Tight hips sink ships, or that’s how it may feel. Tight hips contribute to significant limitations and pain during everyday functional tasks. In my experience, tight hips account for as much discomfort and functional limitation as tight shoulders do. The more painful they get, the less we move them, and the less we move them, the tighter and more painful they become—and so the cycle continues.
Unfortunately, because this process happens gradually, people often surrender to it and settle for a lower quality of life.
5 Exercises for Hip Mobility and Flexibility
These exercises can help you keep your hips moving smoothly, thereby contributing to a high quality of life. They work well for my patients, and I like them, too. I think that they will also work well for you, but I suggest discussing the exercises with your health care provider to ensure that they are right for you.
1. Supine Windshield Wipers
Supine windshield wipers are excellent rotational exercises. As you move from side to side, you quickly get a feel for what’s tight and can dial right in on it. Because it’s performed supine, you can focus directly on the exercise without extraneous postural movements.
Kevin Shelley
Kevin Shelley is a licensed occupational therapist with over 30 years of experience in major health care settings. He is a health columnist for The Epoch Times.
