Running is a fantastic exercise and can bring a wealth of benefits such as improving cardiovascular health, building strong bones, strengthening muscles, and maintaining a healthy weight. Running, however, can also be hard on joints, and hip pain and injuries are common. Osteopathy is a form of treatment that gives a holistic approach to healing, focusing on the musculoskeletal system, which can help treat hip pain. Here is a guide to some common running hip conditions and how osteopath can help:
Muscle strain
Tendonitis and muscle strain can happen when your hip muscles are overused, resulting in aches and pains, particularly during runs. Severe cases of tendonitis will require medical treatment, as well as rest. An osteopath can help diagnose and treat tendonitis holistically, using massage and acupuncture techniques to promote muscle healing.
Iliotibial band syndrome
This injury is a common affliction for runners and affects the outside of the hips and the knees. The iliotibial band is a connective tissue that runs on the outside of your hip, down your knee and your shinbone, and it becomes tight from repetitive movements like running. Stretching before and after running is a great preventative action, and osteopath treatment is a great way to treat Iliotibial band syndrome and prevent future injury.
Muscle tendon bursitis
Bones, tendons, and muscles are cushioned by fluid-filled sacs. Actions like running that are repetitive can pressure these sacs, which inflames them and causes significant pain. When this happens, the most critical step you can take is to rest. IF, however, pain persists, osteopath treatment can help. Strengthening exercises, paired with holistic therapies like acupuncture, can help eliminate your hip pain.
Labral cartilage tears
The cartilage protecting your hip’s socket can be sensitive and can be torn from repetitive motion like running. Pain and clicking noises from the hip and movement sensitivity are all signs of labral cartilage tears. If you suspect this injury, you will likely undergo an x-ray or MRI to determine if this is the case. Osteopath and physical therapy are often critical to treat this injury, regain free movement, and reduce pain.
Bone fractures
Breaking a bone is a severe injury and a hip bone even more so. Running does not generally cause this, but a collision or fall while running could. Fractures are often accompanied by severe pain and swelling, as well as limited motion. Immediate medical attention is required in bone fractures, and it is essential to continue holistic treatment to get back to running safely. Through massage, strengthening exercises, acupuncture, and other treatment types, osteopathy can contribute to a safe path to running and help prevent future injuries.
It is not always clear what is causing hip pain as a runner. So, if you want to run as soon as possible, consider seeking the help of an osteopath. Holistic treatment can help strengthen your muscles and prevent future injuries in your hips, knees, ankles, and every other vulnerable part of a runner’s body.
