A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons points out recent developments spurring higher-quality treatment of athletes suffering from hip injuries.
Here are the steps for timely diagnoses and improved treatment:
1. Distinguish the type of injury from the pain source.
2. Prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy before considering surgery. Local injections may also be helpful in some cases.
3. Instruct the athlete to limit pivoting sports, aggressive stretching, deep hip bending, low repetition and heavy strength training, recommending they slowly return to play when their pain has subsided.
4. Focus on core strengthening and pelvic balance restoration in rehabilitation.
5. Incorporate treatments with physical therapists, physiatrists, radiologists and general surgeons to treat the whole patient.
Lead study author T. Sean Lynch, MD, of Columbia University Medical Center said, "Previously, [hip injuries] used to be debilitating and potentially career-threatening conditions, but over the last 10 to 15 years, our recognition of these injuries has improved, as well as our ability to manage them."
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