Falling can be a scary experience, and hip pain is often one of the most common injuries after a fall. Whether it’s a bruise, a strain, or something more severe, hip pain from a fall can impact your ability to move comfortably and enjoy daily life. At Unified Rehabilitation, we can help you recover from hip pain and prevent future injuries.
Common Injuries from a Fall
Falls can lead to a range of hip injuries, some more serious than others. Identifying the cause of your pain is the first step toward effective treatment.
What Types of Hip Injuries Can Falls Cause?
- Hip Fractures
A direct impact during a fall can result in a broken bone, which often requires immediate medical attention. Hip fractures cause severe pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. - Hip Contusions
Also known as bruises, these injuries occur when soft tissues are compressed against the bone. Hip contusions often cause tenderness, swelling, and discoloration in the affected area. - Labral Tears
The hip joint is surrounded by a ring of cartilage called the labrum. Sudden impact or twisting during a fall can damage this cartilage, leading to pain and a clicking sensation in the hip.
Recognizing the Signs of a Serious Hip Injury
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms after a fall, it’s essential to seek help with physical therapy:
Pain
Persistent discomfort in the hip or surrounding areas.
Difficulty walking
Trouble standing, bearing weight, or maintaining balance.
Limited range of motion
Stiffness that makes it hard to move the hip joint.
Bruising or visible deformity
Changes in appearance that indicate trauma.
These signs may point to an underlying injury that requires treatment to ensure proper healing.
How Physical Therapy Helps You Recover
Physical therapy plays a vital role in hip pain recovery from a fall. At Unified Rehabilitation, our tailored treatment plans address your specific needs, helping you regain mobility and reduce discomfort.
Relieving Pain with Manual Therapy
Manual therapy uses hands-on techniques to ease tension, improve circulation, and help reduce inflammation. Whether it’s soft tissue manipulation or gentle joint mobilizations, these treatments help provide immediate relief and set the stage for more active rehabilitation.
Restoring Motion with Targeted Exercises
Our therapists guide you through safe, effective exercises to restore your natural range of motion in your hip joint. Stretching and mobility activities focus on reducing stiffness while preventing further strain.
Strengthening the Hip for Long-Term Stability
Weak muscles around the hip can prolong recovery and increase the risk of future injuries. Strengthening exercises target key muscle groups, such as the glutes, hamstrings, and core, to better support the hip joint.
Improving Balance and Coordination
Falls often result in reduced confidence and stability. Physical therapy includes balance and coordination activities to rebuild your confidence and reduce the risk of falling again. Drills such as standing on one leg or using a balance board can improve your stability and coordination.
Empowering You with Education
At Unified Rehabilitation, knowledge is a key part of recovery. That’s why we offer guidance to help you manage symptoms and prevent future falls, including:
- Making lifestyle adjustments: Modify activities to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the hip.
- Learning proper movement techniques: Improve posture and mechanics to protect your hip during everyday tasks.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery with Unified Rehabilitation
Hip pain from a fall doesn’t have to keep you from living life to the fullest. At Unified Rehabilitation, we provide evidence-based physical therapy tailored to your unique needs, helping you reduce pain, regain mobility, and prevent future injuries.