Understanding Hip Pain

What’s Happening in Your Hip?

• Hip pain is often caused by osteoarthritis, a condition where the cartilage in your hip joint wears down over time. Think of cartilage as a cushion that helps your hip joint move smoothly. When this cushion wears away, moving your hip can feel painful, much like driving a car without shock absorbers.

Non-Surgical Treatment Option

Before considering surgery, explore these non-surgical treatments to manage your hip pain

1. Aqua Aerobics

• What is it? A low-impact exercise performed in water.

• How does it help? The water supports your weight, making it easier to move without putting stress on your hip.

This can reduce pain and improve your mobility.

2. Physical Therapy

• What is it? Guided exercises by a trained physical therapist.

• How does it help? Strengthening the muscles around your hip provides better support and can reduce pain.

3. Injections

• What are they? Medical treatments that can help reduce pain and inflammation.

• How do they help? Injections give you more time to explore non-surgical options before considering surgery.

Preparing for Surgery

If you and your doctor decide that hip replacement surgery is necessary, here are steps to ensure the best outcome:

• Get Strong Before Surgery

• Why? The stronger and more conditioned your muscles are before surgery, the better your recovery will be.

• Focus on: Strengthening your legs, core, and upper body, as these play a vital role in your post-surgery

rehabilitation.

Remember

• Surgery isn't always the first or only solution.

Exploring options like aqua aerobics, physical therapy, and injections can make a significant difference.

• If surgery is needed, being in the best possible shape beforehand will help you recover faster and more effectively.

Managing hip pain is a journey, and you don’t have to go through it alone. If you have questions or need guidance, check out additional resources and tips available to you.