Orthopedists and physical therapists are learning more and more about the hip. Until recently, unless you had a “groin strain” or needed a total hip replacement, it seemed, practitioners rarely took a critical look at the hip.

Now we realize that the hip, even when it doesn’t hurt, may be one of the primary problems that actually cause lower back, sacroiliac (SI), knee and even pelvic floor pain or strain! A thorough evaluation looks at how the hip moves in each plane and whether there is compensatory movement in the spine, pelvis or leg. Specific exercises that help to stabilize the hip may also improve the health of the back, pelvis and/or knee.