Exercises That May Exacerbate Hip Issues

There are certain injury types that can be exacerbated by various behaviors or approaches, and one common example here is among those who are dealing with hip pain. While hip pain issues don’t necessarily require the person suffering from them to halt all forms of exercise as they manage their pain, there are certain kinds of exercises that can exacerbate hip pain in some cases. 

At The Orthopaedic Center, we’re happy to provide a huge range of orthopedic doctor and surgeon services for various kinds of pain, assisting patients around Tulsa with everything from knee and hip replacement to foot and ankle services, hand and wrist solutions and much more. Whether you’re awaiting hip replacement surgery or dealing with any other sort of hip pain, here are a few exercises that can be problematic – and should be either avoided or, if possible, modified to make them less risky. 

Deadlifts

One of the most well-known lift types among those who lift weights regularly is the deadlift, which many use to build overall strength in the body’s core. However, this type of exercise involves putting significant strain on your hip muscles and joints, something that can exacerbate existing hip pain or potentially lead to new issues. 

If you’re experiencing hip pain or have a history of such issues, it’s best to avoid deadlifts altogether. If you must perform them, be sure to use a much lower weight and work with a trainer to ensure you’re doing the exercise properly – this will help minimize any additional strain on your hip. 

Certain Kinds of Squats

Another common category of exercise is squats, which are used to build lower body strength and are especially popular among runners or those in other sports that require strong legs. Some types of squats, however, place significant pressure on the hips. For instance, full-depth front and back barbell squats can be risky for those with hip pain. 

Instead, we recommend performing these exercises with much lower weight and using a specialized machine or even a physical therapist to guide you through proper form. This will help avoid increased strain on your hips as you perform these exercises. 

Leg Presses

For those with hip pain, leg presses are another exercise type that should be approached with caution. This is because they specifically target the hip flexors and can cause significant discomfort if they are already dealing with hip pain issues. 

If you’re experiencing any form of hip pain, speak to your doctor or physical therapist before performing leg presses. They may recommend alternative forms of exercise, such as hip abductor or adductor machines. 

Treadmill Usage

Depending on the severity of your hip pain, you may also want to be careful with treadmill usage. While walking at a slow pace is generally safe and can even help with hip mobility, jogging or running on the treadmill can place significant pressure on the hips that could exacerbate existing issues. 

If possible, consult with your doctor before using the treadmill regularly as part of your workout routine. They may recommend alternative forms of cardio, such as cycling or swimming, that will place less strain on your hips. 

Stationary Bike

There may even be some forms of cycling that are not recommended for those with hip pain, but using a stationary bike is generally safe and can help improve hip mobility. Just be sure to adjust the seat height to a comfortable level – if it’s too low, you may end up with excess pressure on your hips, while too high could cause other discomfort. 

Importance of Professional Consultation

Especially for those who are awaiting hip replacement surgery or another procedure, but even for those simply dealing with hip pain on a regular basis, it’s important to consult with a professional before performing any exercises that could exacerbate your condition. Working with an experienced physical therapist or orthopedic doctor can help you develop safe and effective workout routines that will not worsen your hip pain. 

By avoiding problematic exercises and consulting with professionals, you can manage your hip pain and continue to stay active without risking further injury or discomfort. Remember, each person’s body is unique and may respond differently to certain exercises, so it’s important to listen to your body and adjust accordingly. Trust your instincts, but also seek guidance from professionals when needed – this will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle while managing your hip pain effectively. 

At The Orthopaedic Center, we’re dedicated to helping our Tulsa patients live pain-free and active lives. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you manage your hip pain or any other kind of pain!