Therapy that targets the hips has the potential to ease lower back pain faster than approaches that concentrate on the spine. This finding comes from a study published in a reputable medical journal.
The research involved 184 participants who were randomly assigned to receive physical therapy focused on the hip joints or the spinal region. The primary mode of treatment was education, with exercises and activity strategies tailored to each group. After eight weeks, all participants increased their walking speed. Yet those receiving hip-focused therapy reported greater relief from pain and fewer limitations in daily activities, such as how quickly they could rise from a chair.
At the six-month mark, outcomes were similar between the two groups, suggesting both strategies can be effective. The quicker improvements seen with hip-centered therapy may indicate an advantage for initial recovery, while long-term benefits appear comparable.
The authors noted that prior work linked lower back pain with hip dysfunction in some individuals. More recent investigations reinforce this connection and highlight the importance of identifying signs that help clinicians decide whether to target the lumbar region or the hip joints for treatment.
Earlier researchers explored methods to prevent cartilage tissue damage. This line of inquiry continues to inform current practices as teams seek ways to preserve joint health and reduce pain through early, targeted interventions.