Treating Hip Pain — Sciatica

Hip pain can be mild during specific movements, or unbearable even at rest. For an accurate assessment, it is important to determine whether the pain is triggered by movement, which movements bring it on, how long it takes to subside, or whether it persists at rest and for how long. It is also important to determine whether there is night pain and how long it lasts. Hip pain may have the following characteristics:

• Sharp

• Like a knife

• Like a blow

• Burning

• Like an electric shock

• Superficial

• Deep

• Mild

• Dull

• Continuous

• Intermittent

When hip pain appears, the immediate steps we take are:

• Resting the leg and avoiding the activity that causes the pain

• Gentle stretches of the hip, knee and foot, which maintain the flexibility of the leg

• Resting the leg with the hip slightly flexed at 30 degrees, supported by a pillow

Assessment by the physiotherapist is essential in order to identify the affected structures and to rule in or rule out the coexistence of other pathological conditions that present with similar symptoms, such as:

• Hip osteoarthritis

• Trochanteric bursitis

• Gluteus medius or minimus tendinopathy

• Bursitis

• Tendinopathy of the short hip rotators

• Tear of the gluteus medius or minimus tendons

• Snapping Hip Syndrome

• Hip fracture

The assessment by Orthopaedic Manual Physiotherapist Mr Konstantinos Danalis is carried out through a detailed case history, the performance of clinical tests, and the trial treatment that follows.

The priority is to reduce the pain, which in some patients can be extremely acute. This is achieved through a combination of therapeutic options, such as specialised massage and the application of electrotherapy, which will reduce the pain in every case. Next, the hip is mobilised with targeted exercises. Gradually, as movement increases, strengthening, balance and proprioception exercises are introduced. The interventions applied are:

• Stretches and stretching exercises to increase flexibility

• Dynamic stability and strengthening

• Orthopaedic Manual Physiotherapy to reduce pain and increase mobility

• Electrophysical modalities such as diathermy, cryotherapy and electrotherapy, to reduce pain and inflammation

• TECAR for deep heating of the tissues and faster recovery

Athanasia A.

Mr Danalis is a thoroughly professional practitioner who gives the patient and their problem the attention they need. Most importantly, however, the quality and effectiveness of the treatment are outstanding, delivered in a creative and, above all, productive way. I recommend him without reservation.

Erifyli S.

Mr Danalis knows his field very well and takes a personal, dedicated interest in his patient! He has a positive attitude and has helped me a great deal!! I trust him completely and recommend him without reservation.

Giota S.

He knows his field very well, spent a long time working on my problem, and truly earned my trust! I will definitely recommend him!

To prevent sciatica in chronic cases, a monthly programme is required that includes:

• Orthopaedic manual massage

• A structured exercise programme

Further advice on prevention and self-management by the patient can be found at the links below:

• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association

• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association

• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association

• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association

• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association

The cost of treatment is not high. Usually 6 sessions are required, in which the treatment programme is adapted each time to the patient's current condition. Once the symptoms have subsided, a structured exercise programme is introduced to prevent any relapses. The programme is provided to the patient electronically so that they can follow it on their own, but there is also the option of online supervision at a low cost. The patient has the continuous support and communication they need with the physiotherapist, in order to address any difficulties.

If you have hip pain, call PhysioDanali today for specialised advice from the physiotherapist!

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