How I got hip to pain in my hip

Trochanteric bursitis, shown in red, is truly a pain in the hip!

I saw a physiotherapist last week seeking a solution to my continuing hip pain, diagnosed months back by an orthopaedic surgeon as trochanteric bursitis. The fluid-filled bursae help reduce friction between bones and soft tissue, but repetitive movement can lead to inflammation, irritation and pain.

In my case, the problem stemmed from months of practicing the Cuban motion in dance class, essential to the cha cha and the rumba.

After a thorough examination, the physio recommended two simple exercises, jotting down these instructions:

• Left leg behind right. Reach up and over. 2x20 seconds, 2x a day.
• Balance on left leg 30 seconds x 2. Hold abdominals in then transfer weight. 3x a day.

Looking for a way to accelerate the healing process, I said: “I can handle more than this, definitely. Can you give me a few more exercises?”

She said I should just do the two exercises every day.

I woke up three days later realizing, in total disbelief, I had done my exercises just once.

Logically, the solution required three steps:

1. Find a well-regarded professional and wait a month for an appointment.
2. Pay for an examination and instructions on how to reduce pain.
3. Follow a stretching and strengthening exercise routine that takes all of four minutes and 20 seconds a day.

In my dumbfounded search for explanations, I asked myself:

• Did I lack the time?
• Did I forgot to do the exercises?
• Did I think the exercises were insufficient?

 
After acknowledging the illogical nature of my behavior, I resolved to change my ways and have performed the two exercises every day, reminding myself:

• There isn’t much choice – unless I want to give up dancing.
• No burden or difficulty is being imposed upon me.
• I feel better for doing the exercises – and for taking action

My conclusion?  If you want to improve your life, or make a change for the better, you have to go beyond awareness and act on your intentions.

Many solutions are not that difficult, though some do call for more than four minutes and 20 seconds a day.  Finally, doing something is almost always better than doing nothing.

Intentionally yours,
Coach Minda

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