Flip the Script on Your Hip Pain
Flip the Script on Your Hip Pain
Every Spring, I see many clients with these complaints…
My hip pain wakes me up at night when I sleep on my side.
When I hike, the outside of my hip hurts.
My IT Band is always very tight.
I think I have hip bursitis.
Does this sound like you?
These symptoms may be coming from a condition called gluteal tendinopathy. This is a
degenerative condition of particular hip tendons characterized by a breakdown of the tendon
tissue. Contrary to popular belief, it is not caused by inflammation of the tendons.
Dr. Alison Grimaldi, an international expert on hips, says that about 25% of women between 50
and 70 years old have this type of hip pain. (Source)
What is tricky about dealing with gluteal tendinopathy is that the things that usually make
you feel better with other conditions will make this worse. Things like…
- working through the pain
- clamshell exercises
- stretching your IT band or hip muscles
The first step in addressing hip issues like these is to get a thorough evaluation from a physical therapist.
Together, we will make sure that the pain is not coming from your spine or from your
nerves. We will look at the mechanics of your hip joint thoroughly and perform a screening for
hip arthritis.
The second step is to teach you how to manage this condition. You will learn…
- how to strengthen your hips safely
- what the right amount of activity is for you
- techniques to prevent this from worsening
- how to sleep through the night again
If you would like to read more, here is an excellent website with free resources and podcasts
on this topic. Visit Hip Pain Resources
Don’t let hip pain slow you down this Spring!
I am Jennifer Benton with Being in Balance Physical Therapy. I have 25+ years of experience in the physical therapy field and have studied with a physical therapist for the United States and Great Britain Olympic Equestrian teams.
I provide sessions at your home or at your barn (with barn management approval) and am happy to work with your riding instructor.
Contact me directly at 510-543-1637 for a free phone consultation or to book a session.
