Effect of Hip Versus Spinal Joint Mobilization on Hip Muscle Strength

Patients with painful knee conditions often present with hip muscle weakness. This weakness can lead to, and perpetuate, knee problems. Diminished strength causes movement impairments that can lead to pathology, functional limitations and disablement. In some cases, this hip muscle weakness is not caused by simple disuse and muscle shrinkage (atrophy). Hip weakness may be caused by an inhibitory mechanism that limits the force output of a muscle. The inhibition is reflexive and is in response to pain or joint dysfunction. Joint mobilization/manipulation can quickly reduce pain and improve joint function, possibly decreasing inhibition and increasing strength. Joint mobilization/manipulation may facilitate strength recovery. By restoring strength sooner, the patient may avoid the deleterious effects of prolonged muscle weakness and achieve quicker or better outcomes.