Hip stress fractures are injuries commonly seen in athletes and active individuals, particularly those engaged in repetitive movements like running or dancing. These tiny cracks in the bone cause significant discomfort and severely limit mobility. The good news is that work injury physiotherapy Edmonton plays a vital role in rehabilitating individuals with hip-stress fractures. Discover how work injury physiotherapy in Edmonton can support the recovery and enhance healing.
1. Exercise Therapy
Gentle Range of Motion Exercises
In the early stages of rehabilitating a hip stress fracture, restoring the range of motion is crucial. Stress fractures often cause stiffness and discomfort, limiting mobility. Rehabilitation at this stage involves gentle exercises to improve flexibility without putting excess pressure on the injured bone. One example is the Hip Flexor Stretch. This is done by lying flat with legs extended, bending one knee toward the chest while keeping the opposite leg straight. The bent knee is gently pulled closer to the chest using the hands, creating a stretch in the hip and lower back. Holding for 20-30 seconds before releasing and repeating 3-4 times on each leg helps maintain flexibility and prepares for more advanced exercises.
Strengthening Exercises for Hip Stability
As healing progresses and pain subsides, strengthening exercises are introduced to rebuild muscle and stabilize the hip. It targets the muscles that support the hip, such as the glutes, quadriceps, and core. The Glute Bridge is one effective exercise. Begin by lying on the back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Tighten the core and glutes, then lift the hip off the ground until the body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees. Holding this position for 3-5 seconds before lowering back down and repeating for 10-12 repetitions helps strengthen muscles supporting the hips, improving pelvic stability and reducing strain on the healing bone.
Weight-Bearing Progression Exercises
Once the fracture has healed sufficiently, weight-bearing exercises are gradually introduced to restore the body’s ability to stand, walk, and run. A common exercise at this stage is Partial Weight-Bearing Step-Ups. Stand before a sturdy step or low platform and step onto it with one foot, slowly lifting the opposite foot and balancing briefly before stepping back down. This movement is repeated 8-10 times on each leg, starting with a low step and increasing height as strength improves. This controlled loading encourages bone remodelling and helps rebuild strength for weight-bearing activities.
2. Manual Therapy Techniques
Joint Mobilization
A physiotherapist uses gentle, controlled movements applied to the hip joint to perform joint mobilization. The therapist may place the patient in a comfortable position, such as lying on their back or side. With the patient relaxed, the therapist carefully moves the hip through its range of motion, applying light pressure to improve joint movement and reduce stiffness. These movements are typically slow and deliberate to ensure they do not cause discomfort. Work injury physiotherapy aims to enhance flexibility, alleviate pain, and improve circulation in the early stages of hip stress rehabilitation.
Soft Tissue Mobilization
In soft tissue mobilization, the therapist uses their hands to apply various techniques, such as kneading and friction, to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the hip. The patient may be positioned lying on their back or side, depending on the area being treated. The therapist applies pressure and performs strokes to release muscle tightness and improve blood flow. This technique helps reduce discomfort and promotes relaxation in the soft tissues, supporting the overall healing process.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release involves the therapist applying sustained pressure to specific areas of tightness in the fascia surrounding the muscles. The patient typically lies in a comfortable position while the therapist uses their hands to locate and apply gentle, sustained pressure to tight spots in the fascia. The pressure is held for several minutes, allowing the fascia to release its tension gradually. This technique helps to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and improve function in the hip and pelvic region by addressing restrictions in the connective tissue.
3. Shockwave Therapy
During Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, the patient typically lies on an examination table, and a device is used to deliver high-energy sound waves. The therapist moves the device over the affected region, which generates acoustic waves that penetrate the skin and stimulate healing. The therapy promotes increased blood flow and accelerates tissue repair. The treatment is non-invasive and typically involves multiple sessions, each lasting about 10-15 minutes, depending on the patient’s specific needs.
4. Postural Correction
Postural realignment exercises aim to improve overall posture and reduce strain on the hip. For example, in pelvic tilts, the patient lies on their back with knees bent on the floor. The patient then tightens their abdominal muscles and gently tilts the pelvis upward, flattening the lower back against the floor. This position is held for a few seconds before relaxing. For wall squats, the patient stands with their back against a wall and slowly lowers their body into a squat position while keeping their back straight and knees aligned with their toes. These exercises help improve alignment, support balanced movement patterns, and reduce strain on the healing hip.
Take the Next Step in Your Hip Stress Recovery
Rehabilitating a hip stress fracture requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on restoring mobility, building strength, and preventing future injuries. With the right work injury physiotherapy in Edmonton, you can regain your function and return to your regular activities safely and effectively. At Turning Point Physiotherapy in Edmonton, our experienced physiotherapists help you to recover from injuries like hip stress fractures. Whether you’re an athlete or an active individual, our personalized programs of WCB physiotherapy are designed to support your recovery journey. Schedule a consultation today towards full recovery.
