Hip Pain

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Hip pain is a common condition experienced in the United States, especially among populations of people involved in sports and those who are older adults. About 12% to 15% of the general adult population over the age of 60 experiences hip pain. For adults who play sports, it’s estimated that about 30% to 40% of those will develop chronic hip pain.

Hip pain can make a variety of activities harder to perform, such as sitting, standing, walking, running and more. If you’re one of the many who do have pain in one or both hips, you deserve to improve the quality of your life.

The first way you can work toward improving your hip pain is by educating yourself on the risk factors, causes and treatments associated with this condition. Take a look at each of the sections provided below to learn more.

Contents

Who Is More Likely to Develop Hip Pain?

There are certain factors that make a person more susceptible to hip pain. Understanding these factors can help reduce the risk of developing this condition and can contribute to the effectiveness of treating it. It may also have the potential to reduce the number of those who suffer from hip pain. Two groups of people who may have a higher likelihood of developing hip pain are:

Older adults — Older adults have a higher risk of developing hip pain. This is mostly because as we age, we’re more susceptible to conditions such as joint inflammation and bone deterioration.
Athletes — Athletes are another group of people who are more likely to experience hip pain during their lifetime. Athletes are likely to develop hip pain from overuse or traumatic bone and joint injuries.

This is just a general categorization of the groups of people who are most likely to develop hip pain. Hip pain can affect anyone for any number of reasons. If you’re experiencing hip pain, seeking physical therapy treatment is a great option to improve your quality of life and reduce your symptoms.

What Causes Hip Pain?

Hip pain can be attributed to a number of factors. Here are some of the most common:

Illness or disease — Some types of illness or disease may cause hip pain. This is common in people who have diseases that affect the formation or structure of the bones in the hip.
Arthritis — Joint inflammation is another potential cause of hip pain. Arthritis in the hip can cause chronic pain in the hips and swelling that decreases the range of motion. Arthritis can occur at any age but is more common in older adults.
Bursitis — The inflammation of the bursae in the hips is another potential cause of pain in the hips. If you’ve been diagnosed with this condition that affects the sacs in between your joints, this may be the cause of your hip pain.
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and a labral tear — FAI and labral tears are a common cause of hip pain in young athletes and weekend warriors.
Injuries — Any traumatic injury to the hip or neighboring area may also be the cause of short-term and chronic hip pain.

The causes of hip pain are not limited to this list; rather, these are just a few of the most common causes. If you are experiencing hip pain and do not see the cause of your hip pain listed above, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to a physical therapist for an expert opinion.

Treatments for Hip Pain

The treatment that works best for your hip pain will depend on your level of pain, its root cause and how long you’re looking for relief. Here are a few different kinds of treatment commonly used to treat hip pain:

Anti-inflammatory medication — Anti-inflammatory medication may help reduce pain and inflammation in the hips, if only for a short period of time.
Surgery — Surgery is another potential treatment option for those who are struggling to manage their hip pain. It may help reduce symptoms including pain, depending on the cause of the hip condition. However, surgery may not be the most effective option for every case. Complications are always a risk.
Physical therapy — Physical therapy is by far one of the more effective and minimally invasive treatment methods for hip pain. Physical therapy uses gentle and consistent exercise to increase range of motion and reduce pain in affected areas of the body.

If you’re not sure which treatment may be right for your unique situation, don’t hesitate to contact our office today to ask questions. You deserve treatment that can improve your quality of life and minimize uncomfortable symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a health care profession that involves evaluating, diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The goal of physical therapy is to focus on movement in order to restore function, minimize pain and improve an individual’s quality of life. Physical therapists often utilize treatment modalities such as therapeutic exercise, soft tissue mobilization, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and other treatments to help achieve these goals.

Do I Need a Referral?

The state of New York has “direct access” to physical therapy, which means that patients are not legally required to have a physician’s referral to see a physical therapist. However, some insurances may require patients to have a referral or authorization before they will approve payment. Be sure to contact your insurance company beforehand and determine the process that they require.

It’s important to know that if you are under the care of a physician and require physical therapy treatment, you have the freedom to choose your own physical therapy clinic.

Do You Accept My Insurance?

We accept most major insurance coverages. Some of those we accept include Tricare, Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna and workers’ compensation. If you don’t see your insurance company listed above, reach out to us and we’ll let you know if we accept yours. At the time of scheduling your first appointment, we request that you provide us your insurance information so that we may verify your benefits and coverage.

How Can I Pay for Treatment?

We accept payment via cash, check, flex spending card, and debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard and Discover). Payment is expected at the time of treatment and typically required during check-in. If you have insurance coverage, there may be a deductible or copay required.

Before your first visit, we will contact your insurance company to verify your benefits for physical therapy. Some insurance providers have restrictions on specific treatments. As a courtesy, Lattimore Physical Therapy files with your primary insurance as well as any secondary coverage. You will be billed for any cost share (if applicable) after your insurance has paid their portion.

What Should I Expect During My First Visit?

During your initial visit, your physical therapist will provide you with a thorough 45-minute to one-hour evaluation in a private room. Please be prepared to discuss your needs, your pain, and any lack of mobility or function that you currently have. This evaluation will involve certain range-of-motion, postural and strength tests to help your physical therapist develop a plan unique to you and your condition.Treatment for your injury will begin on the day of your initial visit.

How Should I Dress?

You should wear loose-fitting clothing during each session with us. Loose-fitting clothing helps us access and move the areas of the body that are being treated. If you have a knee problem, it is best to wear shorts. For a shoulder problem, a tank top is a good choice. For low back problems, a loose-fitting shirt and pants are the best go-tos.

Do I Need to Bring Any MRIs or X-rays That I Have?

Please bring any relevant MRI or X-ray interpretation reports from your physician’s office. However, since X-rays and MRIs aren’t always the most telling, your physical therapist will want to also take into account your medical history and other physical tests and measures. Their goal is to perform an evaluation as best they can using a thorough series of processes.

How Many Visits Will I Need?

The number of visits necessary to complete treatment varies from patient to patient. Some patients only undergo a couple of sessions, while others need several months of care. It most often depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your impairment(s), your past medical history and other similar factors. You will also be reevaluated on a monthly basis. Each time you visit your doctor, we will provide you with a progress report with our professional recommendations.

Can I Bring My Child With Me to My Appointments?

Yes! Our policy allows for children to accompany their parents during appointments.

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