Strengthening the muscles of the hip, gluts, is a key component of rehabilitation for patients with low back pain, hip pain, and knee pain. These muscles help to optimize movement in the lower quarter improving joint mechanics and force distribution during life and recreational activities. In our Facebook posts, we have shown videos on optimizing...
Arthroscopic hip surgery rates have dramatically increased in the last decade due in part to increased MRI imaging. MRIs are very sensitive, but lack specificity in many musculoskeletal disorders with high rates of false positives among asymptomatic populations. Hip pathologies such as impingement (cam or pincer) and labral tears can be found in up to...
Similar to Sasquatch and the Loch Ness Monster science may also be putting another myth to rest. In our previous posts, we have written on the lack of data supporting the idea running leads to wear and tear or arthritis. In fact, some research has shown running may have a protective effect on joints with...
Hip impingement, femoracetabular impingement, is a common source of pain for patients. Much research is needed on this more recent diagnosis secondary to the high rates of impingement found in pain free athletes. In addition, more research is needed on the comparison of conservative versus surgical management of the condition. Patient’s undergoing arthroscopic surgery to...
Dry needling is an effective Physical Therapy intervention for the treatment of muscle pain and injury. Our previous post described a recent review article supporting its’ use for the reduction of short term pain and disability in multiple body parts including the spine and hip. Painful trigger points and muscle pain can also be treated...
Over 200,000 Americans undergo a total hip replacement often as a result of severe hip osteoarthritis. Patients who enter the surgery in a weakened, less functional state have worse outcomes up to 2 years post operatively compared to their higher functioning peers (Fortin et al. 1999, 2002). This is concerning because the most rapid recovery...
Currently, in the state of Colorado patients can access their Physical Therapist without a referral from another healthcare provider such as primary care physician. This model of care has been utilized since the 1950’s throughout the country and is most notable in our military where our soldiers have direct access to their Physical Therapists. In...
Patients with outer hip, lateral, pain have previously been diagnosed with trochanteric bursitis indicating the fluid filled sack between our hip muscle tendons and our thigh bone is to blame for their symptoms. In addition the -itis ending in the diagnosis leads us to believe there is an inflammatory process taking place in the hip....
Often in Physical Therapy we are asked if an image would help in our diagnosis or treatment of a patient’s symptoms. The answer is very dependent on the individual patient’s case but in most cases imaging has not been shown to improve outcomes. In prior posts we have discussed the strengths and limitations of diagnostic imaging...
Hip Pain associated with Impingement and Labral Tears Femoral Acetabular Impingement (FAI) is defined as the mechanical abutment of the femoral head against the acetabulum1. This contact is either structural (cam or pincer lesion), functional or a combination of both and results in pain, loss of motion, and disability. Researchers have questioned if the findings...