9 Effective Hip Strengthening Exercises For Hip Pain

Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes read

The hip joint plays an essential role in the balance and movement of the human body. It is one of the most robust and largest joints, designed to withstand repeated motion and a fair amount of wear and tear. Yet, despite its durability, it’s not immune to discomfort. Hip pain, caused by various conditions or factors, can impede daily life, restrict mobility, and cause significant discomfort.

Fortunately, many strategies can be employed to alleviate hip pain, with regular, targeted exercise being a particularly effective method. The exercise aimed at strengthening the muscles surrounding the hip joint can enhance stability, improve flexibility, and ultimately reduce the pain experienced. This article explores the causes of hip pain and suggests nine exercises specifically designed to bolster your hip strength and alleviate discomfort.

Understanding the Cause of Hip Pain

Hip pain is often a result of strain or damage to the joint or the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support it. As we age, the cartilage that cushions our hip joint can wear down, leading to osteoarthritis, one of the most common causes of hip pain. In addition, injuries, genetic factors, hip dysplasia, or conditions such as bursitis or tendinitis can all contribute to discomfort in the hip.

• Age-related wear and tear
• Physical injuries or trauma
• Conditions such as bursitis or tendinitis
• Genetic factors
• Hip dysplasia

9 Hip Strengthening Exercises to Alleviate Hip Pain

Regular exercise plays a crucial role in managing hip pain, as it helps strengthen the muscles around the hip joint, enhancing stability and reducing the stress placed on it. Strengthening exercises also improve flexibility and range of motion, helping to prevent stiffness that can exacerbate pain. Here are nine effective exercises to help strengthen your hips and mitigate pain:

1. Clamshells

• Start by laying on your side with both knees bent.
• Keep your feet in contact with each other, and then rotate your top leg up. Ensure you keep your spine aligned and your hips don’t rock back! The rule of thumb is to do a smaller range of motion if you think your back is moving.
• Rotate your top leg back down to the starting position.
• Do this exercise 10 times in each set.
• Complete 3 sets of the exercise.

2. Side Lying Hip Adduction

• Lie on your side with your top leg bent and your bottom leg straight and positioned slightly in front of the top leg.
• Ensure that the foot of your bottom leg is pointing straight forward.
• Lift your bottom leg a few inches off the floor, controlling the movement.
• Lower your leg back down to the starting position.
• Repeat this leg lift for 10 repetitions.
• Complete 3 sets of leg lifts on each side.
• Focus on engaging your inner thigh muscles throughout the exercise.

3. Side-lying hip abduction

4. Standing Hip Extension

• Stand tall with your hands placed on a steady surface. You can use a counter, sink, or chair (no chairs with wheels) to hold on to for balance. 
• Shift your weight onto your left leg, keeping a soft bend in your left knee to keep it from locking out.
• Then, keeping your toes pointed forward and your right leg straight, lift your right leg back a few inches, then lower back down.
• Repeat 10 times per leg for 3 sets.

5. Standing Hamstring Curls

6. Squats

• Position the feet about hip-width apart for a proper squat, with the toes pointing forward.
• Slowly sit the hips back towards the heels as the knees bend. Your torso should hinge forward to counterbalance your hips, sitting back towards the heels.
• Bend the knees as far as you’re comfortable, hold for 2 seconds, then return to your starting position.
• Repeat 10x for 3 sets.

7. Lateral Walk with Resistance Band

• Starting position: Tie a resistance band (light, medium or heavy) around the thighs with the feet positioned side by side, and stand in front of a sturdy surface, such as your countertop. Begin on one end of the countertop.
• Begin side-walking across the length of the countertop, then return the opposite way. Make sure to avoid dragging your feet.
• Practice 10 laps back and forth along the countertop and complete 3 sets.

8. Bridges

• Lie on your bed or floor (a bed is better if you have difficulty getting on the floor). Again, ensure your knees are bent at about 90 degrees and your feet are flat on the floor. 
• Lift your hips off the ground, using your hands to help push your hips up if needed.
• Slowly lower your hips to the bed or floor and repeat 10 repetitions for 3 sets.

9. Lunge

• First, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides.
• Step forward with one leg, dropping your back knee towards the floor as you bend both legs.
• Make sure to keep your front knee in line with your ankle and your weight on your heel.
• Make sure to keep your core and glutes tight.
• Push off your front heel to return to the starting position.

Remember, while strengthening is excellent, incorporating a good stretch into your routine is crucial to maintain balance and flexibility.

Conclusion

Managing hip pain through a consistent exercise routine can significantly improve mobility and overall quality of life. It’s vital to listen to your body and not push yourself beyond comfortable limits. Over time, with patience, persistence, and the right exercises, you can help alleviate hip pain and regain your mobility.

Embrace the journey towards a healthier you, one exercise at a time. By taking proactive measures, you’re taking a step towards a pain-free, mobile, and active lifestyle.