I had a lady in her 60s come into the practice with pain on her right side after she felt a pop in her hip while out dancing. This client has been seeing me for a number of years but given her commitment to regular Clinical Exercise classes and walking, she hadn’t been in for treatment in more than a year which is what we all want to achieve.
My initial instinct was to check she hadn’t torn one of her hip tendons, specifically the Gluteus Medius, as a “pop” is usually a joint-related issue.
On close examination I saw that her right sacro-iliac joint was strained. As I treated this, I noted that her 12th rib was stuck down. In other words, it wouldn’t lift upwards with a deep breath. This was also the case with her first rib on the same side. This meant that her right side was holding down the right side of the rib cage!
Why would this happen?
In addition to being quite active, my client gardens heavily and uses a computer, all with the right hand. These are common activities that we all do but how many of us then go on to develop back pain when involved in more active pursuits such as surfing, golf, going to the gym, or in her case, dancing?
Don't let your dominant side drop
The key to preventing rib and body imbalances is to not to let our dominant side drop down all the time (there are exercises that help prevent this) and try and use our non-dominant side more.
If you are getting hip pain on one side that is not resolving, this body imbalance could be your cause. Simple mobilising techniques, massage, and postural exercises reduced my client's immediate pain but this will need a little follow-up. I expect a great result!
Some tips from me…
Firstly watch your posture; learn how to use your deep abdominal muscles, and how to lift your dropped shoulder to take any stress off your upper lumbar spine.
Next, get assessed. My client's injury is easily treated but it's important to see someone who knows what to look for (like your physio!)
Experiencing hip pain? Contact us to book your Free Initial Assessment.
Author - Paul Rowson - Director and physiotherapist at Back In Motion Balnarring