A lot of us have found that we have been spending a lot more time sitting whether it is while we are working from home, learning from home or spending time sitting on the couch catching up on new tv shows. Some of us have also started working out from home and taking longer walks outside as the weather as been nice. Going from sedentary to very active can cause some to experience a hip flexor strain.
What is a hip flexor?
The hip flexors are a group of muscles in your hip. They are made up of 3 muscles:
- Psoas Minor
- Psoas Major
- Iliacus
The primary job of the hip flexors is exactly like the name. It flexes the hip to help you bring your knee to your chest.
How do you strain the hip flexors?
Strains can happen in any muscle. A strain means that there is a tear in the muscle. They are usually caused from overuse, fatigue or improper use of the muscle. Strains can vary on how severe they are and are classified by 3 different grades:
- Grade I – minor strain, few muscle fibers are torn
- Grade II – moderate strain, large number of muscle fibers are torn
- Grade III – Severe strain, could result in complete rupture of muscle
Symptoms of a hip flexor strain:
- Pain in the front of the hip
- Loss of motion in the hip especially when trying to bend
- Decreased muscle strength in your hip and leg
- Bruising and swelling may appear depending on the severity of the strain
Can PT help my hip flexor strain?
Yes, PT can help if you have a hip flexor strain! It is important to not put off seeking treatment if you are dealing with a strain because this could cause you to lose motion and strength that could impact you in the future. If ignored, a strain can get worse or can become a recurring problem that worsens over time. With the help of physical therapy, we will determine appropriate exercises to help you regain your motion as well as strengthen your muscles to help prevent them from becoming injured again in the future. Hands on techniques will also help to regain motion in your hip and leg. With PT, you will be able to return to the activities that you enjoy without pain and will give you the education and resources to avoid another strain in the future.
By Alyssa Burke, PTA
