Hip Joint Care in New York

Common Hip Conditions & Injuries

Despite its stability, the hip joint is not immune to injury and damage. Below are some common hip conditions and injuries that require treatment:

• Arthritis: Hip arthritis is a common condition that results from the breakdown of the cartilage in the joint. This can cause pain and stiffness in the hip and can make walking and other weight bearing and non-weight bearing activities difficult.
• Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): FAI is abnormal contact between the ball and socket of the hip joint. This abnormal contact results in improper movement and will eventually cause more damage including arthritis and labral tears. 
• CAM and Pincer Impingement: These are two forms of FAI, caused by extra bone growth on either the ball (CAM) or socket (pincer) of the hip joint. These growths can lead to impingement, causing inflammation, pain and impaired mobility. 
• Labral Tears: The labrum is a cartilage ring that lines the rim of the hip socket (acetabulum), providing cushioning and stability to the joint. A tear in the labrum can cause pain, clicking, and locking of the joint and often cannot be ignored.
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome (IT Band): The IT Band is a fibrous band of tissue that runs from the hip down to the lateral aspect of the knee. Overuse or irritation of this band can cause pain and inflammation in the hip and knee.
• Sciatica: Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lumbar spine, down the back of the leg and all the way to the foot, becomes compressed or irritated. This can cause shooting pain in the hip, buttocks, leg and foot.
• Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis muscle runs from the sacrum to the femur and can compress the sciatic nerve, causing pain and discomfort in the hip, leg and foot. Sometimes it is referred to as “Pseudo-Sciatica.”
• Bursitis: The bursae is a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint. Inflammation of this sac can cause pain and swelling in the hip, reducing overall mobility and resulting in gait abnormalities.
• Dislocation: Hip dislocations occur when the ball of the hip joint comes out of the socket, usually due to a traumatic event. This is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention.
• Hip Dysplasia: A congenital condition where the hip joint does not develop properly, and can lead to improper alignment of the ball and socket joint. 
• Avascular Necrosis: When the blood supply to the hip joint is interrupted, causing the soft tissue of the bone to die. This can lead to pain and loss of function in the hip. Often referred to as Bo Jackson Disease.
• Adhesive Capsulitis: A condition where the hip capsule becomes inflamed and causes stiffness and limited mobility in the joint.
• Tendinitis/Tendinosis: Tendinitis and Tendinosis are conditions that result from inflammation or degeneration of the tendons that cross the hip joint. 
• Muscle Strains: Strains occur when the muscles in the hip joint are overstretched or torn. The severity of the strain is classified by grades I – III, with a grade III being a complete rupture. 
• Ligament Sprains: Ligament sprains occur when the ligaments in the hip joint are overstretched or torn; and besides being painful, will lead to significant instability in the joint.
• Fractures: Hip fractures are a serious injury that occur mostly in the elderly after a fall, and must be addressed immediately.

When should I consider physical therapy for hip pain?

If you experience persistent hip pain that disrupts your daily activities, limits your movement, or interferes with your sleep, seeking a physical therapist's evaluation is highly recommended. Early intervention can prevent complications and expedite your recovery.

What can I expect during a physical therapy session for hip pain?

Your initial session at Lifestyle Physical Therapy will involve a comprehensive evaluation, including a discussion of your medical history, pain assessment, and physical examination. Based on the findings, your therapist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Our skilled professionals at Lifestyle Physical Therapy are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of hip conditions in New York. Call us today at (212) 577-9313 to schedule a consultation and get started on your path to pain-free living.