Hip Flexor Strain Physiotherapy Brisbane southside.

What is a Hip Flexor Strain?
Hip flexor strains are injuries to the hip flexor muscles, which are located at the front of the hip and are responsible for lifting the knee towards the torso or allowing you to bend at the waist. These injuries are common among athletes, especially in sports that require a lot of running, kicking, or sudden changes in direction.

What causes a Hip Flexor Strain?

• Overuse: Repetitive movements can lead to strains, especially in sports like running, cycling, or soccer.
• Lack of Flexibility: Tight hip flexors can be more prone to injury.
• Weak Muscles: If the muscles around the hip are weak, the hip flexors can become strained from compensating.
• Improper Warm-up: Not warming up adequately before physical activity can increase the risk of strains.

​What are the symptoms of a Hip Flexor Strain?

• Pain: Usually felt in the front of the hip or groin.
• Swelling and Inflammation: Mild to moderate swelling can occur.
• Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty with hip flexion, like lifting the leg.
• Muscle Weakness: It may be difficult to climb stairs or run.
• Bruising: In more severe cases, bruising may appear.
• Stiffness: After periods of rest, such as waking up in the morning.

How is a Hip Flexor Strain diagnosed?

• Physical Tests: To assess pain, range of motion, and strength.
• Imaging: An X-ray to rule out bone fractures, and an MRI or ultrasound to view the soft tissues.

How is a Hip Flexor Strain prevented?

• Warm-up Properly: Prior to exercise, perform dynamic stretches to prepare the muscles.
• Strengthening Exercises: Strong hip flexors can withstand more stress.
• Flexibility: Stretch regularly to maintain muscle elasticity.
• Gradual Increase in Activity: Ramp up the intensity of your workouts gradually.

​How can physiotherapy help with a Hip Flexor Strain?
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the recovery and rehabilitation process for a hip flexor strain. The main goals of physiotherapy in this context are to reduce pain and inflammation, promote healing, restore normal muscle function, and prevent future injury. Here's how physiotherapy can help at different stages of recovery from a hip flexor strain:

1. Acute Phase (Initial Injury)
   • Pain Management: Physiotherapists can use techniques such as ice, heat, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
   • Protection: Guidance on how to protect the injured muscle from further injury, including advice on activity modification and the use of supportive devices if necessary.

1. Sub-Acute Phase (Healing and Early Recovery)
   • Gentle Stretching: As pain allows, the physiotherapist will introduce gentle stretches to maintain flexibility and prevent the formation of scar tissue that could limit mobility.
   • Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises will be given to strengthen not only the injured hip flexor but also the surrounding muscles to support recovery and protect the joint.
   • Manual Therapy: Techniques such as massage and mobilisations can help to increase blood flow to the area, which promotes healing and can help to restore movement.
2. Rehabilitation Phase (Restoring Function)
   • Advanced Strengthening: As healing progresses, more advanced and sport-specific exercises will be introduced to ensure the muscle regains its pre-injury strength and function.
   • Functional Training: The physiotherapist will focus on functional training to help the patient return to normal activities or sport. This might include running drills, change of direction activities, and plyometrics tailored to the individual's needs and goals.
   • Balance and Proprioception: Re-educating the body’s sense of position (proprioception) and improving balance are important to ensure proper movement patterns and to prevent re-injury.
   • Education: Advice on proper techniques and ergonomics for sports and everyday movements to reduce the strain on the hip flexors.
3. Maintenance Phase (Prevention of Future Injury)
   • Maintenance Program: The physiotherapist will design a long-term exercise program that the patient can continue to strengthen and stretch the hip flexors and associated muscles.
   • Sport-Specific Skills: Athletes will work on skills that apply directly to their sport, with emphasis on proper form to reduce the risk of future hip flexor strain.
   • Graduated Return to Activity: Guiding the patient on how to safely increase their activity level and return to full participation in sports or activities without overloading the healing tissues.

Considerations for Return to Sport/Activity:

• Full Range of Motion: The physiotherapist will ensure that the athlete has restored full range of motion in the hip joint.
• Strength: The hip flexor strength should be comparable to the uninjured side.
• Function: The individual should be able to perform all the functions of their sport or activity without pain.
• Pain: Ideally, there should be no pain during or after activity.
• Psychological Readiness: Confidence in the injured muscle is important. The physiotherapist may use techniques such as imagery and other psychological strategies to assist with a full return to sport.

​By following a tailored physiotherapy program, patients with a hip flexor strain can expect a gradual return to their previous levels of activity, while minimising the risk of recurrence.
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If you or a loved one has questions about Hip Flexor Strains and how our physiotherapists might be able to help please call us on 07 3706 3407 or email [email protected]. We would love to work with you!

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Who to book in with:

Yulia Khasyanova
Physiotherapist.

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Bethany Kippen
Physiotherapist.

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Emma Cameron
Physiotherapist and Exercise Scientist.

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