Forget a pain in the neck — have you ever had a pain in the hip?
A recent survey reveals that 14% of American seniors live with daily hip pain. And here in our active mountain community, people of all ages experience tight hips and glutes from skiing, cycling, and other activities.
Have you ever tried massage for hip pain? Whether you have pain from arthritis or muscular tension, massages can be a great addition to your self-care routine!
Keep reading below to learn more about the common causes of hip pain and how your massage therapist can help.
What Causes Hip Pain?
Hip pain and muscular tension in the hips and glutes are common complaints we hear as massage therapists.
The major culprits are musculoskeletal issues, such as osteoarthritis. This leads to the gradual deterioration of the hip joint, causing pain and stiffness. Strain on the hip and glute muscles from activities like skiing, running, or prolonged sitting can also contribute to discomfort.
Another leading cause is muscle imbalances. This often results from weak or tight hip and glute muscles. These imbalances lead to poor biomechanics, placing excessive stress on the joints and surrounding muscles.
Additionally, conditions like bursitis, a condition where the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction) become inflamed, can cause ongoing hip pain.
In some cases, referred pain from the lower back or sciatic nerve may also manifest as hip pain.
Does Massage for Hip Pain Really Work?
The short answer is: Yes, absolutely! Massage therapy can be a highly effective means of relieving pain and tension in the hips and glutes.
For starters, massage encourages muscle relaxation and releases tension. The glute and hip muscles can become tight and sore due to overuse, stress, or poor posture. Massage kneads and stretches these muscles, allowing them to loosen while improving flexibility.
Massage also increases blood circulation to the affected areas. During a massage, your body delivers oxygen and essential nutrients to your muscles while flushing out waste products. This helps speed up the healing process and, at the same time, reduces inflammation.
Additionally, the release of endorphins during a massage provides natural pain relief. These “feel good” hormones promote an overall sense of well-being and relaxation.
Massage therapy can be a valuable approach to managing hip and glute pain. It works especially well when combined with other strategies like stretching, strengthening exercises, and lifestyle modifications. It offers a non-invasive, holistic way to address discomfort and help you feel your very best.
Find Natural Pain Relief at Simply Massage
Whether your hip pain is chronic or acute, it’s worth considering massage therapy as a safe, natural way to manage your symptoms.
At Simply Massage, our skilled therapists have many years of experience helping people like you to feel better. You can choose from a relaxing Swedish massage, a therapeutic deep tissue massage, a sports massage, or many other modalities.
Contact us today at 970-748-1600 to schedule your next massage session at our beautiful studio in Avon, Colorado.