A review in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons outlines treatment strategies physicians should follow to return athletes to play.
T. Sean Lynch, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at New York City-based NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, authored the review.
Here are four considerations:
1. Separate type of hip injury from pain source. The review recommends physicians grasp the connection of painful disorders to the hip and pelvis. Femoroacetabular impingement, for example, is the most common cause of prearthritic hip pain.
2. Start with conservative care. First, prescribe anti-inflammatory medication or send athletes to physical therapy. If patients experience no relief, consider surgical options. The review suggests local injections may prove helpful.
3. Tell athletes to limit activity. If experiencing pain, recommend an athlete take a break from pivoting sports, aggressive stretching, deep hip bending, low repetition and heavy weight training for the time being.
4. Start rehabilitation. Engage your athlete in core strengthening and pelvic balance restoration rehabilitation.
The review concludes athletic hip injures demand the attention of multiple disciplines, from surgeons to physiatrists.