Physical Therapy Management of Athletic Injuries of the Hip

Growth in the overall number of individuals participating in organized sports has contributed to an increase in the prevalence of hip-related injuries. Rehabilitation goals established for an athlete require the inclusion of knowledge associated with both the physical and psychological demands of one’s sport and expectation. Developing an intervention that meets the needs of an athlete must include consideration of the most efficient method of returning one to athletic activity with minimal risk of compromising the healing process. While the majority of the athletic injuries to the hip involve damage to soft tissue components in the form of muscle strains, contusions, and capsuloligamentous insult, the nature of some weight-bearing and contact activities lend themselves to more traumatic injuries, such as fractures to the femur and pelvis. Likewise, similar stress-related fractures may be found as the result of repetitive stress to a weaker aspect of an osseous structure. The key to successful treatment intervention begins with understanding the process of formulating appropriate measurements and assessment tools to create a differential diagnosis of the injury to the hip. In some cases, formal rehabilitation, conservative or aggressive, may successfully manage the injury at hand; while, in others, a failed rehabilitative approach will require surgical intervention followed by additional therapy. Externally applied wraps and pads can be used as part of the treatment intervention of hip injuries for added protection when appropriate. Overall, an accurate assessment of a hip injury combined with an evidence-based approach can lead to successful rehabilitative outcomes.

Keywords: hip, athlete, rehabilitation, strain, fracture