If you have hip or joint pain, a hip rehabilitation program can help reduce the pain and improve your quality of life.
The term “hip school” is popular in Great Britain and Europe. It refers to a formalized program of hip care that is usually conducted in groups. Some hip schools aim to help people to improve hip function so they can avoid hip replacement surgery. Other hip school programs prepare people for hip surgery or help them with post-surgery rehabilitation.
No matter what they are called, hip rehabilitation programs can help people achieve significant reductions in hip pain and disability. In a study reported in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism, people with hip problems who attended a six-month hip school led by physical therapists had less pain, fewer limitations in their activities, and better health-related quality of life. They also had fewer sleep disturbances and greater physical mobility. These benefits lasted for at least six months after completion of the program.
If you have significant hip pain and disability, a hip rehabilitation program could help. Ask your doctor, who may give you a recommendation or referral. Local hospitals, orthopedic centers, and physical therapy groups also offer such programs.
If your hips are generally healthy but you are at risk for developing hip problems, a general program of hip-strengthening exercises is a good idea. Besides rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, risk factors for hip pain and disability include osteoporosis, previous hip injury, excess weight, and sitting for long periods each day.
If you already have mild hip discomfort, exercising in water is ideal. This doesn’t put extra stress on your joints and makes it easier to move your hip through its range of motion. Exercising against the resistance of water builds muscle strength and provides some aerobic conditioning. Many health clubs and community pools offer aquatic exercise classes. But be sure that the program is appropriate for people with arthritis. Your local chapter of The Arthritis Foundation may be able to direct you to programs geared specifically to arthritis.
Although water exercise is easiest on your joints, you also need to spend some time exercising on land. That’s because weight-bearing exercise improves balance, helps prevent osteoporosis, and is necessary to build and maintain strength in the muscles that support the hip (such as the quadriceps, gluteals, and hamstrings).
Walking is an ideal type of weight-bearing exercise. Try to walk on most days of the week. To improve and maintain flexibility, try some beginning yoga postures. Strength training also is important to build strong supporting muscles for your hips. Check with your physician first and get some instruction from a physical therapist or a personal trainer who is knowledgeable about arthritis.
For more Alerts and Special Reports, please visit the Arthritis Topic page.
