hip pain - read for help - there might be hope

September 11, 2005

Joanna

I have had hip pain for over 11 years. It is the type of pain that gets

worse in the groin area (like something is pinching) when I stand for only a

few minutes. It is also the type of pain to where I have not been able to

lie on my right side for those 11 years because the pain was too much. Nor

could I walk with ease because of the pain. I have had X-rays done several

times now and they say there is not arthritis.

I finally asked my Neurologist if a Physical Therapist might help. I felt

like I needed a physical therapist over a chiropractor because I wanted to

focus on the pain area. I also felt I needed to be an active part in

maintaining the pain (if anyone could help me) and that a Therapist would

train me on things I could do to help keep the pain down to something I can

tolerate.

Well, I am happy to report that it has helped a great deal. The pain is not

all gone, but my what a difference.

I sure hope this note helps someone out there. I cannot believe I went on

with this much pain for 11 years and 12 visits to a Manual Physical

Therapist (and doing the exercises they gave me - all laying down, nothing

on my feet) altered this pain significantly. I will probably see them 1 time

month on an ongoing basis to go through the Therapy they use on my hip

muscle just to keep things under control. See I may walk faster and stand up

straighter now, but I still have foot drop and will always abuse my hip

because of it... that is why it will be a continual thing for me.

Now don't just go to any physical therapist, choose one that does Manual

Physical Therapy. I have explained what it is below...

I sure hope I can just give someone else a light of hope at trying this. If

I can keep someone else from 11 years of significant pain in the hip area,

it would be really nice.

the hands-on treatment of impairments found during the assessment.

The goal is to restore the injured tissues to normal function. Manual

therapy is combined with exercise to promote:

* healthy and efficient joint motion

* maximal muscle strength and endurance

* coordination of movement with daily activities and recreational

sports

Please give it a try - you won't know till you do.

Gail Tibbetts

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