Do you ever think about your hips? This month's blog takes a look at our hips and why we need to keep them moving. Don't just take my word for it - this month's blog was written by Neda from Podiatry Beyond, a trusted member of the Wellspring Network. Podiatrists are all about the hip to toe so here's what Neda has to say on this topic. Enjoy the read...
Our hips are often taken for granted, yet they play a crucial role in our daily lives. The hips provide stability, mobility, strength and ultimately support the weight of the body when you are walking. As a podiatrist, I have seen firsthand the impact that healthy hips can have on overall lower limb health and well-being. I would define ‘Healthy’ hips as hips
...that are able to function with minimal to no pain during day-to-day activities and that allow an individual to participate in activities that bring them joy and maintain their independence.
To appreciate how remarkable the hips are and the benefits of maintaining mobility as we age, let’s explore its make-up and capabilities. In the human body we have four ball and socket joints, and our hips make up two of those. The ball and socket joint provides great range of motion in multiple directions that are influenced and controlled by muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is a complicated structure that relies heavily on regular use. The term, ‘use it, or lose it’ is heavily applicable to the hips and I’m positive that we’re all familiar with the feeling of stiff hips after sitting for too long during a movie or car trip.
The relationship shared between hip function and quality of life is paramount. A few movements and aspects of our life that we conduct as part of our daily activities without considering the role of the hips include:
Sitting and Standing: Hips allow us to stand upright and sit down comfortably, whether on chairs, toilets, or getting in and out of vehicles.
Movement and Exercise: Hips are pivotal in activities like walking, running, jumping and finer controlled movements within Pilates.
Driving: Whilst seated in the driving position our hips and the hip flexors are placed into a flexed position. This position can be painful for some individuals if there is reduced hip mobility or extreme tightness of the primary hip flexors.
House chores: Bending down to stack the dishwasher or grab the clothes out of the washing machine relies on hip flexion and being able to squat comfortably.
Sleeping: Hip pain can sometimes affect sleep quality in conditions such as hip bursitis, as the pressure application exacerbates pain during certain side-lying sleep positions
If you experience any specific pain or concerns with your hips, it's crucial to consult a health professional. Podiatrists, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and other specialists can provide personalised advice and treatment plans after gathering relevant clinical history and taking your activity levels and goals into consideration. In certain cases, some individuals may require a multidisciplinary approach. Additionally, considering a boutique Pilates studio like Wellspring Pilates can be very beneficial. Professionals like Holly at Wellspring appreciate the importance of hip health and incorporate your goals into tailored Pilates programs, ensuring exercises are safe, effective, and suited to your individual needs.
By encompassing regular hip mobility and strength exercises, your hips are given the best opportunity to stay strong, flexible, and comfortable. Taking care of your hips today will bring numerous benefits in the future, allowing you to enjoy an active and independent lifestyle.
Thanks, Neda for this helpful insight into our hips! I encourage any Wellspringers experiencing hip pain to consider seeing an allied health professional. We have many trusted professionals in the Wellspring Network that can help you with your pain. And of course I'll be here to keep you moving.
So hip hip hooray to healthy hips! (sorry, I had to).
Till next time Wellspringers,
Love Holly
The hips don’t lie! Great post. So so true.