Arthritis in the hips affects millions of people each year, so it’s understandable if you’re wondering whether your aches and pains could be a sign of this condition. Arthritis in the hips typically develops due to the natural breakdown of cartilage that causes increased bone-on-bone contact. This in turn leads to inflammation and a range of troublesome symptoms. 

Individual symptoms can vary, but many people with arthritis in their hips report feeling aches, pains, stiffness and grinding sensations. Although arthritis is caused by natural, nonreversible causes, it’s still important to take an active role in treating this condition. Proper diagnosis treatment can help manage symptoms and improve your level of functioning, with physical therapy being a particularly effective first-line option. 

Benefits of physical therapy for arthritis in your hips

Patients diagnosed with hip arthritis are typically recommended to see a physical therapist. Using a range of methods, including active and passive movements, manual therapies and movement training, a physical therapist can help hip arthritis sufferers accomplish the following: 

• Pain relief — By mobilizing joints, releasing painful bundles of tissue and taking pressure off nerves, physical therapy can reduce hip discomfort.
• Improved range of motion — With stretches, manual therapy and stability training, patients can enjoy increased hip mobility. 
• A stronger body — By strengthening not just the hips, but surrounding areas, a physical therapy program can reduce stress on the hip joints and promote long-term functioning. 

Another key component of physical therapy is patient education on healthy lifestyle choices, including the importance of good posture, regular exercise and good nutritional habits. With the right therapist, you can develop an individual rapport that helps you better understand your condition and achieve your treatment goals. 

The Rehab Access team can help you manage hip arthritis

If you have arthritis in your hips and want to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, we can help. The caring team at Rehab Access has decades of combined experience in helping patients successfully live with arthritis. To schedule your initial appointment, which includes a thorough one-on-one evaluation with one of our skilled therapists, contact us today.