Would I see an orthopedic dr. for my hip?

[speckledfrog]

I'd try seeing a physical therapist first.

[Deleted]

What are you feeling?

[Deleted]

You might need a referral for a physical therapist. MA is a direct access state, but most insurance companies won't pay unless there is a referral from a physician. It might be the sme where you are. You could definitely see an ortho first who would probably refer you to PT anyway.

[dcannie]

go to a physical therapist.

and finding a female ortho will be...a task.

eta: your PCP should be able to refer to you to a physical therapist. if you get referred to an ortho, he will then refer you to a physical therapist. it is most likely a muscular issue that will be better helped w/ physical therapy. h has never worked on an under 50 hip that wasn't involved in a traumatic injury.
eta2: i forgot you just had a baby. definitely don't waste a copay to see an ortho.

[Deleted]

Are you sure it isn't your pelvis? Mine sometimes clicked when it was more separated -- the hip issues were residual from that.

Well same area. My OB said time but my PCP said PT. So -- I'd go with PT. I think an Orthopedist would work...?

[Deleted]

I'd get an xray and/or MRI first to see what the issue is and go from there.
From my experience, any Dr. (including an ortho) will send you to physical therapy before they try anything.

[luckyh]

Your OB should be able to refer you to someone. I'd call him to ask who he recommends.

My hips were jacked up for 1-2 years after each of my pregnancies and deliveries. I did yoga and they eventually healed. I guess that can kind of be physical therapy. I hope you feel better. I know how much that sucks.

[dcannie]

Aug 13, 2012 10:36:44 GMT -5 @tambcat said:

I want to be active again! H is on this health kick, and it's making me feel like shit.

your kid is only 3 mos. brisk walking is being active. if you didn't keep it up during pregnancy i would hold off on running.

[Deleted]

I have a similar thing -- I only recently have been getting some strength back. My OB felt the pelvic separation and said "Yup -- be careful on it but it should be fine in about a year. PT will only do this this and this and won't really fix the issue." It's FRUSTRATING not to be as active as you were, I know.

Does stretching seem to help? I've found stretching and things that strengthen the pelvic floor to be really helpful. Yoga helps with this and yesterday my sister and I did some circuits. But I'm still much slower than I'm used to and can only walk ~30 minutes before my pelvis starts to hurt.

All this to say -- I feel you, Tamb, and I'm very sorry. I hope you find relief!

[Lauren88]

I have been to an ortho for my knees and they did an evaluation, some x-rays and gave me some stretches to do at home along with directions about icing it or heat.

I would suggest going to see an ortho dr first before you start PT. The PT places need a script from your dr anyway and you don't want to start PT without knowing what's up with your hips. PT could possibly make things worse, depending on your diagnosis so that's why I would see a Dr first.

[Redpoppy]

Physiatrist would be my suggestion for pain to start. I went to one for my knee. She ordered tests, set me up for a good knee brace and prescribed PT. If the tests indicated a surgical intervention was needed I would've then gone to an ortho. I think they are great for more chronic issues. I wasn't interested in surgery, just making the pain less frequent. My brother had good success with one as well after an ortho couldn't find anything repairable on his foot.

And all the physiatrists in my doctor practice are female .