Don’t let your pain be a pain in the butt.
Have you ever had a nagging pain in the region of the pelvis or hip? Pain or discomfort in the pelvic region and the hip may be related. Since the hip is a weight bearing joint, pain and discomfort in the hip can cause problems with sitting, standing and walking.
The bones, muscles, and ligaments of the hip and pelvic region act as protection for internal organs such as the bladder. Depending on the severity of the injury, pain in this region, such as a hip fracture, may cause difficulty when urinating and/or abdominal pain.
Pelvic pain can have many sources including chronic pain and fractures in the pelvis. Participation in athletic programs, bicycling injuries and vehicle accidents may cause fractures in the hip.
Low-impact injuries in the elderly are usually precipitated by osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Falls are a major area of concern for the elderly. Causes include deterioration in balance, impaired vision and unintended obstacles like slippery floors, rugs and even pets. Fractures as a direct result of falls in the elderly can lead to complications such as cardiovascular disorders, pulmonary problems and infections.
A period of rest and recovery is essential after any injury, but hip and pelvic fractures pose unique challenges. An extended period of bed rest is needed to allow time to heal. Reduced muscle tone and weakness may ensue. It can also result in a reduction in joint mobility. Physical therapy helps mitigate the effects of bed rest. Once a patient is weight bearing, a therapist can facilitate recovery using some of the following methods:
Joint and Soft Tissue Manipulation – Specialized techniques help restore movement, and therapeutic massage is used to reduce muscle tension, control pain and facilitate range of motion.
Customized Exercise Programs – Specialized routines are tailored to the individual abilities of the patient and can be performed with or without equipment. The method increases strength, maintains tone and sustains range of movement.
Training with Assistive Devices – Physical therapists provide patients with help in learning to move with crutches, canes, wheelchairs, and walkers.
No one wants to experience pain and discomfort, especially the kind that prevents you from doing simple things like sitting, standing and walking. From a human anatomy standpoint, pain in the hip and pelvis affects your ability to bear weight on those joints. In fact, problems in the lower back are related to hip pain and vice versa.
Once we gather all the information from you, we use our training and insight to formulate a treatment program designed for your unique needs. If you or someone you know has experienced a pelvic fracture or you have any questions about physical therapy, please give In Touch Physical Therapy a call today at 507-451-7888. We will present you with several options to work with us, and answer any questions you might have.