If you’re dealing with hip pain, I want to start by saying: you’re not alone, and there is a solution. It can be really frustrating when the pain seems to limit your movement or make simple tasks harder. But the good news is that hip pain doesn’t have to be a permanent roadblock. Often, it’s a sign that the muscles around your hips, like the glutes and stabilizers, may not be as strong or as active as they should be!

Many of us don’t realize that we’re not targeting our hips enough in our regular exercise routines. We focus on other areas, or perhaps we avoid certain movements because of discomfort. But here’s the thing: weak or stiff hips are a common cause of pain. 

Importance of Training Your Hips To Decrease Hip Pain

The muscles around your hips and pelvis play a major role in your overall posture, mobility, and how you move day-to-day. When these muscles are neglected, they can lead to imbalances, putting unnecessary strain on your joints and nerves, which often results in pain—whether it’s in your lower back, knees, or, of course, your hips. For instance, if one hip is stronger than the other, it can affect how you walk, increasing the risk of falls and joint stress. Additionally, if the glutes aren’t firing properly, your hip flexors take over, leading to tightness and discomfort in the front of the hips.

The good news? It’s absolutely possible to strengthen and stabilize your hips, and doing so can significantly reduce pain and discomfort. Exercises designed to target the glutes, hip flexors, and stabilizers help improve mobility and alignment, which in turn reduces pressure on your joints and the sciatic nerve.

If you’ve ever experienced that familiar, sharp burning sensation travelling down your leg from the sciatica nerve being compressed, you may find yourself focusing on the pain in your back or leg -thinking that is where the problem is. However, it’s important to remember that hip weakness and muscle imbalances are often at the root of sciatic nerve irritation.

If you’ve been avoiding certain movements or aren’t sure where to start, our Kinesiologists at Longevity Nexum are here to help! So rest assured, there is a solution to hip pain. By incorporating hip-focused exercises into your routine, you can take control of your health and get back to doing the things you enjoy—pain-free!