Throughout the year, and often over holidays and festive breaks, many people spend much of their time sitting at work or for social functions, or travelling long distances by car, plane or train. This may play havoc with hip pain. Here, we discuss some simple strategies to reduce hip pain sitting, when socialising and travelling.
Sustaining your hips in a position where they are bent more than 90°, may cause pain aggravation of:
For those with pain over the sitting bones (ischial tuberosities), which may be associated with proximal hamstring tendinopathy¹ or ischiogluteal bursitis, the aim is to relieve the pressure over these bones in sitting. Often a pressure relief cushion (made from foam with an egg carton pattern) is very effective at reducing the compression across these structures when sitting. Or just start with some sort of pillow to increase the softness of the surface on which you are sitting. For some people, this isn’t enough and you may need to purchase a piece of thick medium density foam and cut out a couple of holes for the sitting bones. Sounds weird but works well!
Recovering from Gluteal Tendinopathy, Trochanteric Bursitis or GTPS
For those with pain over the bones at the sides of the hips, usually associated with gluteal tendinopathy or trochanteric bursitis³, bucket-type seats in vehicles that wrap around the sides on the hips and thighs, may exert some pressure there. This can become uncomfortable after prolonged sitting. This discomfort can be eased by lifting your hips higher, so that you elevate yourself away from the edges of the seat. For example, use a wedge cushion or fill in the middle of the seat with a folded towel, creating a flat surface with no pressure from the raised edges of the seat.
For those that suffer with coccydynia, pain related to the tip of the tailbone, direct pressure of the coccyx on the seat can become painful. Coccyx cushions are available with an area cut-out to remove pressure from the coccyx². If you run out of time to find a pillow before your travel, use the general principles of removing pressure from the tailbone, even with a folded towel lengthwise under each thigh and buttock, to lift the tailbone away from the seat.
Find your ideal cushion for Hip Pain Relief
Just remember, MOTION IS LOTION for your body. Moving has lots of benefits for your body but in this situation will help relieve sitting pain. If you are stuck in a seat, try to move within that seat:
Even better, wherever possible, get up & move. If you are travelling in a plane or train, get up regularly and take a short walk up the aisle. If you are travelling in a car, make a point of stopping every hour at a minimum. Yes, we’re all in a hurry to get to our events but in the long run stopping for a short break each hour will mean you reach your destination in a much better state. Avoiding driver fatigue also reduces the chance of motor vehicle accidents, so drive safe and stay comfortable this holiday period.
If you are sitting at a social event, find an excuse to get up and walk or suggest to the person you’re talking to that you continue your conversation while talking a stroll – chances are they are sick of sitting too!
Hip Pain Professionals:
This blog was written by Dr. Alison Grimaldi, with contribution from one of our Hip Pain Professionals, Kirsty McNab, experienced physiotherapist.
Dr. Alison Grimaldi is a globally recognised expert physiotherapist, researcher, and educator, who has over 30 years professional clinical experience helping patients recover from a wide range of hip and pelvic conditions.
Dr. Alison Grimaldi BPhty, MPhty(Sports), PhD, FACP
Dr Grimaldi has completed Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Master of Physiotherapy and Doctor of Philosophy (Physiotherapy) degrees. She is a fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists, Practice Principal of PhysioTec Physiotherapy, an Australian Sports Physiotherapist , an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the University of Queensland, as well as an author and global educator. Her passion is helping people with hip pain, and educating other health professionals around how to help more people with hip pain.
