Happy Hips
Do you stand like this occasionally?
Habits of hanging on one hip can start early and be exacerbated by carrying around your child on one side
How do I compress my gluteal tendons?
Sitting on low chairs with hips lower than the knees
Crossing your legs for long periods of time
Sitting with your knees together and feet apart, and moving from sitting to standing in this alignment
Sleeping on your side with the top leg flexed at the knee and hip
Sleeping on a hard mattress will compress the sore side
Standing with weight on one side- hip-hitching
Training errors with running, such as a camber at the beach or poor foot placement
Why does this happen to women more than men?
Women have wider hips and affects the alignment angles of the muscles, tendons and fascia
In post-menopausal women it is very common, as hormonal factors influence tendons
What can I do to make my hips happy?
Do exercises to keep your back, pelvis and hip muscles strong with hips and knees in good alignment
Use a pillow between your knees at night
If you have pain you can use an egg-shell pillowtop on your mattress
Avoid postures that compress your tendons
If you do have pain – see a physiotherapist for education and corrective low compression exercises to keep your hips happy!
Mel Turner is a Titled Sports Physiotherapist in Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie NSW
