How Physical Therapists Can Address Hip Disorders

The hip... anatomically the joint seems simple right?  I'm sure all of you have made one hand a fist and cupped your opposite hand to give a visual of what the joint is like - ball and socket.  Granted, you obviously know the pelvic/hip region really isn't that simple.  You never delve into a deep explanation with patients because you don't have the time and you don't want patients to begin to have that glazed look of boredom in their eyes.  What patient really wants a lecture on the bones, the labrum, the nerves, the muscles, the lumbar spine?  ( Unless, of course, it is directly related to that specific patient.)

The concept of regional interdependence was recently shared.  Regional interdependence can also a factor whenever someone has a complaint of problems in the hip/pelvic region.  The joint proper seems so simple; reality ensures all isn't as simple as one might first perceive.  This means the examination and evaluation process will be a bit more involved than focusing on joint range of motion and strength of the hip joint.  So, how do you know what to treat?  How do you know where the problem may be?

On February 20 from 1-4:30 pm during the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, Keelan Enseki, PT, Rob Roy Martin, PT and Marc Safran, MD will present "Current Concepts in Differential Diagnosis, Classification-Based Treatment, and Surgical Management of Hip Disorders."

photo by cobblucas via Flickr

~Selena