Coxarthrosis is dystrophic changes in the cartilage tissue of the hip joint, as a result of which the normal functioning of the articular apparatus is disrupted. There is a certain complex of treatment for this pathology at different stages of its development, including medications, hardware physiotherapy, and surgical methods.
Therapeutic exercises for coxarthrosis of the hip joint are also an integral part of the recovery process. With the help of special exercises, you can speed up metabolic processes in cartilage tissue, strengthen the muscles and ligaments that support the joint apparatus, and relieve pain symptoms.
Basic principles
Gymnastics for coxarthrosis of the hip joint differs significantly from a set of physical exercises for healthy people. There is no highly dynamic load on the joint. The goal is to strengthen and stretch muscles and ligaments using static exercises. There are several rules, without adhering to which, you can not only fail to achieve positive dynamics, but, on the contrary, aggravate the disease:
- The set of exercises must correspond to the degree of development of the disease, each of which has its own symptoms.
- Classes always begin with high-quality warming up of the periarticular muscles: a warm bath, self-massage.
- Exercises for coxarthrosis should be performed regularly in accordance with the prescribed schedule.
- During the execution there should be no discomfort in the joint area. Painful symptoms are a signal to stop.
- Exercises with axial load on the joint (for example, walking) are contraindicated.
Types of physical therapy
Exercise therapy for coxarthrosis of the hip joint includes the following components:
- swimming;
- medical simulators;
- physical training.
Swimming harmoniously affects all muscle groups, gently developing joints. In the pool, holding on to the side, you can perform the following exercises: fly-ups, leg pull-ups, “bicycle”. The resistance of the water will create the necessary load and ensure smooth execution. It is swimming and exercise in water that is prescribed primarily for joint diseases.
To prevent and treat JOINT DISEASES, our regular reader uses the increasingly popular NON-SURGERY treatment method recommended by leading German and Israeli orthopedists. After carefully reviewing it, we decided to offer it to your attention.
Many foreign and Russian doctors, including the famous Dr. Bubnovsky, categorically do not recommend an exercise bike or a bicycle due to compression on the joints. Only after endoprosthetics can you exercise in doses to strengthen your muscles. Walking on a treadmill is also not advisable.
Yoga for coxarthrosis of degrees 1 and 2 strengthens and stretches muscles and ligaments, improves blood circulation. The main thing is to choose the appropriate exercises. For example:
- sitting on the floor, spread your legs apart (without tension), and try to reach your foot with your toes. But without jerks, but gently and gradually;
- sitting on the floor, one leg is extended forward, the other is taken back, bent at the knee and the foot is pulled up to the thigh of the straight leg. Painful symptoms are unacceptable.
Physical therapy for coxarthrosis currently includes many different techniques. The most popular programs are Dr. Gitt, Evdokimenko and Bubnovsky.
Gitta gymnastics
Vitaly Gitt is a famous chiropractor. The complex he developed, based on micromovements, has been successfully used for more than 15 years to restore the mobility of affected joints, even with severely developed pathology.
The exercises that Dr. Gitt suggests are performed repeatedly, measuredly, for a long time, the amplitude of movement is only 2-3 cm. Some of them can be performed while reading a book or working at the computer. Vitaly Gitt explains this technique by saying that the joint needs very little fluid for proper nutrition, but it must be produced constantly. At larger amplitudes, production occurs more actively, but the substance does not have time to be absorbed by the joints. That is why the Gitta method exercises, although simple, require patience and time. Suitable for grades 1, 2 and 3 coxarthrosis, without aggravating pain symptoms. Many patients confirm that Dr. Gitt’s gymnastics are truly healing, and do not require additional equipment.
A set of exercises for the treatment of coxarthrosis by Dr. Gitt:
- Lying on your stomach, arms under your head or along your body, feet on a small cushion, body relaxed. Rolls are made from side to side with a small amplitude. You should not strain your muscles or raise your pelvis. Gitt recommends performing this exercise three times a day for 10 minutes. Moreover, it is suitable even for severe coxarthrosis.
- Lying on your back. Legs slightly apart, turn each (without bending) left and right by 1 cm.
- Sitting on a chair, knees slightly apart, feet on the floor. Movement of the knees apart and together with an amplitude of no more than 1 cm.
- The healthy leg stands on an elevation, the sick leg swings left and right, back and forth. Performed 2-3 times a day for 5 to 10 minutes.
Dr. Gitt advises exercising between 3 and 6 hours a day. The result will only come after hard training.
Vitaly Gitt has developed special simulators in the form of vibrating couches, which force all joints to work, making quick micro-movements, as a result of which the production of synovial fluid is activated, but without any load on the joint. Gitt uses similar devices for patients with serious injuries.
In addition to physical exercise, Dr. Gitt pays special attention to nutrition: the less protein in the diet, the healthier the joints. Because, in his opinion, an excess of protein products triggers autoimmune processes in the body.
Painful symptoms are not allowed during training according to the Gitta system. You should either choose a comfortable position or reduce the amplitude.
Evdokimenko method
Exercises for coxarthrosis according to the system of rheumatologist Pavel Evdokimenko are based on strengthening and stretching the muscles without putting stress on the joint.
Combined exercises according to the Evdokimenko method are performed on each leg, first in a static version - a single lift and a long hold, and then in a dynamic version - lifting and holding for 1-2 seconds, slowly lowering. Dynamic options are repeated 10-12 times.
Daily combination complex:
- From a lying position, one leg is slowly raised 15 cm and held for 15-20 seconds. Also the second one. Then dynamic repetitions.
- From a lying position, one leg, bent at a right angle, is raised 10-15 cm from the floor, held for 30-40 seconds and slowly lowered.
- Lying on your back, bend your knees and spread them slightly to the sides. Feet on the floor, arms extended along the body. Perform a pelvic lift, leaning on your shoulders. “Hover” for 30-40 seconds, slowly lower. Then the dynamic option. Dr. Evdokimenko recommends this exercise only for grade 1-2 coxarthrosis.
Dynamic complex:
- Lying on your stomach, arms along your body. Straight legs are raised 15 cm from the floor, smoothly spread to the sides and brought together, and lowered down. 8-10 repetitions are performed.
- Lying on your side, bend your supporting leg at the knee, lift the other leg up 45 degrees, hold for 30 seconds, and slowly lower. Repeat 2-3 times.
- Lying on your back, raise one straightened leg 30-40 degrees, with weight, turn it completely inward from the hip, then turn it outward. Make 10-15 turns and lower.
Bubnovsky system
In the kinesitherapy centers of Dr. Bubnovsky, after undergoing myofascial diagnostics, an individual joint restoration program is developed for the patient. In this case, proprietary multifunctional simulators are used. Dr. Bubnovsky, who himself has undergone hip replacement, encourages his patients to abandon drug support in favor of movement and muscle strengthening. Drugs only relieve symptoms, and only through daily exercise, overcoming pain, can a person heal his joints.
Dr. Bubnovsky’s “home” complex for the treatment of grade 1 and 2 coxarthrosis (repeat all exercises 10-20 times, starting position – lying on your back):
- Bend your leg at the knee and pull it towards your stomach. Hold for 3-4 seconds.
- The arms are extended along the body, hands palms down. One leg is straightened, the other makes pushing movements, the leg is straightened parallel to the floor, without falling on it, while the toe is pulled towards itself.
- Bend your knees and spread them apart, feet on the floor. Without raising your pelvis, tilt your knee inward, trying to touch the floor.
- Spread your legs bent at the knees to the sides. Perform a pelvic lift, tensing the gluteal muscles.
The Bubnovsky system is designed for training in centers under the supervision of a trainer.
Studying the methods of various authors, be it Gitt or Bubnovsky, a person suffering from coxarthrosis should be guided by only one principle - “do no harm.” Physical exercises can indeed restore joint mobility, but only under professional medical supervision.
Joint gymnastics is a set of specific movements that stimulate the production of joint lubrication and make tendons and muscles elastic. It does not involve heavy loads; the main effect is achieved through systematic training. Joint gymnastics is designed for the elderly, people with diseases of the joint tissue, as well as those who want to make their body more flexible.
The benefits of joint gymnastics are undeniable. As a result of physical inactivity, which affects not only older people, but also young people, it is the joints that suffer first. The amount of lubricant produced is reduced, the joint becomes inflamed and begins to deteriorate. This leads to arthrosis, arthritis, osteochondrosis, which doctors diagnose at an increasingly earlier age. Every year the number of cases is growing, but almost everyone can avoid troubles with joints. Joint exercises will help maintain health and restore joint tissue after viral diseases and injuries, which most often lead to various joint diseases.
Joint gymnastics - basic exercises
Joint gymnastics can be either included in a complex of physical therapy or performed separately. It can be done at home or in a club, and it brings the greatest effect if performed in the fresh air. Blood filled with pure oxygen quickly carries beneficial substances to muscles and joints. They become elastic and restore lost flexibility.
Joint gymnastics includes exercises for all groups of joints - from the neck to the feet. The minimum time allotted for it should be at least 30 minutes. The frequency of execution is every other day. The peculiarity of joint gymnastics is that it does not require strong muscle tension. These are cardio exercises, the effect of which depends on the repetition frequency and regularity of training.
Joint gymnastics begins with a warm-up. The time to complete it is 10-15 minutes. All joints are warmed up one by one. The first exercise is for the feet. While standing or sitting, place your feet together and wiggle your toes. Then step from heel to toe. Rotate your foot clockwise and counterclockwise. Do the exercise first with your left leg, then with your right leg.
Warm-up for the knee joints. While sitting or standing, bring and spread your legs slightly bent at the knees. You should feel tension in the thigh muscles - then the exercise is done correctly.
Warm-up for the spine- tilts and deflections. Exercises should be done with great caution. They are contraindicated for people suffering from spinal diseases. They can do a set of back exercises only after consulting a doctor.
If there are no problems with the spine, then the following joint exercises are performed: tilting the body in different directions, rotating it clockwise and counterclockwise, the “cat” exercise - standing on the floor, emphasis on the palms and knees, the back bends down and arches up. These are the main warm-up exercises for the spine.
Warm-up for the neck and shoulder joints- rotation of the arms clockwise and counterclockwise, tilting the head and rotating the neck.
Warm-up for elbows- relaxed arms are lowered along the body, fingers slightly clenched into fists. The arms are bent alternately at the elbows, rising to the forearms.
Features of joint gymnastics
Joint exercises for the elderly are less intense than for people under 50 years of age and trained athletes. At the same time, the benefits of joint gymnastics specifically for older people are great. Therefore, it is necessary to do the exercises. You can start with a warm-up, gradually adding movements from the main complex.
Joint gymnastics for beginners is designed for people suffering from joint diseases and also for those who have suffered an injury. It can also be performed by those who are just starting their journey in sports. It is very important to prepare the joints and tendons for serious training, since if these tissues are not elastic, a variety of injuries can occur under stress.
Joint gymnastics for the elderly - basic complex
Exercise 1: Lying on your back with straight legs, bend one at the knee and place the other on your knee. Tilt your bent leg left and right. Repeat with the other leg. Perform 5 approaches for the first two or three sessions, gradually increasing their number to 20.
Exercise 2: lying on your back, legs bent at the knees, spread your legs to the sides, bringing them as close as possible to the floor (like a butterfly flapping its wings).
Exercise 3: standing with your hand against the wall, or lying down, rotate your straight leg at the hip joint. The amplitude is not very large, the main thing in the exercises is the work of the joints, and not the tension of the muscles.
Exercise 4: lying on your back, without bending your knees, alternately lift your left and right legs. To enhance the effect, fix your leg at the top for a few seconds.
Exercise 5: lying on your stomach, put your hands under your head. Stretch your arms back, lifting your body. The more you lift it, the deeper you arch your back, the better.
Exercise 6: Lying on your stomach, lift your left and right legs alternately. The arms are bent at the elbows and lie under the chin.
Exercise 7: lying on your left side, swing with your right leg. Up and down, clockwise and counterclockwise rotation. The left leg can be bent at the knee or straightened to enhance the effect. Repeat the same with the other leg, turning over onto your right side.
Exercise 8: lying on your back, using your hands, alternately pull your legs bent at the knees towards your chin.
Exercise 9: joint gymnastics for the neck. While sitting, place your head alternately on your left and right shoulder, trying to reach it with your ear. Gently tilt your head back and forth, touching your chin to your chest.
Exercise 10: while sitting on a chair, twist your body, trying to reach as far as possible with your arms.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system are increasingly being registered by doctors every year. A variety of pathologies are observed even among able-bodied young people. Almost every person periodically experiences lower back pain. Such discomfort is provoked by incorrect posture and various changes in the vertebral joints. As a result, a person develops various diseases - scoliosis, radiculitis, osteochondrosis, disc hernias. Such illnesses are practically not amenable to drug treatment. Joint exercises can improve the patient’s condition.
Variety of techniques
In order to constantly maintain the body in an active state, it needs to be provided with proper nutrition, as well as an active life, that is, physical education. Joint exercises are exercises that will help a person maintain their vitality at the required level. Such recreational activities strengthen and restore ligaments and the entire osteo-articular apparatus by working with the muscles and tendons surrounding each joint. This procedure allows you to perceive the body as an animate, integral system, all parts of which function interconnectedly.
The most famous and popular methods on which joint gymnastics for beginners is based are the developments:
- Dikulya;
- Norbekova;
- Bubnovsky;
- Yanchuk.
Let's consider the specifics of each technique.
Gymnastics Dikul
Many people suffering from pain turn to the recovery method developed by Valentin Dikul. Joint exercises are an effective method of treating patients, even those who have suffered severe injuries.
The duration of the course is individual for each case. It depends on the severity of the disease and the degree of disorders in the musculoskeletal system. Such physical education allows you to restore motor functions. It can last a couple of months, and sometimes a year.
Basics of therapeutic gymnastics Dikul
Modern science has proven that spinal cord cells can regenerate. But this process is proceeding extremely slowly. Elimination of atrophy of joints and muscles, restoration of motor functions is the basis of the complex created by Valentin Dikul. Joint gymnastics is widely in demand for the treatment of such ailments as:
- injuries of the spine and large joints;
- hernia;
- osteochondrosis.
In Dikul centers, special simulators have been developed for treating patients. For each patient, exercises are selected individually. In addition, the famous academician created a basic complex that helps restore motor functions. Such joint gymnastics, the exercises of which are given below, can be performed by patients independently at home.
Back exercises
Gymnastics classes take place in a gentle manner. Below is a set of exercises that do not put serious stress on the spinal column.
- Starting position - lying on your back. The left thigh lifts off the floor and slowly rotates to the right. Hold for 2 seconds. Return to the starting position.
- Lying on the floor, we clasp our forearms with crossed arms. As you inhale, the body turns as far as possible to the right, while the left shoulder lifts off the surface. The lower body remains motionless.
- Starting position - lying down. The legs are alternately moved to the sides. The upper body region is motionless.
- Position - standing on your feet. Bend forward. Hands rest on hips. Hold for 3 seconds.
- Starting position - lying on your stomach. Straight arms and the body rises up. Look ahead.
All these exercises must be performed 8 times. A well-known academician and doctor recommends doing three approaches, between which the rest should last 2-3 minutes. Proper breathing is mandatory. The greatest tension is exhalation, relaxation is, accordingly, inhalation.
These are just some of the exercises from Dikul's developments. But even these are enough to make you feel much better after a while.
Bubnovsky's gymnastics
This technique is based on the hidden internal reserves of the human body. Bubnovsky’s joint gymnastics is a completely new approach to the treatment of ailments of the musculoskeletal system. By performing exercises, the patient himself influences the healing process. The main part is assigned to strength training equipment.
The technique, which is widely known as “Bubnovsky’s joint gymnastics,” has a number of advantages. It perfectly relieves the patient from various ailments. Such physical education allows people to stop depending on medications needed for bronchial asthma, hypertension, depression, and diabetes mellitus (non-insulin form).
The doctor did not ignore pregnant women and children. Special complexes have also been developed for them.
When performing exercises according to Bubnovsky’s method, it is very important not to overload the body. A distinctive feature of this complex is the complete rejection of sudden movements and jumps.
Main tasks of gymnastics
Rehabilitation doctor Sergei Bubnovsky included the following areas in his methodology:
- regaining control over your body;
- development of muscle tissue;
- development of ligament elasticity.
Such gymnastics improves the mobility of the joints of the entire spine, promotes the rehabilitation of the body, and improves the functioning of muscles and ligaments.
The physical education complex included the following exercises:
- stretch marks;
- restoration of the hip joints;
- development of the upper and lower extremities;
- reduction of pain;
- strengthening abdominal muscle tissue;
- stretching after exercise;
- Qigong gymnastics to relieve stress.
For what diseases is gymnastics in demand?
The doctor's therapy covers many ailments. Bubnovsky’s joint gymnastics for beginners has gone beyond the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It helps perfectly with a number of pathologies, including:
- osteochondrosis;
- aseptic necrosis;
- intervertebral hernia;
- scoliosis;
- coxarthrosis;
- polyarthritis;
- periarthritis of the humerus;
- bronchial asthma;
- hypertension;
- prostatitis;
- excess weight;
- diabetes;
- diseases of the nervous system.
It is recommended to start this exercise during the recovery period after pregnancy, for people over 40, and for people leading an inactive lifestyle. This exercise is useful for those who stay on their feet for a long time. The results will become noticeable after three to four months of regular exercise. Patients confirm that discomfort in the legs and back disappears, blood pressure returns to normal, and the cardiogram improves significantly.
Gymnastics Norbekova
This gymnastics is not only a set of specific exercises that help strengthen joints and the spinal column. Dr. Norbekov incorporated an important therapeutic function into it. Joint gymnastics does not require the use of expensive heavy equipment or auxiliary tools. All that is required from the patient is the desire to work on himself.
Objectives of the complex
The methodology traces 4 main directions that Norbekov laid down in it. Joint gymnastics is aimed at achieving the following objectives:
- Improvement of the body. Physical education has a beneficial effect on the human body and its spirit. Active movements give new strength. As a result, the body heals from the inside.
- Control over your body. Sick joints significantly limit the ability to move freely. In some cases, a person may lose the ability to perform even simple activities. For such situations, physical education is simply vital.
- Improving joint mobility and spinal flexibility. Do not forget that we are talking about the pathology of tissues located near the spinal cord. Joint gymnastics restores the functionality of the spine and joints.
- Improving the condition of ligaments and muscles. As a result of an inactive lifestyle, these tissues do not experience the necessary stress. This leads to their atrophy. This process increases the load on the spine and joints. The exercises developed by Dr. Norbekov are aimed at creating an elastic muscular frame for the spine. Thus, additional load is removed from it.
Gymnastics by Olga Yanchuk
This technique is widely known in circles that are directly related to health issues. Joint gymnastics with Olga Yanchuk is an original development consisting of yoga, Pilates, athletics, and stretching exercises.
The main advantage of the technique is that the body begins to produce large quantities of interarticular fluid. As a result of this process, the crunching and creaking in the joints stops.
How did joint gymnastics appear with Olga Yanchuk? The amazing author created the technique, referring to the latest developments of physiologists and fitness trends. Since the age of ten, Olga Yanchuk has been involved in cheerleading. At the age of 15, she became interested in fitness. 2004 was a decisive year for Olga. She became the absolute two-time champion of Russia in fitness. Today Olga works as a trainer. As a result of her life's journey, she gained extensive experience in using various techniques. This is why joint gymnastics with Olga is quite in demand. She can be trusted.
The essence of the technique
The created program consists of elementary exercises. They allow you to restore natural mobility in the joints. Joint gymnastics Yanchuk contains such simple movements as circular rotation of the hands. Gradually the exercises become more difficult. And they move on to strength training, which has a stretching effect.
Olga believes that a person must initially learn to maintain balance. This is required for all exercises included in her methodology. Therefore, she introduced elements of yoga into her joint gymnastics. Self-control has never hurt anyone.
Joint gymnastics has no contraindications. Both adults and children can do the exercises. Even pensioners can experience this complex. At the same time, it will be most effective for them. However, for older people it is recommended to choose exercises that will not give much stress.
Olga Yanchuk’s technique will give strength to joints and make movements painless and easy. Concentration in classes will allow you to achieve harmony with yourself.
It is very difficult to determine which particular complex is more suitable for a beginner. It's better to listen to a specialist. Be sure to start with simple exercises. Each of the methods contains easy exercises that allow you to start a physical training complex without harming the body.
Try to do a light warm-up, about five minutes, before doing the gymnastics. Perform each exercise slowly and smoothly, gradually increasing the amplitude.
Do not forget that only daily exercise will provide a favorable result. Carefully avoid static loads. Prefer stretching movements. Such gymnastics eases the general condition.
Contraindications for gymnastics
Despite the many advantages of these techniques, you should know that they are not intended for some people. Gymnastics is contraindicated for people with cancer. It is not intended for people with acute infectious infections. Severe heart defects, acute circulatory disorders, epilepsy, urolithiasis are pathologies for which joint exercises are prohibited.
In some cases, your doctor may allow these activities. As a rule, certain exercises are selected.
Baker's cyst (Becker's hernia of the popliteal fossa) is a benign tumor in the knee joint.
The anatomy of the knee joint is such that in the popliteal region between the tendons of the gastrocnemius and semimembranosus muscles there is an intertendinous bursa.
Due to severe physical exertion, joint injury, or due to diseases such as arthritis or arthrosis of the knee, an inflammatory process occurs in the knee joint.
Inflammation provokes the accumulation of joint fluid in the intertendinous bursa. A bulge may form on the back of the joint. The accumulated excess fluid puts pressure on the nerve endings, which leads to painful sensations. This formation makes it difficult for the joint to function and it is very difficult for a person to move.
At the first painful symptoms, you should consult a doctor and start receiving qualified help. There are several methods for treating popliteal cysts, which are divided into:
- medicinal (conservative);
- surgical (operative);
- folk
Let us consider in more detail each method of treating Becker cysts, its advantages and disadvantages.
Treatment methods
Medicinal (conservative) treatment methods
It is believed that drug treatment for this disease is not effective. Most often, medications are prescribed by a doctor after surgery or in preparation for surgery. The doctor can only prescribe drugs that will relieve the inflammatory process and pain - various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
These can be tablets, ointments, physiotherapy, compresses, drug blockades (an injection directly into the joint with a hormonal drug). However, if this formation is not removed, it will subsequently lead to relapse.
Surgical (operative) method of treatment
Puncture
Becker cyst puncture is one of the methods of surgical treatment of this disease. This cannot be called an operation in the full sense of the word; rather, the word “manipulation” is more suitable here.
Using a thick needle, the fluid located in the popliteal cap is sucked out. After this, steroidal (hormonal) anti-inflammatory drugs (kenalog, diprospan, hydrocortisone, etc.) are injected into the intertendinous bursa.
Temporarily, this method of treating popliteal joint cysts produces results. However, over time, under load, this cavity in the area of the popliteal cap will again be filled with articular fluid, which will lead to the need to repeat the puncture of the cyst. It is also believed that an “old” cyst cannot be treated conservatively, so surgical intervention is prescribed immediately.
Cyst removal
Surgery is considered the most effective method of treating the disease. The operation takes no more than 20 minutes. Under local anesthesia, the cyst is removed and sutured in the cervical area. After 7-10 days, the stitches will be removed and the patient will be discharged from the hospital.
Traditional methods of treatment
The folk method of treating popliteal bursa cysts is very common and popular. It is believed that at an early stage a cyst can be cured using traditional medicine. There are several most common recipes that are used to relieve inflammation.
1) Golden mustache treatment
It is necessary to grow a large number of golden whiskers. Then prepare two three-liter jars and fill them up to the shoulders with finely crushed leaves, the actual mustache and stems of the golden mustache. Then fill them completely with vodka and place them in a dark room for 21 days. Then squeeze out the resulting tincture and place it in the refrigerator.
From the squeeze, you need to make compresses on your knee every night at night. Place the squeeze in a piece of gauze, place it on top and under the knee, wrap it in a plastic bag and woolen cloth. Take the tincture several sips daily 2-3 times a day. This helped completely get rid of a Baker’s cyst in the popliteal cup the size of a chicken egg (HLS 2009, No. 14, p. 33).
2) Treatment with burdock and celandine
Make compresses from finely crushed fresh leaves of celandine and burdock (possibly crushed using a meat grinder). At night, apply crushed leaves to your knee and wrap it in a plastic bag and a woolen scarf. In winter, you can make compresses from steamed celandine leaves.
However, you should be quite careful when using traditional medicine recipes. Just because it worked for one person does not guarantee that it will work for another person.
It is important to consider that this tumor-like formation cannot be cured so easily with the help of herbal compresses. They can only relieve inflammation and pain. Therefore, it is better to immediately consult a surgeon for qualified help.
