Do you always feel like your hips are stiff after sitting? Turns out, this is a pretty common experience. Sitting for a long time can affect your back, hips, knees and other parts of your body. Join us as we explore why your hips may be stiff after sitting, and find out how physical therapy can help manage the pain and stiffness.

Why are my hips so stiff?

Sitting for prolonged periods of time places your hamstrings in a relaxed position. These large muscles in your legs help support the hips and power the movements of your legs. Sitting for multiple hours per day over a period of weeks and months can lead to weaker hamstrings, which increases strain on your hips. 

Sitting at a desk for too long also weakens your glutes, core and hip extensor muscles. When all of these muscle groups are weaker, it can increase strain and pain on your hips. 

Additionally, poor posture while seated can increase strain on your hips. Make sure you sit with your back straight and supported by the chair. Keep your feet planted firmly on the ground. Your knees should be level with your hips, bent at a 90-degree angle. 

Getting up at least once per hour to stretch and move around for 10 or 15 minutes can help keep the muscles active to help reduce and prevent pain and stiffness.

Other reasons your hips are stiff

While these conditions are less common than weak and tired muscles or poor posture, it is also possible that your hips are stiff because of:

• Arthritis
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Spondylitis
• Injury

If your hip pain is persistent or more intense than a mild soreness, you should visit your doctor or physical therapist for an examination.

Treating your hip pain with physical therapy

When you have pain and stiffness in your hips, a physical therapist can perform an examination to identify the cause. They can recommend if you need to visit a doctor for medication or other treatments or if you’re a good candidate for physical therapy.

Treating stiff hips with physical therapy usually involves stretches, exercises and hands-on techniques that help improve your strength and flexibility. The goal is to make the hips stronger and more flexible, as well as strengthening other muscle groups that help support the hip joints. Doing this helps reduce and prevent pain from chronic conditions and injuries.

Visit Rehab Access for hip pain treatment

Are you tired of having stiff hips every day that make it hard for you to move around and enjoy yourself? Our physical therapists at Rehab Access can examine your condition and provide a course of treatment that can help you reach your recovery goals. Contact our team today for more information about why your hips are so stiff or to schedule an initial appointment.