Exercises | Physiotherapy for a child’s hip dislocation

Exercises

Depending on the age of the child, there are various exercises that are performed as part of the therapy to stabilize and mobilize the hip joint so that normal development is supported and the healing process is accelerated: 1) Cycling Here, either the parents or, in the case of older children, the children themselves move their legs in the air in a supine position as if they were riding a bicycle. 2) Stabilization: The child stands with one leg next to a chair to which he or she can hold on to. The other leg is guided slowly and in a controlled manner forward and backward in the air.

3) Mobilization: In the supine position, the child’s legs are bent and guided towards the chest and then slowly extended again. 4) Strengthening: The child lies on its back and adjusts its legs. Now the buttocks are pressed towards the ceiling, creating a kind of bridge.

5) Mobilization and strengthening: The child sits up straight on a chair. Now one leg is lifted at an angle, held for 2 seconds and put down again. Then change sides. 5 repetitions per side. In these articles you will find more exercises for the hips:

  • Physiotherapy for hip pain
  • Physiotherapy for a baby/infant with hip dysplasia (as a possible preliminary stage of hip luxation)
  • Physiotherapy for childhood hip dysplasia

Does cerebral palsy affect the hip

In children with cerebral palsy, there is non-progressive brain damage with effects on muscular and neurological development. The children have problems with coordination and movement and the muscle tension is increased compared to healthy children.CP is not curable but can be modified by appropriate therapy. As a result of the diseases, many CP children develop hip joint problems, which can often lead to hip luxation.

The speed and severity of this development depends on the severity of the cerebral palsy and the associated spasticity and developmental retardation. Since CP is not curable per se, it is especially important to closely observe children during their development and to have regular check-ups to ensure proper development of the hip joint. The therapy has to be adapted to the individual condition of the child, as the course of CP can vary greatly.

Physiotherapy is the therapy of choice for CP children and usually accompanies them throughout their lives. Only when the conservative measures have been exhausted or the child’s situation has deteriorated significantly, surgery is considered for treatment. You can also read the following articles on this topic:

  • Coordination exercises
  • Muscular imbalances
  • Autogenic Training
  • Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation

Read next article in this series:

All articles in this series:

  1. Physiotherapy for a child’s hip dislocation
  2. Exercises
  3. Operation