4 Ways on How to Relieve Hip Pain

The hip joint is essentially a ball and socket joint that is designed to provide a near unrestricted range of motion and withstand this cyclic process and the wear and tear it brings along. Due to the frequency of usage, the hip joint can break down easily. The soft tissues located in the hip will be overused and injuries such as fractures and sprains can then happen, leading to hip pain. We will discuss about some ways to relieve hip pain in this article.

Stretching exercises

Stretching exercises help to keep the target group muscles warm and flexible. Exercises will increase blood flow to the area, bringing more nutrients such as oxygen and aiding repair works. Hip exercises such as bridging can help to relief hip pain. You simply have to lie down on your back and raise your butt off the ground while contracting your abs muscle. Hold in this position for 10 seconds and repeat for 3 sets.

Aquatic therapy

The main benefit of aquatic therapy is the reduced stresses acting on the injured joints. As the name suggests, it takes place in the water. Aqua therapy uses the unique buoyancy of water properties to assist in healing, conditioning and strengthening of the joints, allowing patients to perform the therapy in a painless manner yet significantly aiding the recovery plan. The viscosity properties of water allow a gentle resistance to build up the body's mechanism.

Medication

During sudden onset of hip pain, pain relief medication is able to produce a temporal solution to counter the problem and allow patients to relax. Medication can only be a stop gap measure as it does not solve the root of the problem and that can only be solved by exercises, physical therapy or surgery.

Ice packs

Ice packs help to bring down swelling and calm irritated nerves and tissues in the hip region. Ice also contracts the blood vessels, reducing the amount of blood flow in the region. This will help to produce a temporary pain relief effect similar to medication but the effective duration is shorter.

Discussed above are 4 ways to help reduce hip pain. Hip pain is inevitable at some point in our lives due to the wear and tear of the cartilage lining. Joint supplements may be able to help alleviate the pain to a certain extent and is best taken when you are still young and active.