Hip Pain Specialist

Factors that contribute to hip pain include:

• Biomechanical imbalances
• Fascial distortions and densifications
• Failed load transfer
• Joint hypermobility
• Gait abnormalities
• Muscle weaknesses
• Compensatory movement patterns developed over time
• Old injuries in the lower kinetic chain that were never properly rehabilitated, affecting hip alignment and function

Conventional treatment of hip pain often begins with physical therapy and ends with surgery, without ever addressing its root cause. We believe that successful diagnosis of hip pain can only be achieved using objective tools, and that surgery should be the absolute last resort.

We use the most advanced motion and gait analysis technology and the highest resolution musculoskeletal ultrasonography found in any private clinic in the USA to accurately identify the exact cause of your hip pain. From there, we create a customized treatment plan based on your unique diagnostic profile.

Before beginning physical therapy, we pretreat your damaged tissues, address fascial adhesions and trigger points, and restore functional joint range of motion. Only then do we begin to build strength and stability using specialized physical therapy.

In addition to ultrasound imaging and gait analysis, our assessment protocol includes:

• Combined lumbopelvic hip stability test using DLEST methodology with C.A.R.E.N, our computer assisted rehab environment.
• 3D star excursion banner test (SEBT) to assess the hip joint’s effect on postural stability.
• 3D kinematic joint angle analysis during a squat, lunge, drop jump and pelvis-on-hip rotation.
• Rehabilitative ultrasonography to view hip stabilizer activation patterns.
• ForceFrame total body isometric testing to identify imbalances in muscle strength and symmetry.

We use your collected data to create a baseline and a personalized treatment plan, We monitor your progress every step of the way, to ensure you get the fastest and most effective results.

Strategies for Preventing Hip Pain

A strong and stable hip and pelvic region is fundamental to long-term mobility. Once hip pain becomes chronic, it can set off a cascade of issues that affect structures throughout your body. In response to chronic pain, you are likely to develop compensation strategies to offload the affected hip.

As pain persists, compensation patterns can become habitual, affecting your spinal and joint alignment anywhere along the kinetic chain. This can result in inefficient muscle recruitment patterns, fascial densifications, and nerve compression that sends pain signals to the brain.

To avoid chronic hip pain, adopt these positive strategies:

• Get regular physical activity that recruits the hip extensor muscles (glutes and hamstrings). Walking, swimming and resistance training can make a world of difference in hip function. Core exercises can help to strengthen and stabilize the abdominal and pelvic muscles that support hip stability and alignment.
• Avoid excessive sitting. If you sit for work, take frequent breaks to move and stretch. Focus on stretching the hip flexors and chest – areas that become stiff and tight from sitting and computer work.
• Develop static and dynamic posture awareness to monitor how you stand, sit and move throughout the day. Look for asymmetrical patterns like shifting your weight to one leg while standing, sitting with one leg tucked beneath you, or favoring one side of the body to carry loads.
• Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. Carrying excess weight, especially in your midsection, can place extra stress on the hip and pelvic region.
• If you’re already physically active, consider getting a 3D gait and motion analysis to identify mechanical issues that can lead to hip pain.
• Drink plenty of water to supply your muscles and fascia with the fluids they need to function properly.