Tag Archives: hip pain

Total Hip Arthroplasty: What you Need to Know!

What is a total hip arthroplasty?

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), or a hip replacement surgery is a procedure that replaces damaged bone and cartilage in the hip joint. Instead, it replaces it with prosthetic components mainly using two techniques. The type of technique used will be discussed between you and your surgeon and is influenced by demographic and lifestyle factors.

1: Cemented: Used more in geriatric (older) populations or patients who have a more sedentary lifestyle 

2: Non-cemented: Indicated for younger populations, or patients having active lifestyles

Why do people get hip replacements?

On the left shows a healthy hip with an intact joint surface, the middle shows degeneration of the surfaces in the hip, the final image shows the outcome of the surgery where the hip surfaces are replaced.

Usually, the reason people get hip replacement is due to severe osteoarthritis (OA) that is causing high pain, loss of function, and disability. For example, when someone is having trouble walking and being independent with their daily activities due to issues with hip OA. Other reasons may include rheumatoid arthritis induced cartilage or bone damage, after a slip and fall on the hip (especially in older populations), and femoral neck fractures. However, some people may be ineligible for this surgery if they have peripheral vascular disease, history of blood clots, an ongoing infection, or septic arthritis.

Generally, hip replacements/THAs are safe procedures with great outcomes. Post-surgery, the most common complications to watch for include deep vein thrombosis which is a blood clot in the leg, or a post-surgical infection in the joint.

Physiotherapy Rehabilitation After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Total Hip Replacement Surgery

Total hip arthroplasties are highly effective surgical procedures designed to alleviate pain and restore function in patients with severe hip arthritis or hip joint damage. Initially, post-operative rehabilitation is crucial to ensure the continued success of the surgery and to optimize the patient’s recovery. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in this rehabilitation process, helping patients regain strength, mobility, and overall function. Read on to learn more about the phases of rehabilitation with Physiotherapy!

1. Immediate Post-Operative Phase

First, the immediate post-operative phase begins as soon as the patient wakes up from anesthesia. Then, physiotherapists start with gentle exercises to promote blood circulation and prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Simple movements like ankle pumps, quadriceps sets (squeezing the big thigh muscle), and gluteal sets (squeezing the buttocks muscles) are encouraged. These exercises are designed to improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and initiate muscle activation without putting undue stress on the new hip joint.

Early mobilization is a critical component during this phase. Within 24 to 48 hours after surgery, patients are usually assisted to sit up and begin walking with the help of a walker or crutches. The goal is to start weight-bearing activities as tolerated, promoting healing and preventing stiffness.

2. Early Rehabilitation Phase

The early rehabilitation phase spans the first few weeks after surgery. During this period, physiotherapists focus on gradually increasing the intensity and range of exercises. Patients are taught specific hip-strengthening exercises such as leg raises, hip abductions, and gentle stretching. Additionally, simple balance and coordination exercises are also introduced to enhance stability and prevent falls.

Not only this, but pain management is a significant focus during this phase. Physiotherapists work closely with the medical team to ensure that pain is adequately controlled, allowing patients to participate actively in their rehabilitation. For example, ice therapy, electrical stimulation, and manual techniques may be used to manage pain and reduce inflammation.

3. Intermediate Rehabilitation Phase

The intermediate phase, typically from 4 to 12 weeks post-surgery, aims to build on the progress made in the early phase. Now, physiotherapy sessions become more intensive, incorporating resistance training and functional exercises. Furthermore, activities such as stationary biking, swimming, and gentle aerobics are introduced to improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

During this phase, the focus shifts towards improving gait and mobility. For example, patients practice walking without assistive devices, concentrating on proper walking mechanics and posture. Also, stair climbing and descending exercises are introduced to further enhance functional independence.

Strengthening exercises for the hip and surrounding muscles are progressively intensified. At the same time, core strengthening exercises are also incorporated to improve overall stability and support the hip joint.

4. Late Rehabilitation Phase

The late rehabilitation phase, typically beyond 12 weeks post-surgery, focuses on preparing the patient for a return to normal activities and, if possible, sports. Now, physiotherapy sessions aim to restore full strength, flexibility, and function. Advanced balance and proprioception exercises are introduced to ensure the patient can handle more complex movements and environments.

At this stage, patients may engage in low-impact sports such as golfing, cycling, and swimming. High-impact activities, such as running or jumping, are generally discouraged to protect the new hip joint from excessive wear and tear. However, each hip rehabilitation is different and should be discussed with your surgeon to understand your specific limitations.

Education on lifelong joint protection and healthy lifestyle choices is an essential part of this phase. Patients are taught strategies to prevent injury and maintain joint health, such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding high-impact activities, and incorporating regular exercise into their daily routine.

Getting a hip replacement soon?

If you are getting a total hip replacement soon and are looking for some advice and help, look for PhysioNow! Physiotherapy can help you maximize your strength and function prior to surgery to ensure that recovery is as smooth as possible. Then, after the surgery, we will work with you to return your hip back to its normal function with an individualized care plan. Our Physiotherapists are ready to get you started. Book with PhysioNow for your first assessment and treatment today!

Hip Sports Injury: Identify your Hip Pain!

The hip joint is one of the most important joints for athletes, it is used in movements such as running, jumping, changing in direction, and kicking. In high impact sports, the chance of injuring the hip increases. For example, this can range from minor muscle strains to major structural pathologies, including fractures. Even with the best preventative strategies, hip injuries do occur in sports either from overuse or acute trauma. However, athletes can get back to full recovery and performance if the injury is diagnosed early and managed appropriately.

Types of Hip Injuries

Muscle Strains

Kicking is a common method of injury to the muscles of the hips due to the high level of forces involved in the movement

First, the most common type of injury are muscle strains. A strain involves tearing of the muscle fibers due to overstretching, sudden changes in direction, speed, or sudden twisting movement. The most frequently affected muscles are:
• Hip flexors – injured in sprinting and kicking sports
• Groin/inner thighs – normally injured in soccer and hockey
• Hamstrings – pulled in sports including quick starting/stopping and kicking
• Glutes – might get injured during jumping activities 

Bursitis (Trochanteric or Iliopsoas Bursitis)

Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that decrease friction between bones and soft tissues. Overuse, repetitive motion, or direct injury can result in inflammation of these bursae, thus causing pain and stiffness. The most common hip bursitis’ are:
• Trochanteric bursitis – pain and tenderness on the outer side of the hip, common in runners
• Iliopsoas bursitis – pain and tenderness in the front part of the hip

Hip Fractures and Stress Fractures

Fractures are not as common in young populations but can be happen with traumatic accidents, such as a fall or during a full contact sport. Stress fractures can also be seen from repetitive impacts, such as running or jumping.

Hip Dislocations

With some high impact sports, the head of the femur can come out from the socket with a fall, a tackle/check or any direct blow to the hip. It can lead to severe injuries to the surrounding musculoskeletal tissues and immediate medical attention is necessary. 

Sports Hernias

In sports hernias, also known as “Athletic Pubalgia”, there is injury to soft tissue in the groin and lower abdominal area. Unlike a traditional hernia, where there is bulging in the abdominal wall, a sports hernia is simply a tear/strain of the soft tissue. Usually, this pain increases with activity, especially sports that involve twisting movements or sudden changes in direction.

Labral Tears

Labral tears are an injury to the cartilage around the hip socket. Normally, the labrum is an important structure for stability and movement without dislocation of the hip joint. It can get injured with repetitive movement or high impact activities. 

What are common symptoms of a hip sports injury?

  • Pain around the hip joint, including radiation to the groin, front of the thigh or glutes
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness to the touch around the joint
  • Decreased range of motion in the hip
  • Clicking during hip movements
  • Weakness at the hip
  • Pain with weightbearing activity or movement 
  • Instability, locking or giving out feeling at the hip 

How is a hip sports injury diagnosed?

To diagnose the accurate condition your Physiotherapist and/or doctor will use a combination of physical examinations and diagnostic testing.

Clinical Examination

For the examination, they will ask a series of questions to create a subjective history which includes the mechanism of injury, current symptoms and complaints, pre-existing or previous injuries, and relevant medical history. Next, they will conduct physical/objective testing for the range of motion, strength, and function of the hip. They will perform some special tests to try to reproduce your pain and rule in and rule out certain conditions. 

Imaging Tests

MRIs are used to obtain highly detailed images of the body

If further detail is required, then imaging may be necessary. Then, your doctor might request that you go for an x-ray, ultrasound, MRI or CT scan, depending on the structures involved. 

How does Physiotherapy rehabilitate a hip sports injury?

Initial phase

The focus of this stage is to reduce the pain, inflammation and swelling around the area, and preventany further damage.
Rest – Stop activities that stress the hip or make the pain significantly worse
Ice – Icing the injury 15-20 minutes 3-4 times a day helps with swelling and pain
• Compression – Elastic bandages may help manage pain and swelling
• Elevation – Keep the foot and knee elevated, if possible, to reduce swelling from travelling down the leg

Sub-acute and recovery stage: 

In this stage the focus shifts towards improving range and strength for the patient. Using the combination of:

• Stretching and range of motion exercises – To maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness

• Strengthening – Focused on core and hip stability

• Balance and proprioception training – Restore coordination and balance in the affected side

• Sport-specific drills – Gradual return to sport-specific, quick, and high impact movements

• Return to sport – Finally, returning the athlete back to their sport safely, and giving them strategies to prevent future injuries

• Surgery: In some cases where conservative management fails, or in big traumatic accidents with extensive injuries, surgical procedures may be necesasry.

Need help with a hip pain?

If you are experiencing these symptoms or pain around your hip, look for PhysioNow! We have many expert Physiotherapists that can support your recovery. Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment. With 10 clinics across the GTA from Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, to Etobicoke, you can get help quickly!

I’m having a hip replacement! Do I need physiotherapy?

A hip replacement can be daunting but with the right information and preparation, you can make the recovery very smooth. In this blog we’ll describe the essentials you should know before, during, and after your surgery, and the importance of Physiotherapy Treatment throughout the process. If you are worried about your upcoming surgery, read on to ease your fears!

What is a hip replacement?

A total hip replacement, or Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), is a procedure that replaces damaged bone and cartilage and replaces it with prosthetic components. Specifically, there are two techniques.

  1. Cemented: For more elderly populations or patients who have more sedentary life
    style
  2. Uncemented: For a younger population or patients that have a more active lifestyle

Usually, an uncemented style is preferred as it usually results in more natural movement of the hip and less complications after the surgery. However, it takes a lot longer to heal than a cemented technique. Usually, it takes about 3+ months for there to be a strong fixation between the implant and the bone, whereas cemented is almost instantaneous at the sacrifice of future mobility.

Physiotherapy rehabilitation before the surgery

You may have been seeing a Physiotherapist prior to the surgery to maximize your function, strength, and mobility. In some cases, Physiotherapy Treatment can delay or even remove the necessity of a hip replacement! However, in the cases where we know surgery is inevitable, Physiotherapy Treatment helps you preserve and “prehab” the hip to ensure you come out of the surgery as easily as possible. In this case, treatment may include:

  • Manual therapy for pain relief and mobility
  • Other pain-relieving strategies like electrotherapy, cryo and heat therapy
  • Therapeutic exercises to maximize your hip’s potential prior to surgery
  • Gait and balance training
  • Braces, gait aids and other movement strategies to minimize pain and fatigue

Physiotherapy rehabilitation after a hip replacement

Total hip arthroplasties (THAs) are highly effective procedures with a very smooth recovery process these days. Most patients are able to leave the hospital after a day if there are no complications. Furthermore, there can be immediate improvements in function and pain, especially in patients that had severe hip arthritis or hip joint damage prior to the surgery. However, as amazing as the outcomes can be, post-operative rehabilitation is crucial to ensure that you get there.

In the immediate post-operative phase

The immediate post-operative phase begins as soon as you wake up from anesthesia. Initially in the hospital, Physiotherapy starts right away and gets you moving as soon as possible. Hospital Physiotherapy may look like:

  • Gentle exercises to promote blood circulation and minimize swelling
  • Starting early muscle activation with exercises
  • Assessing and preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis (blood clots)
  • Early functional movements such as moving in bed, sitting or standing at the bedside, walking with a gait aid, stairs
  • Assessing you for discharge from the hospital and ensuring it is safe for you to return to your home
  • Teaching you your hip restrictions (if any, and as indicated by your surgeon)

In the early rehabilitation phase

The early rehabilitation phase spans the first few weeks after surgery. During this period, you will likely be attending an outpatient Physiotherapy clinic. In Ontario, you are entitled to some coverage under OHIP after a THA. Hospitals will give you a referral to Physiotherapy clinics in the area where you may continue your rehab after leaving the hospital. Our clinic, PhysioNow sees many post-operative patients just days after their surgery. In this stage, areas of treatment include:

A Physiotherapist helping their patient with their range of motion into hip flexion
  • Increasing the intensity and difficulty of exercises
  • Scar/incision care and how to manage it at home
  • Increasing the weightbearing ability of your hip
  • Gait, coordination, balance training
  • Education on using gait aids like walkers, canes, rollators
  • Effective pain management using modalities or manual therapy

Intermediate Rehabilitation Phase

The intermediate phase, typically from 4 to 12 weeks post-surgery, aims to build on the progress made in the early phase. Physiotherapy sessions become more intensive, and the focus shifts to normalizing your strength and mobility and starting to reintroduce activities of your normal life and hobbies that you enjoy. Physiotherapy Treatment may include:

Treatment will start to include more weightbearing exercises
  • Incorporating resistance training, weights and functional exercises such as stairs practice
  • Cardiovascular training with lower intensity activities including stationary biking, swimming, walking
  • Gait training without mobility aids, or swapping to aids that give less support
  • Harder balance exercises including dynamic balance with movements, unstable surfaces
  • Manual therapy to try to restore full range of motion in the hip

Late Rehabilitation Phase

The late rehabilitation phase, typically beyond 12 weeks post-surgery, focuses on
preparing the patient for a full return to normal activities, high intensity activities and, if applicable, sports. Physiotherapy sessions will include:

Whatever your sport or preferred activity is, the goal of Physiotherapy is to get you back to it!
  • Advanced balance and proprioception exercises mimicking complex movements and environments
  • A back to sport plan that will gradually expose you and increase your tolerance to high impact activities ex. running, jumping for basketball or volleyball
  • Practice of specific sport skills in the clinic ex. plyometrics, quick direction changes
  • Education on how to take care of your hip long-term

Having a hip replacement surgery soon?

Look for PhysioNow! It is important to make sure that your hip is as strong as possible prior to the surgery. After the surgery, your Physiotherapy will be a progressive process tailored to your individual needs. PhysioNow accepts OHIP patients after a hip or knee surgery, and also offers direct billing for extended health care benefits if you need to continue your treatment for longer. We have 10 spacious locations across the GTA from Burlington to Etobicoke and in between. Book with us today for your first assessment and treatment, or a free 15 minute consult!

Understanding Hip Bursitis: Physio 101

Hip bursitis is a common yet painful condition that affects many individuals. This condition often leads to discomfort, limited mobility, and decreased quality of life. Fortunately, physiotherapy can be an effective approach to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance strength. In this blog, we will explore what hip bursitis is, its symptoms, and how physiotherapy can help in managing and treating this condition.

Understanding Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursae in the hip joint. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles around joints. In the hip, two bursae commonly become inflamed: the trochanteric bursa on the outside of the hip and the iliopsoas bursa on the inside.

Inflamed bursa in hip bursitis

Diagram showing greater trochanteric bursitis

Causes of Hip Bursitis

  1. Repetitive Overuse:  Firstly, continuous activities that involve repetitive hip movements, such as running, cycling, or climbing stairs, can lead to bursitis.
  2. Trauma or Injury: Additionally, a fall or direct impact on the hip can cause inflammation of the bursae.
  3. Muscle Imbalances: Similarly, weak or tight hip muscles can disrupt the biomechanics of the hip joint, increasing the risk of bursitis.
  4. Certain Medical Conditions: Unfortunately, conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout can contribute to bursitis.
  5. Bone Spurs: Also, abnormal bone growth around the hip joint can irritate the bursae and trigger inflammation.

Symptoms of Hip Bursitis

The symptoms can be quite distressing and may include:
  • Pain on the outside of the hip, which can radiate down the thigh.
  • Pain that worsens with activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing for prolonged periods.
  • Swelling and tenderness over the affected bursa.
  • Reduced range of motion and stiffness in the hip joint.
  • Discomfort while lying on the affected hip.

How Physiotherapy Can Help:

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing and treating hip bursitis. Here are some ways in which it can help:
  1. Pain Relief: Physiotherapists use hands-on techniques to reduce pain and inflammation in the hip joint. Additionally, they use modalities like heat, ice, laser therapy to alleviate pain and promote healing.
  2.  Exercise Prescription: Specific stretches can improve hip flexibility and reduce muscle tightness. Similarly, targeted exercises enhance the strength of the hip muscles, helping to stabilize the joint. Finally, exercises that improve balance can reduce the risk of falls and further injury.
  3. Gait Training: Physiotherapists can analyze your walking pattern and provide guidance to reduce stress on the affected hip.
  4. Education and Lifestyle Modification: Educating patients about proper body mechanics and ergonomics can prevent further aggravation of the condition. Also, recommendations for activity modification may be provided to reduce strain on the hip.
  5. Assistive Devices: Depending on your condition, a physiotherapist might recommend assistive devices such as crutches or braces to aid mobility.

What can I do about my hip pain?

Hip bursitis can be a painful and debilitating condition, but with the right approach, you can manage and alleviate its symptoms. Physiotherapy offers a holistic solution by addressing pain, mobility issues, and muscle imbalances. If you suspect you have this condition or are experiencing hip pain, consult a physiotherapist for a personalized treatment plan to help you regain your mobility and improve your quality of life. Remember, early intervention and a dedicated physiotherapy program can make a significant difference in your recovery journey.

Hip fracture

Anatomy of Hip
A hip fracture is a break in the upper quarter of the femur (thigh) bone. The extent of the break depends on the forces that are involved. The type of surgery used to treat a hip fracture is based on the bones and soft tissues affected or on the level of the fracture.
Older people are at a higher risk of hip fracture because bones tend to weaken with age (osteoporosis). Multiple medications, poor vision and balance problems also make older people more likely to trip and fall — one of the most common causes of hip fracture.

? Signs and symptoms of a hip fracture include:
• Inability to move immediately after a fall
• Severe pain in your hip or groin
• Inability to put weight on your leg on the side of your injured hip
• Stiffness, bruising and swelling in and around your hip area
• Shorter leg on the side of your injured hip
• Turning outward of your leg on the side of your injured hip

? Causes of Hip fracture
• falling on a hard surface or from a great height.
• blunt trauma to the hip, such as from a car crash.
• diseases such as osteoporosis, which is a condition that causes a loss of bone tissue.
• obesity, which leads to too much pressure on the hip bones.

? Types of Fractures
In general, there are three different types of hip fractures. The type of fracture depends on what area of the upper femur is involved.
Intracapsular Fracture
These fractures occur at the level of the neck and the head of the femur, and are generally within the capsule. The capsule is the soft-tissue envelope that contains the lubricating and nourishing fluid of the hip joint itself.

Intertrochanteric Fracture

This fracture occurs between the neck of the femur and a lower bony prominence called the lesser trochanter. The lesser trochanter is an attachment point for one of the major muscles of the hip. Intertrochanteric fractures generally cross in the area between the lesser trochanter and the greater trochanter. The greater trochanter is the bump you can feel under the skin on the outside of the hip. It acts as another muscle attachment point.

Subtrochanteric Fracture

This fracture occurs below the lesser trochanter, in a region that is between the lesser trochanter and an area approximately 2 1/2 inches below .

In more complicated cases, the amount of breakage of the bone can involve more than one of these zones. This is taken into consideration when surgical repair is considered.

Treatment for hip fracture: usually involves a combination of surgery, rehabilitation and medication.

? Surgery
The type of surgery you have generally depends on the location and severity of the fracture. Are the broken bones properly aligned? (displaced fracture. What is your age? What are your underlying health conditions?

The options include:

• Internal repair using screws. Metal screws are inserted into the bone to hold it together while the fracture heals. Sometimes screws are attached to a metal plate that runs down the upper thigh.

• Partial hip replacement. If the ends of the broken bone are not lined up or damaged, your surgeon may remove the head and neck of the femur and install a metal replacement (prosthesis).

• Total hip replacement. Your upper thigh and your hip socket are replaced with an artificial one (prostheses). Total hip replacement may be a good option if arthritis or a prior injury has damaged your joint. This may have been affecting your hip function even before the fracture.

? Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is begun as soon as possible after hip fracture surgery, often within a day. The initial goals are to help people retain the level of strength they had before the fracture. You want to keep moving to prevent loss of muscle. You also want to prevent problems that result from bed rest. The ultimate goal is to restore your ability to walk properly without a limp.

Benefits of Rehab

Rehab will help you:

• Restore normal movement in your joint
• Build up strength in the joint and surrounding muscles
• Ease pain and swelling
• Let you get back to your normal activities including walking without a limp
• Help with circulation, particularly right after surgery, so you don’t have problems with blood clots

If you have or someone you know has fractured a hip or had hip replacement surgery, please call PhysioNow. Our experienced physiotherapists would be happy to help with your recovery! Call today to book an appointment!

Trochantric bursitis


Trochanteric bursitis

 

The Trochanteric Bursa is a fluid filled sac near the hip joint. It cushions between the bones and the muscle and acts as a shock absorber. Trochanteric bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa which is at the outside of the hip.

When this bursa is irritated it causes pain on the outside of the hip and thigh.  Sometimes you may feel the pain down to the knee on the same side.  Another symptom is pain which will stop you from lying on your painful side.  It will be painful when you press on a specific spot on the outside of the hip.  The pain gets worse when climbing stairs, getting up from a low chair getting out of a car.  Sitting with crossed legs hurts.  Both  walking and running may also cause increased pain.

Causes of Trochanteric Bursitis

  • Any direct Injury to the outside of the hip like falling, or bumping into an object.
  • Incorrect posture due to muscle imbalance
  • Leg length difference.
  • Stress of soft tissues surrounding the hip due to hip Osteoarthritis
  • Friction of the ITB (Ilio Tibial Band: a muscle along the side of the hip)
  • Overuse injuries like standing for long periods of time
  • Other diseases which affect the hip like Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Previous surgeries around the hip
  • Very rarely infection of the bursa

Registered Physiotherapy Treatment

Your Registered Physiotherapist can help you to reduce the pain and inflammation.  They will use electrotherapy modalities, taping, or acupuncture.  They will give you  advice on activity limitations in the early stages.

Later the treatment is focussed towards increasing the flexibility and strength in the muscles.  Your Physiotherapist will  increase the hip joint range of movement and correct your hip joint mechanics.

Trochanteric bursitis

Trochanteric bursitisTrochanteric bursitis

Finally the focus is towards preventing it from happening again.

General Advice on prevention

Your Registered Physiotherapist will look at your posture, hip stability, and core strength.  They will look to see if you  need Orthotics to address any problems with your legs or feet.

 Tips for prevention of Trochanteric Bursitis:

  • Whenever you start a new activity, try to take it slow and build up your activity level gradually.
  • Start with  less force or resistance, less repetitions and progress gradually.
  • Avoid or modify repetitive activities if it is putting any stress on the hip joint
  • Your footwear should be comfortable
  • Maintain flexibility and strength in your lower extremity muscles
  • Improve your core muscle strength

If you or someone you know may have Trochanteric bursitis, call PhysioNow Today!  We would be happy to get you started on your treatment and back to enjoying all the things you love to do!