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