If you’re dealing with mild to severe hip pain, whether caused by an injury, arthritis, or bursitis, you are not alone. Many people suffer from this very same condition, and many are trying to reduce their aches and pains through natural therapies.
Learning how to effectively relieve hip pain could also help remedy any spine and/or joint pain you're experiencing. According to a recent study published in September 2017 by the New York-based orthopedic and rheumatology Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), and Harvard Medical School, there is a “significant association between foot pain and knee or hip pain.” As a result, treating one pain point could potentially help another.
If you are experiencing chronic discomfort, there are opportunities for healing and recovery. Consider the following natural treatments:
Swimming
Low-impact exercise, especially swimming, is beneficial for everyone, regardless of whether or not you’re suffering from chronic pain. This is because it provides a great workout without putting too much strain on your body. Be sure to ask a reliable medical professional about the most effective exercises for your individual health condition.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy aims to alleviate muscle tenderness almost immediately. Trigger points, also known as muscle knots, can affect various areas of the body, not just the hip. This includes the neck, shoulders, knees and back. Trigger points can significantly reduce an individual's quality of life, causing long-lasting stiffness and limited range of motion. Performing basic activities, such as walking or sitting, can become unbearable obstacles, which can increase stress levels and make achieving daily tasks more difficult.
Trigger point therapy addresses muscle knots via lidocaine injections, which could reduce any pain you’re feeling. Patients can drive themselves to and from their appointments and resume their normal, daily schedule, right away, as there is no need for additional time to recover following treatment.
Yoga
Yoga takes you on a physical, emotional and spiritual journey that requires dedication and discipline. It allows for the discovery of a greater sense of self, increased relaxation, improved flexibility and strength. There are specifc yoga positions that could help to relieve hip soreness, including "Pigeon Pose" and "Low Lunge." To learn the best poses for your condition, speak with a licensed yoga instructor.
Acupuncture
Utilized in ancient Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves inserting small, thin needles into the body in various locations, such as the arms and legs. It could help reduce hip pain by releasing the tension in the muscles. This may also assist with any referral pain you’re experiencing, such as leg pain, as a result of your hip issues.
Nutritional Counseling
You may not think of your diet as a factor in relieving hip pain. However, nutritional counseling could prove beneficial, since it helps you maintain a healthy weight, which in turn, puts less stress on your hips. Additionally, there are certain foods that may help those suffering from arthritis, according to the nonprofit Arthritis Foundation. Such foods include: fish, cherries, broccoli, green tea, beans and citrus fruits. Since arthritis can occur in one’s hips, those affected may want to consider incorporating these foods into their diet plans.
Because everyone’s condition is unique, the most optimal and effective way to address your hip pain is to partner with a trusted medical professional to develop a customized treatment plan. Contact the Northport Wellness Center to learn more abour our spine and joint program.
