Physical Therapy in Congress Park, Denver Downtown, Central Park, and Highlands Area for Hip
Welcome to Atlas Physical Therapy's patient resource about Hip problems.
The hip joint is a true ball-and-socket joint. This arrangement gives the hip a large amount of motion needed for daily activities like walking, squatting, and stair-climbing.
Understanding how the different layers of the hip are built and connected can help you understand how the hip works, how it can be injured, and how challenging recovery can be when this joint is injured. The deepest layer of the hip includes the bones and the joints. The next layer is made up of the ligaments of the joint capsule. The tendons and the muscles come next.
This guide will help you understand:
the parts that make up the hip
how these parts work together
Hear from some of our patients who we treated for Hip Pain
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I can't thank Alex, Angela and Heather enough! 3 years ago I was barely able to walk after a hip replacement. Now I am a competitive cyclist. They have done a great job keep me healthy and pain free... ”
“ I can't thank Alex, Angela and Heather enough! 3 years ago I was barely able to walk after a hip replacement. Now I am a competitive cyclist. They have done a great job keep me healthy and pain free since 2014 ”
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I have been going to Atlas Physical Therapy for years, alas for different body parts. Each time I have gone, for various body parts (knee, shoulder, and now hip), Atlas has been there for me. You... ”
“ I have been going to Atlas Physical Therapy for years, alas for different body parts. Each time I have gone, for various body parts (knee, shoulder, and now hip), Atlas has been there for me. You won't regret it. Hope to (not) see you there - to your health! ”
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Somehow at the ripe age of 35, I’ve had a lot of issues and I’ve worked with a lot of acupuncturists and chiropractors over the years with varied results and satisfaction rates. I’ve been seeing... ”
“ Somehow at the ripe age of 35, I’ve had a lot of issues and I’ve worked with a lot of acupuncturists and chiropractors over the years with varied results and satisfaction rates. I’ve been seeing Luke off and on since 2015 and I feel safe when I’m under Luke’s care.. I know when I leave I will always be better than when I entered. I started seeing him due to chronic neck issues and continued to see Luke when I tweaked my shoulder. Both issues are on-going, but that’s because I play hard and haven’t gone to see Luke in quite some time. He was my primary choice when I eventually had hip reconstruction. He was patient with me after that surgery yet he pushed me when I didn’t want to work any more which led to a better recovery than I could have had otherwise. Luke is friendly, thoughtful, and in most importantly in this role, he is competent. Just scheduled my first appointment in a while and felt that a review was in order to help others make a decision if they were on the fence while choosing a great PT. Thanks for all you’ve done for me. See ya next week :) ”
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Amanda was great! She helped me with my lower back pain with various types of treatments (dry needling really helped my back). I didn’t think my back could get better having a toddler climb all... ”
“ Amanda was great! She helped me with my lower back pain with various types of treatments (dry needling really helped my back). I didn’t think my back could get better having a toddler climb all over me all the time, but it turned out some exercises targeted to my hips and back were the trick. Hopefully I don’t have to go back, but if I do, I will definitely come back to Amanda. ”
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I am a runner and runners sometimes get hurt! Alex has magic hands. The man has helped me get through plantar fasciitis on both feet, hip and knee issues and a pulled hamstring! All while keeping it... ”
“ I am a runner and runners sometimes get hurt! Alex has magic hands. The man has helped me get through plantar fasciitis on both feet, hip and knee issues and a pulled hamstring! All while keeping it fun and just being an amazing coach. If something ails you- go see him! He has magic hands and will get you back on track in no time ”
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After experiencing shoulder and hip pain for a few months while swimming and running, I came to Atlas Congress Park looking for help. My pain was keeping me out of the pool and regularly truncating my... ”
“ After experiencing shoulder and hip pain for a few months while swimming and running, I came to Atlas Congress Park looking for help. My pain was keeping me out of the pool and regularly truncating my runs.
My experience at Atlas was excellent. The office was clean and comfortable, there was always parking in the lot, the entire team was efficient and helpful. My physical therapist, Brett, was especially great. He was evidently knowledgeable and invested in my recovery. He used several approaches and techniques to make the most of each appointment, including targeted massage, mobility training, and strength exercises. Beyond his professional aptitude and competence, Brett is also a genuinely great guy. His affable, warm nature made the recovery process enjoyable. The whole team was great, including my trainer Will.
Physically, I am noticing significant improvement in both my hip and shoulder. With the support of the team at Atlas, and the skills I've been taught, I expect this improvement to continue. I can't recommend the practice enough! ”
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Laura has been a godsend for me and has helped put me back together more than once! I came in when I was pregnant for a hip issues, then post pregnancy for a foot issue. Both situations I was treated... ”
“ Laura has been a godsend for me and has helped put me back together more than once! I came in when I was pregnant for a hip issues, then post pregnancy for a foot issue. Both situations I was treated wonderfully by the administrative staff and the physical therapist. The new location is key, parking is ample. The are communicative, timely and most importantly, work wonders on what ails you! ”
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When I first started going to PT, ahead of hip surgery, I went to another local clinic. I was one of 6 people the therapist was working with at the same time. I felt like a number - as if that clinic... ”
“ When I first started going to PT, ahead of hip surgery, I went to another local clinic. I was one of 6 people the therapist was working with at the same time. I felt like a number - as if that clinic was just trying to get as many people as possible in the door. I did not feel important nor very respected. That all changed when I found Body in Balance (which I discovered by walking in front of their building) and Lara, the therapist I worked with, was SO amazing (but I think they all likely are based on observations while I was there). From the moment I walked in to inquire about their services, I felt like I was important. They are a small office, that really focuses on patient health. A previous reviewer complained about phone coverage needing to be better -- I never found this to be an issue. Yes, if I got their voicemail I’d leave a message and would always hear back within a very short period of time. The entire team there works extremely hard to ensure patients come first and are a priority. Lara was incredible - very reassuring, assisting me with staying within my limits and then pushing me beyond those once I was ready (or once I should have been ready). Post-surgery, they did everything they could to help me navigate the facility, and constantly checked in with me at each visit. The entire team there is friendly, and full of hard work ethic and devotion to client care. You absolutely cannot go wrong with Body in Balance. Oh, and by the way - each therapist only works with one patient at a time - so you feel incredibly cared for and special. ”
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I have worked with Alex Lanton to resolve a torn rotator cuff and labral tear in my hip which eventually created back pain. Alex is wonderful, incredibly knowledgable and practical in his approach... ”
“ I have worked with Alex Lanton to resolve a torn rotator cuff and labral tear in my hip which eventually created back pain. Alex is wonderful, incredibly knowledgable and practical in his approach to healing. I’ve never moved better, am working back into a rigorous exercise routine and with Alex’s help have exceeded my expectations about the type of activity I can now enjoy injury free. I highly recommend Alex if you want to resume pain free activity! ”
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This is a great place to get therapy.I broke my hip recently.Went to Littleton hospital,then great therapy at Encompasse.Refered to Atlas.They are very good too.Convenient hrs and near my apartment. ”
“ This is a great place to get therapy.I broke my hip recently.Went to Littleton hospital,then great therapy at Encompasse.Refered to Atlas.They are very good too.Convenient hrs and near my apartment. ”
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I had hip labrum reconstruction. Andrea Guevara DFT was very knowledgeable in all the aspects of the surgery and my rehabilitation. She and her team at Atlas Central Park helped me with my bi-weekly... ”
“ I had hip labrum reconstruction. Andrea Guevara DFT was very knowledgeable in all the aspects of the surgery and my rehabilitation. She and her team at Atlas Central Park helped me with my bi-weekly PT. They provided instruction and increased my exercises to literally get me walking and skiing again. I highly recommend Andrea and Atlas PT. ”
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Andrea at Atlas Physical Therapy in Central Park was fantastic. She was able to quickly identify exactly the kind of exercises I needed for rehab from my hip replacement surgery. Continuing those... ”
“ Andrea at Atlas Physical Therapy in Central Park was fantastic. She was able to quickly identify exactly the kind of exercises I needed for rehab from my hip replacement surgery. Continuing those exercises at home greatly sped up my recovery. I would recommend her to anyone seeking Physical Therapy. ”
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I am so glad that I came to atlas physical therapy. I met with Andrea at the Central Park office. She was very knowledgeable and thorough. I was worried that my knee problem was something serious but... ”
“ I am so glad that I came to atlas physical therapy. I met with Andrea at the Central Park office. She was very knowledgeable and thorough. I was worried that my knee problem was something serious but she found that it was actually a problem with my hips and could be alleviated with a couple of sessions plus some at-home exercises. After a few exercises in the office I was able to easily walk up and down stairs which I hadn’t been able to do previously without pain. I am so thankful to be able to move around easily and pain-free again! We really do take that for granted until we can’t do it. Thank you Andrea and Atlas PT! ”
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Have had a great experience at Atlas Physical Therapy. The exercises that my therapists have given me to do at home have helped relieve the pain in my back and hips. What I really like are my... ”
“ Have had a great experience at Atlas Physical Therapy. The exercises that my therapists have given me to do at home have helped relieve the pain in my back and hips. What I really like are my therapists and how they treat me. Both Chynna and Victoria explain the reasons for the exercises. and answer any questions that I have.
Atlas Physical Therapy is both a professional and friendly environment. Hi highly recommended them. ”
The important structures of the hip can be divided into several categories. These include:
bones and joints
ligaments and tendons
muscles
nerves
blood vessels
bursae
Bones and Joints
The bones of the hip are the femur (the thighbone) and the pelvis. The top end of the femur is shaped like a ball. This ball is called the femoral head. The femoral head fits into a round socket on the side of the pelvis. This socket is called the acetabulum.
The femoral head is attached to the rest of the femur by a short section of bone called the femoral neck. A large bump juts outward from the top of the femur, next to the femoral neck. This bump, called the greater trochanter, can be felt along the side of your hip. Large and important muscles connect to the greater trochanter. One muscle is the gluteus medius. It is a key muscle for keeping the pelvis level as you walk.
Articular cartilage is the material that covers the ends of the bones of any joint. Articular cartilage is about one-quarter of an inch thick in the large, weight-bearing joints like the hip. Articular cartilage is white and shiny and has a rubbery consistency. It is slippery, which allows the joint surfaces to slide against one another without causing any damage. The function of articular cartilage is to absorb shock and provide an extremely smooth surface to make motion easier. We have articular cartilage essentially everywhere that two bony surfaces move against one another, or articulate.
Articular Cartilage
In the hip, articular cartilage covers the end of the femur and the socket portion of the acetabulum in the pelvis. The cartilage is especially thick in the back part of the socket, as this is where most of the force occurs during walking and running.
Ligaments and Tendons
There are several important ligaments in the hip. Ligaments are soft tissue structures that connect bones to bones. A joint capsule is a watertight sac that surrounds a joint. In the hip, the joint capsule is formed by a group of three strong ligaments that connect the femoral head to the acetabulum. These ligaments are the main source of stability for the hip. They help hold the hip in place.
Joint Capsule
A small ligament connects the very tip of the femoral head to the acetabulum. This ligament, called the ligametnum teres, doesn't play a role in controlling hip movement like the main hip ligaments. It does, however, have a small artery within the ligament that brings a very small blood supply to part of the femoral head.
Ligametnum Teres
A long tendon band runs alongside the femur from the hip to the knee. This is the iliotibial band. It gives a connecting point for several hip muscles. A tight iliotibial band can cause hip and knee problems.
Iliotibial Band
A special type of ligament forms a unique structure inside the hip called the labrum. The labrum is attached almost completely around the edge of the acetabulum. The shape and the way the labrum is attached create a deeper cup for the acetabulum socket. This small rim of cartilage can be injured and cause pain and clicking in the hip.
Labrum
Muscles
The hip is surrounded by thick muscles. The gluteals make up the muscles of the buttocks on the back of the hip. The inner thigh is formed by the adductor muscles. The main action of the adductors is to pull the leg inward toward the other leg.
Adductor Muscles
The muscles that flex the hip are in front of the hip joint. These include the iliopsoas muscle. This deep muscle begins in the low back and pelvis and connects on the inside edge of the upper femur. Another large hip flexor is the rectus femoris. The rectus femoris is one of the quadriceps muscles, the largest group of muscles on the front of the thigh. Smaller muscles going from the pelvis to the hip help to stabilize and rotate the hip.
Finally, the hamstring muscles that run down the back of the thigh start on the bottom of the pelvis. Because the hamstrings cross the back of the hip joint on their way to the knee, they help to extend the hip, pulling it backwards.
Hamstring Muscles
Nerves
All of the nerves that travel down the thigh pass by the hip. The main nerves are the femoral nerve in front and the sciatic nerve in back of the hip. A smaller nerve, called the obturator nerve, also goes to the hip.
These nerves carry the signals from the brain to the muscles that move the hip. The nerves also carry signals back to the brain about sensations such as touch, pain, and temperature.
Nerves
Blood Vessels
Traveling along with the nerves are the large vessels that supply the lower limb with blood. The large femoral artery begins deep within the pelvis. It passes by the front of the hip area and goes down toward the inner edge of the knee. If you place your hand on the front of your upper thigh you may be able to feel the pulsing of this large artery.
The femoral artery has a deep branch, called the profunda femoris (profunda means deep). The profunda femoris sends two vessels that go through the hip joint capsule. These vessels are the main blood supply for the femoral head. As mentioned earlier, the ligamentum teres contains a small blood vessel that gives a very small supply of blood to the top of the femoral head.
Other small vessels form within the pelvis and supply the back portion of the buttocks and hip.
Bursae
Where friction occurs between muscles, tendons, and bones there is usually a structure called a bursa. A bursa is a thin sac of tissue that contains fluid to lubricate the area and reduce friction. The bursa is a normal structure. The body will even produce a bursa in response to friction.
Think of a bursa like this. If you press your hands together and slide them against one another, you produce some friction. In fact, when your hands are cold you may rub them together briskly to create heat from the friction. Now imagine that you hold in your hands a small plastic sack that contains a few drops of salad oil. This sack would let your hands glide freely against each other without a lot of friction.
A bursa that sometimes causes problems in the hip is sandwiched between the bump on the outer hip (the greater trochanter) and the muscles and tendons that cross over the bump. This bursa, called the greater trochanteric bursa, can get irritated if the iliotibial band (discussed earlier) is tight. Another bursa sits between the iliopsoas muscle where it passes in front of the hip joint. Bursitis here is called iliopsoas bursitis. A third bursa is over the ischial tuberosity, the bump of bone in your buttocks that you sit on.
Summary
As you can see, the hip is complex with a design that provides a good amount of stability. It allows good mobility and range of motion for doing a wide range of daily activities. Many powerful muscles connect to and cross by the hip joint, making it possible for us to accelerate quickly during actions like running and jumping.
