Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy with a Riverside physical therapist. Physical therapists are health care professionals educated in anatomy and physiology, the study of the mechanical and physical functions of the human body.

Physical therapy is used to rehabilitate injured joints and to strengthen tendons, ligament and supporting muscles around your hip.

If your hip pain is the result of arthritis, physical therapy can help you fight back with muscular strength and flexibility. The stronger your muscles are the more they can act like shock absorbers and reduce the pressure experienced by the weight bearing surfaces inside your hip. The result is less pain. 

Evaluation
Your treatment will begin with a thorough evaluation. You’ll be asked questions about your overall health, lifestyle and activities. Your therapist will assess the current condition of your hip function including your pain level, range of motion and strength.

Road to recovery
Using all this information, you and your therapist will establish treatment goals and you’ll be given a “Road to Recovery” customized treatment plan. For instance, your goals may include increasing the range of motion in your hip or to reduce pain or to increase your endurance. Your therapist and orthopaedic surgeon will stay in communication and coordinate your program and progress.

Therapy
During appointments, you’ll receive rehabilitation therapy. Early in your treatment, the focus will be on relieving your pain and stabilizing the hip. Then you’ll work to strengthen the surrounding muscles, ligaments and tendons with a goal to restoring range of motion, flexibility and function.

Exercise programs
Expect to receive an exercise program to perform between sessions either at home or at one of our fully equipped Riverside Fitness and Wellness Centers. The fitness centers offer a variety of equipment and classes that are gentle on your aching hip such as water aerobics, swimming, or stationary bicycling. As your function and strength improves, you will receive new, more challenging exercises to ensure that your progress continues.

Education
A part of your physical therapy is educational. You’ll learn how to avoid further injuries. In the case of arthritis, you’ll be taught strategies for living with reduced mobility and exercises to keep your supporting muscles strong.