Frozen Hip: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment Options
Understanding Frozen Hip (Adhesive Capsulitis of the Hip)
Frozen hip, also known as adhesive capsulitis of the hip, is a rare yet painful condition that limits the range of motion in the hip joint due to inflammation and the formation of scar tissue within the joint capsule. This results in stiffness and discomfort in the hip, buttocks, and groin. Optimal Wellness Center in Midvale offers comprehensive frozen hip treatment to alleviate symptoms and improve mobility.
Symptoms of Frozen Hip
Frozen hip progresses through distinct stages, each with unique symptoms. Recognizing these stages can aid in early diagnosis and treatment:
1. Freezing Stage
Duration: 1-3 months
Symptoms: Initial pain when moving the hip, with discomfort at rest. Limited hip mobility, especially with external rotation.
2. Frozen Stage
Duration: 4-9 months
Symptoms: Increased pain and stiffness, noticeable at night. Range of motion is severely restricted, impacting daily activities.
3. Thawing Stage
Duration: 12-15 months
Symptoms: Gradual reduction in pain, especially at night, with a slow return of mobility.
Frozen hip can resolve over 12-18 months, but prompt intervention can significantly reduce pain and improve recovery times.
Causes of Frozen Hip
The exact cause of frozen hip is still unknown. It’s commonly seen in individuals who have recently had hip trauma, surgery, or prolonged immobility. Certain health conditions, like diabetes, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders, can increase the risk. Recognizing and managing these underlying factors is key to preventing or slowing down the development of frozen hip.
How to Cure Frozen Hip Quickly
While frozen hip can take time to heal, a combination of treatments can accelerate recovery. At Optimal Wellness Center in Midvale, our specialists offer a range of therapies designed to restore mobility and relieve pain quickly:
1. Physical Therapy and Customized Exercises
A personalized exercise plan is essential for breaking up scar tissue and restoring flexibility. Our team will guide you through hip exercises for pain that gently increase range of motion.
2. Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a powerful treatment for frozen hip. It breaks up adhesions and scar tissue that restrict hip movement, often improving range of motion after the first session. This non-invasive option accelerates healing by stimulating tissue repair.
3. Manual Manipulation
Manual manipulation by an experienced chiropractor can relieve pressure on the hip joint, easing stiffness and promoting faster recovery.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain and inflammation, helping you maintain movement and avoid further stiffness.
5. Corticosteroid Injections
In severe cases, corticosteroid injections into the hip joint may reduce inflammation, allowing for increased mobility and less pain.
Prevention and Coping with Frozen Hip
While not all cases of frozen hip can be prevented, these strategies can reduce risk:
Stay Active: Regular movement helps maintain flexibility in the hip joint.
Stretch Regularly: Incorporate hip stretches for pain into your daily routine to keep joints loose and avoid stiffness.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: An anti-inflammatory diet can support joint health and prevent inflammation-related complications.
Early Intervention: If you experience hip pain or stiffness, seek professional evaluation early to prevent further progression.
How Long Does a Frozen Hip Last?
Frozen hip typically lasts between 12 to 18 months without intervention. With the right treatment, however, this timeframe can be significantly shortened, reducing both pain and disruption to daily activities.
What Does Frozen Hip Feel Like?
Frozen hip often begins with subtle discomfort that becomes more pronounced over time. Common sensations include:
A constant, deep ache in the hip, groin, or buttocks
Sharp pain with specific movements, especially external rotation
Nighttime discomfort, sometimes affecting sleep
Seeking Treatment for Frozen Hip in Midvale
If you’re experiencing symptoms of frozen hip, don’t wait for the pain and stiffness to resolve on their own. The experts at Optimal Wellness Center in Midvale offer specialized, evidence-based treatments to address adhesive capsulitis of the hip. Through a combination of shockwave therapy, physical therapy, and customized care plans, we help patients regain mobility and find relief from pain quickly.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Ready to start your journey toward pain-free movement? Contact Optimal Wellness Center in Midvale at 801-568-1598 to schedule a consultation and explore effective treatment options for frozen hip syndrome.
