The hip joint is a ball and socket joint which means the head of the long bone of the thigh (femur) articulates freely in the hip socket which allows us a wide range of movement i.e. flexion (bringing the leg forward), extension (taking the leg backwards), abduction (taking the leg out to the side), adduction (bringing the leg in towards the middle), internal and external rotation (twisting inwards and outwards) and circumduction (circular movements).
For our hips to remain healthy, we need to put them through the full range of movement on a regular basis to encourage the synovial fluid which lubricates the joint, (just like engine oil!), and keeps it nourished.
Now think about your day…. Have you moved your hips through their full range? Probably not! So you can see why hip problems and replacements are becoming close to an epidemic in the modern society.
Pilates exercises take your hips through all their range of movements and can help relieve symptoms or even prevent the problem in the first place.
If you have hip problems already or have had a hip replacement then their will be some exercises that would not be suitable for your condition, so you would need to consult your practitioner before starting a class.