Thoughts from a physical therapist on managing hip arthritis pain

Arthritis is a fact of life for millions of people. But the fact that it’s a common part of the natural aging process doesn’t mean that it’s easy to live with. This is especially true of hip arthritis, since this part of the body is critical for doing everything from sitting to walking. Hip arthritis pain can even bother you when you’re lying down, affecting your ability to get a good night’s sleep. 

While there is no cure for this condition, managing hip arthritis is an achievable goal. And a fundamental part of any treatment plan should be physical therapy. Working with a qualified physical therapist means receiving guidance on the proper functioning of your hip and practical steps you can take to relieve pain and improve mobility. 

Steps to managing your hip arthritis pain

At your initial appointment with your therapist, the first step will be a thorough evaluation of your hip and overall functioning. This should include a discussion about your medical history, specific symptoms, current activity level and treatment goals. You can also expect to receive your therapist’s thoughts on the best ways for you to manage hip arthritis pain, not just in the clinic, but in your daily life. 

After this, you and your therapist can work together to develop a treatment plan consisting of physical therapy exercises, manual techniques, stretches, stability training and other options designed to accomplish the following goals:

• Mobilize the hip joint
• Release deep muscle tension and increase blood flow
• Take pressure off nerves that are adjacent to the hip
• Strengthen supporting muscles and increase hip stability
• Improve posture to more evenly distribute weight

Managing hip arthritis pain should also involve staying as active as possible, eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, increasing body awareness and modifying daily activities as needed. Education is a key part of physical therapy, and you shouldn’t hesitate to ask for your therapist’s thoughts on these topics. 

Come to Whatcom Physical Therapy for expert treatment advice

The compassionate and experienced team of physical therapists at Whatcom Physical Therapy are passionate about providing highly personalized care to help patients reach their treatment goals and successfully manage conditions such as hip arthritis. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our treatment options, contact us today. We’ll be happy to help you schedule your initial appointment.