Thank you for reaching out to us with your question. Without doing a full examination, we cannot fully know what is happening or make specific recommendations for your hip pain. However, we can provide some general information that we hope will be helpful. You can also learn more by reading our recent blog – Hip Pain Demystified: The Key to Relief Lies in Physical Therapy.
How physical therapists assess hip pain
When you see a physical therapist for hip pain, they don’t just look at the hip. A thorough exam includes:
- Surrounding areas: lower back, knee, and ankle.
- Movement and strength: flexibility, joint motion, and coordination.
- Joint laxity screening: tools such as the Beighton Scoring System to check for general hypermobility.
Hypermobility — extra movement in the joints — can be influenced by genetics, hormones, previous injuries, or certain sports and medical conditions. It can also develop when nearby joints are stiff or after repetitive movements.
Repetitive movements can lead to overuse injuries, most commonly in the back, shoulders and knees, but the hips can also be impacted. Check out our blog highlighting 5 Ways to Avoid Overuse Injuries During Fall Cleanup.
How hypermobility influences care
Hypermobility can affect how you move during everyday activities like squatting, lifting, carrying, sitting, and standing. Your physical therapist will design your plan based on your unique symptoms and goals.
Treatment options beyond exercise
In addition to a personalized exercise program, your PT may recommend:
- Motor control training: retraining muscles to activate at the right time.
- Hands-on manual therapy: techniques to encourage better joint control or improve movement in stiffer areas.
- Pain-relief modalities: ice, heat, or electrical stimulation to help manage pain or support muscle activation.
These treatments are typically combined with movement and strength training and are chosen through a shared decision-making process with you and your therapist.
Talk to a PT about your hip pain
As physical therapists, we know the importance of movement for overall health and well-being. Get a personalized plan to manage pain, improve movement, and protect your joints. Schedule a visit with a licensed physical therapist today.
