How Physical Therapy Tackles Hip Pain
You want to take care of some chores or go for a walk — but hip pain is keeping you on the couch. If this sounds familiar, know that you don’t have to suffer! At GTS Physical Therapy, our physical therapists will guide you through a simple process to address your hip pain so you can get active again.
This newsletter will take you through that process, from understanding your symptoms to the outcomes you can expect from physical therapy. Still have questions? Call us to schedule an appointment!
Pinpoint Your Symptoms
There are several potential reasons why someone might develop hip pain. To treat your pain effectively, we need to pinpoint what that cause could be.
When you visit us for your initial appointment, one of the first things we’ll do is ask you to share your symptoms. “Hip pain” often causes a lot more than just pain, and being able to describe your pain, mobility limitations, and other concerns helps us get a clearer picture of your condition.
For example, you know that your hip hurts. But when do you experience pain (i.e., during activity)? Does your pain come and go? Where do you experience pain? Is it just in your hip, or do you feel it elsewhere? Is the pain a dull ache? Sharp and shooting?
Make sure to share additional symptoms you might be experiencing, too. Here are some common ones:
- Stiffness/limited range of motion in your hip
- Weakness throughout the lower extremities
- Mobility issues, including walking, going up or down stairs, or struggling to stand up
- Difficulty performing everyday tasks, such as putting on your shoes — and let us know which ones
Identify a Cause and Develop a Treatment Plan
Thanks to your detailed symptom description — as well as a health history and comprehensive physical exam — your therapist should be able to determine the underlying cause of your hip pain.
Common causes of hip pain include:
- Arthritis and joint degeneration
- Muscle strains or tendon injuries
- Bursitis or inflammation
- Hip impingement or labral tears
- Sciatica or nerve-related pain
- Post-surgical recovery needs
Once we identify the root cause, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan designed to reduce your pain, restore your mobility, and help you return to the activities you love.
What’s A Home Exercise Program?
HEP stands for “home exercise program.” If you’re undergoing physical therapy with GTS Physical Therapy, there’s a good chance your therapist will prescribe one to you.
We understand that an exercise routine can sometimes be difficult to work into a busy lifestyle. Therefore, we design our HEPs to be as straightforward as possible, with…
- Exercises you’ve done before
- A small time commitment
- Strategies for managing pain, if needed
In short, a HEP is a small way to make big changes! And if you think you might benefit from a personalized HEP, call us today.
Exercise of the Month
Figure 4 Bridge
(Glutes, Hips)
Begin on your back. Bend your knees and keep your back flat on the ground. Cross one leg over the other so that your legs make a “4”. Gently, contract your abdominals and hold to keep your back flat as you move up into the bridge position. Remember to breathe. Gently, squeeze your butt muscles and lift your hips off the ground. The goal is to have your hips aligned with your knees and shoulders. 3 Sets, 10 Reps.
Start Your Own Journey to Hip Pain Relief Today
No matter the reason for your hip pain, the physical therapists at GTS Physical Therapy will guide you toward lasting relief. Call us today to schedule an appointment to get started!
Healthy Recipe: Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Golden Smoothie Bowl
Support your hip health from the inside out with this delicious anti-inflammatory smoothie bowl, packed with nutrients that help reduce joint inflammation and support recovery.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Pinch of black pepper (helps activate turmeric)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add more almond milk if you prefer a thinner consistency. Pour into a bowl and enjoy immediately. The turmeric and ginger provide powerful anti-inflammatory benefits that can help support joint health and reduce discomfort.
Thank You for Voting GTS Physical Therapy #1 in the Best of Twin Lakes
We are honored to share that GTS Physical Therapy has been recognized in multiple categories in the Best of Twin Lakes awards. We extend our sincere appreciation to every individual who took the time to vote and support our team.
Our 2025 Best of Twin Lakes Awards:
- Best Physical Therapy Clinic – GTS Physical Therapy
- Best Employer – GTS Physical Therapy
- Best Physical Therapists:
1. Angie Cadenbach
2. Clay Hudson
4. Emily Crawford
These recognitions reflect our commitment to providing exceptional care and creating a positive, supportive workplace for both patients and staff. Thank you again for your trust, your votes, and your continued support. We are proud to serve this community and remain dedicated to delivering the highest standard of therapy services.
Monthly Special: Free Physical Therapy Screening
Call us today and reference this newsletter for a free 30-minute screening with one of our therapists. This is a great opportunity to discuss your hip pain concerns, get expert advice, and learn about treatment options that can help you feel better and move better.
Favorite Traditions from the GTS Family
“Cutting our own Christmas tree is a favorite family tradition started by my parents and I have carried it over now with my family. We go to family farm and cut every year and go back to decorate.”
“Christmas breakfast at my grandma and grandpa’s house! Happy to still be doing that for 47 years now! Best breakfast of the year!”
“In accordance with our longstanding tradition, I marked Christmas Eve by presenting gifts to my family and loved ones. Enjoying the moment together, surrounded by them.”
“Our favorite Christmas tradition is making peanut butter candy. This will be Kennedy’s last Christmas at home with us and she learned how to make it herself this past weekend.”
“We wear matching pajamas and read The Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve before we go to bed.”
Patient Testimonial
“I have had a great experience at GTS Physical Therapy. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They took the time to understand my specific needs and created a personalized treatment plan that really helped. I noticed significant improvement in my mobility and pain levels. I highly recommend GTS Physical Therapy to anyone looking for quality care and results.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
GTS Physical Therapy Locations
We have 23 convenient locations throughout Arkansas and Missouri to serve you better:
- Batesville (870) 339-6143
- Bentonville (870) 233-9127
- Calico Rock (870) 451-0263
- Cave City (870) 544-4028
- Elkins (870) 399-1914
- Flippin (870) 916-5180
- Highland (870) 382-3753
- Horseshoe Bend (870) 686-6875
- Jonesboro (870) 667-5440
- Mammoth Spring (870) 222-0848
- Melbourne (870) 522-7610
- Mountain Home (870) 600-0738
- Mountain Home Pelvic Floor (870) 232-5409
- Mountain View (870) 269-5215
- Paragould (870) 343-9325
- Pocahontas (870) 229-4240
- Salem (870) 493-8489
- Southside (870) 621-3074
- Tuckerman (870) 544-4235
- Viola (870) 544-4150
- Walnut Ridge (870) 544-4083
- West Plains (870) 600-3773
- Yellville (870) 224-0457
