Hip Pain

Hip pain can be confused with back pain and your Wembley physiotherapist will help determine the exact location and cause of the hip pain you may be experiencing.

The definition of the hip that health professionals use is the actual joint between the pelvis and the thigh bone that sits in a ‘ball and socket” joint. The hip joint consists of the femoral head (thigh bone) and the acetabulum of the ischium. There is a protective layer of cartilage that covers the acaetabular joint of the hip which is also prone to degenerative change. Hip pain and injuries are common in the elderly population and most often linked with osteoporosis.

Other causes of hip pain:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Bursitis (inflammation of the bursae around the hip joint)
• Osteoarthritis
• Snapping Hip Syndrome (inflammation of the psoas tendon)

What is the psoas muscle?

The psoas muscles on each side of the lower back are the deep, big pyramid shaped muscle that attaches anteriorly (front) from the low back and course down and through to attach at the front of the hip. The psoas muscle can be a cause of back pain, antalgia (twisted pelvis) and it’s overworked by doing incorrect “abdominal exercises”.

How can hip pain be diagnosed?

Your physiotherapist is well placed to provide a diagnosis of the kind of hip pain you may be experiencing. At Wembley physiotherapy Clinic our physiotherapists use a number of specific tests to establish the cause of the hip pain and design a management plan for hip pain.

Will I need an X-Ray?

At times further tests may be required in-order to obtain a definitive diagnosis. For example a real time ultrasound or a plain film radiograph (X-Ray).

Physiotherapy Treatment for Hip Pain
Depending on your diagnosis, your physiotherapist will provide a management plan specific to your individual needs. This may include:
• Physiotherapy Mobilisation Techniques
• Therapeutic Ultrasound
• Gait Analysis and Orthotic Recommendations
• Exercise Prescription
• Stretches and Strengthening Classes
• Recommendations for Clinical Pilates, Yoga, Swimming and Other Activities

For help, advice or to make an appointment with one of our Wembley Physiotherapists call Wembley Physiotherapy Clinic on 08)9383 7883