Pelvis & Hip Conditions

Quadriceps stretch

Understanding Pelvis and Hip Conditions

Pelvis and hip pain can significantly impact mobility and quality of life, affecting individuals of all ages and activity levels. At Peak Physiotherapy & Wellness, we are committed to providing comprehensive care to address the various causes of pelvis and hip pain. This guide aims to help you understand the diverse factors contributing to hip discomfort and how physiotherapy can offer effective solutions.

Common Causes of Pelvis & Hip Pain

  • Sacroiliac Joint (SI Joint) Dysfunction: The SI joint is where your sacrum and ilium connect to each other and is secured by many large stabilizing ligaments. Often this joint can get overloaded, whether it be from an injury, single leg loading activities (dancing, figure skating, gymnastics, etc), pregnancy or more, and will lead to pain located directly at the joint line. With this you may experience pain with walking, stairs, sit-to-stand, rolling in bed, or laying on your affected side.

  • Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis muscles is one of your deep buttock muscles, and acts as a hip stabilizer. When overstrained or hypertonic, it can lead to deep buttock pain and possibly sciatic nerve pain. The sciatic nerve often runs underneath the piriformis, so when this muscle is too tight it can compress the nerve leading to nerve pain down the leg.

  • Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear of the hip joint over time can lead to osteoarthritis, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the hip joint.

  • Hip Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles around the hip joint, can result in hip bursitis, causing pain and tenderness in the hip area.

  • Hip Fractures: Fractures of the hip bones, such as the femoral neck or the acetabulum, can occur due to trauma, falls, or osteoporosis, leading to acute pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg.

  • Muscle Strain: Overuse, sudden movements, or poor biomechanics can lead to muscle strains in the muscles surrounding the hip joint, causing pain and discomfort.

  • Labral Tears: Tears or damage to the hip labrum, the cartilage ring that surrounds the hip socket, can occur due to trauma, repetitive movements, or structural abnormalities, causing pain, clicking, or locking sensations in the hip joint.

  • Hip Impingement Syndrome: Structural abnormalities in the hip joint, such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), can lead to hip impingement syndrome, causing pain and restricted range of motion in the hip joint.

  • Snapping Hip Syndrome: Snapping or popping sensations in the hip joint can result from tight muscles or tendons rubbing over bony structures, causing discomfort and limited mobility.

  • Referred Pain: Pain originating from other areas of the body, such as the lower back, pelvis, or sacroiliac joint, can manifest as hip pain due to shared nerve pathways, musculoskeletal connections, or compensatory movement patterns.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Our experienced physiotherapists at Peak Physiotherapy and Wellness employ evidence-based techniques to address the root causes of neck pain and promote optimal neck function. Our personalized approach includes:

  • Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques, including massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation, to alleviate muscle tension and improve joint mobility.

  • Exercise Prescription: Tailored home exercise programs are designed  to improve mobility, strengthen muscles,  improve posture, optimize proprioception and enhance overall neck stability.

  • Postural Education: Guidance on maintaining proper posture during daily activities to prevent and alleviate neck pain.

  • Ergonomic Advice: Recommendations on ergonomic adjustments at work and home to reduce strain on the neck.

  • Modalities: Application of therapeutic modalities, such as heat, ice, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), or interferential current (IFC) may be used to alleviate pain and promote healing. 

  • Acupuncture/Dry Needling: Traditional Acupuncture may be applied for a short period of time to help improve blood flow, enhance healing, decrease nerve sensitivity and alleviate pain. Dry needling may be implemented to decrease size of muscle knots, reduce 

  • Activity Modification: Recommendations for modifying activities, exercise routines, and daily habits to prevent exacerbation of hip pain and promote recovery.

What to Expect During Physiotherapy Sessions

  • Comprehensive Assessment: A thorough evaluation of your condition, including symptoms, limitations, and lifestyle factors.

  • Tailored Treatment Plan: A personalized plan addressing your specific needs, comprising exercises, manual therapy, and pain management techniques.

  • Hands-On Therapy: Sessions may involve manual techniques and exercises guided by our physiotherapists.

  • Education and Advice: Information on proper posture, exercises, and self-care strategies to aid recovery and prevent further injury.

  • Progress Monitoring: Regular follow-up sessions to track progress, modify the treatment plan, and ensure the best possible outcomes.

If you're experiencing hip pain, don't let it hold you back from living life to the fullest. Schedule an appointment with Peak Physiotherapy and Wellness to receive expert care and embark on the path to pain relief and improved function. Let us empower you to regain control of your hip health and well-being.