Manual Therapy, Therapeutic Exercise, and HipTrac for Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis: A Case Series

Abstract

Study Design: Case series. Background: Manual, long-axis hip traction has been used for centuries to treat pain and dysfunction associated with hip osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of this case series is to describe a rehabilitation program that was used to treat two patients with hip OA using the HipTrac traction device in addition to manual therapy and therapeutic exercise. Case Description: Two patients were treated with manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and administered the HipTrac device. The manual therapy and therapeutic exercise programs targeted impairments each patient presented with at each treatment session. The HipTrac, applied in the clinic and in each patient's home, was used for mobilizing the joint capsule and to provide pain relief. Outcomes: The primary outcome measures were the CareConnections Functional Index (CCFI), the Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS), range of motion (ROM), manual muscle tests, performance of functional single leg squats and single leg dead lifts. Improvements in all outcome measures were observed for both patients. Discussion: Clinically meaningful improvements in self- reported function and pain were described by both patients two years posttreatment. Both patients reported that they had greatly benefited from combining the techniques and procedures used. The use of the HipTrac along with traditional physical therapy procedures may relieve pain and improve function in patients with hip disorders.