Hip Bracing
The hip is a ball and socket joint located in the pelvis and is secured by a number of tendons, ligaments and muscles. Hip braces can be used to support, stabilise and limit movement at the hip joint. This can aid rehabilitation, reduce pain and improve mobility.
Liverpool orthotics provide a range of custom made or 'off the shelf' bracing to help with any condition affecting the hip joint. We can provide every hip brace on the market to ensure that you are provided the most effective solution for your condition.
What conditions can Hip Bracing be used to treat?
Hip bracing can be effective in the treatment of a range of conditions that affect the hip joint including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Recurring hip dislocation
- Perthes disease
- Post total hip replacement
- Hip capsule entrapment
- Post hip revision surgery
- Post-op following FAI arthroscopic surgery
- Post-op following gluteus medius or hamstring repair surgery
- Inoperable hip abnormalities
What types of Hip Bracing are there?
A hip brace traditionally fastens around the waist and extends down the affected leg and secures around the lower aspect of the thigh. The material used in the design of a hip brace is dictated by the type of support required.
Rigid hip bracing
Rigid hip bracing is made from a combination of thermoplastic and lightweight metal with padding around the waist and thigh section. Rigid braces are normally required for short periods of time (6-8 weeks). These braces are commonly used for conditions where a high level of support is required or the hip joint requires restricting in certain movements. These conditions include, hip dislocations, severe osteoarthritis and post operative treatment.
Semi rigid hip bracing
Semi-rigid hip bracing is normally made from a combination of thermoplastic and lightweight metal with additional padding around the waist and thigh sections. These braces are suitable for individuals that have a condition which requires a moderate amount of support for a prolonged or permanent amount of time. These conditions include, hip dislocations, severe osteoarthritis and post operative treatment.
Soft hip supports
Soft hip supports are normally made from a soft material that conforms tightly to the hip and thigh. These supports offer little control of the hip joint but can help reduce pain with compression and warmth. These supports can help reduce arthritic hip pains and support pulled or torn hip muscles.
Unloading hip supports
Unloading hip supports are made from soft material that tightly conforms to the hip and thigh. The soft material has an additional series of straps that act around the thigh to help off load the pressure on the hip joint inside the socket. Unloader hip bracing is an effective tool in the management of mild to moderate hip osteoarthritis.
What is the assessment process to receiving a hip brace?
The first step is to contact us to arrange an initial consultation at one of our clinics or at your home. One of our experienced orthotist will take a full medical and social history including, range of movement tests, muscle power tests and walking assessment if appropriate.
The orthotist will advise you which hip brace is most suitable for you and the treatment of your condition. A series of measurements or scans will be taken and a hip brace ordered. A suitable fitting appointment will then be arranged so you can be shown how to fit your device and how to care for it.
To enquire about the range of hip bracing that Liverpool orthotics can provide or to book an appointment, contact us today on 0330 088 3949, or email us at office@liverpool-orthotics.co.uk
To arrange an appointment call Liverpool Orthotics now on 0330 088 3949, or email us at office@liverpool-orthotics.co.uk