How to Address Hip Pain While Sitting
Introduction
Hip pain during sitting is a common issue that affects people of all ages. One of the main causes of hip pain in a seated position is poor posture and incorrect movement patterns, which can increase stress on the joints and activate muscles in ways that exacerbate the problem. While traditional exercises like glute bridges and lunges are often recommended for alleviating hip pain, they do not address the underlying movement patterns that contribute to discomfort during sitting.
Research on traditional exercises for relieving hip pain has been explored in studies published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science (Kim et al., 2018) and in randomized trials in the Clinical Rehabilitation Journal (Baldon et al., 2012). These studies suggest that while traditional exercises can promote hip mobility, they fail to resolve the movement patterns that cause pain during sitting.
Sitting can also contribute to other types of discomfort, such as lower back pain, but it is not the primary cause of hip pain while seated. This article will examine how a holistic approach can help alleviate hip pain during sitting and improve overall health.

How Sitting and Hip Pain Are Connected.
Prolonged sitting can increase stress on joints and harmful muscle activation patterns, which may worsen hip pain (Sung et al., 2016). Poor posture, such as excessive pelvic tilt, can compress the lumbar spine and hip joint, intensifying discomfort. Additionally, incorrect movement patterns during activities like walking or sports can lead to muscle imbalances and instability in the hip joint, causing joint degeneration and pain when sitting.
What Is a Degenerative Condition?
A degenerative condition refers to the gradual breakdown of body tissues due to wear and tear, injury, or aging. In the case of hip pain while sitting, degenerative conditions may affect various tissues around the joint. Repeated and prolonged exposure to abnormal positions can create microtraumas that lead to degeneration over time.
Dehydration also reduces elasticity and lubrication in muscles, tendons, and ligaments, making them more prone to injury and degeneration. The body requires adequate hydration to function efficiently and avoid pain or injuries.
Limitations of Traditional Approaches.
Traditional exercises like bridges and lunges can improve mobility but do not address the root causes of movement issues associated with hip pain. Activities that encourage repetitive hip flexion, such as cycling, can worsen the problem if prolonged sitting positions are not corrected. Alternatively, training focused on improving movement patterns related to walking may be more effective.

A Holistic Approach:
Using the Functional Patterns Method, the focus is on correcting improper movement patterns through training that retrains the body based on its natural biomechanics. By focusing on the “Big Four” movements—walking, running, throwing, and standing posture—this holistic approach helps correct dysfunctional movement patterns and promotes functional movement. This can reduce joint stress, muscle imbalances, and degenerative conditions, leading to less pain and improved overall health.

Benefits of a Holistic Approach to Hip Pain
Training the body to perform functional movements correctly improves posture control and reduces the likelihood of pain and injury. Techniques that simulate walking or running movements contribute to better hip health and overall well-being.
The foundation of the Functional Patterns philosophy is that the human body is designed to move as an interconnected system. Deviations from this natural design lead to inefficiency and pain. Correcting these inefficiencies promotes proper alignment, enhances balance, and reduces the overloading of hip flexors, resulting in less pain and better hip health.
Conclusion:
Hip pain during sitting is a common issue that can be alleviated with the right approach. Traditional exercises and stretches are insufficient to resolve the underlying problems. A holistic approach that promotes proper movement and enhances overall health can effectively address hip pain and prevent injuries.

References
- Sung, P. S., Lee, Y. H., & Lee, J. C. (2016). Relationship between the spinal angle and hip flexion during prolonged sitting. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 28(8), 2317-2320.
- Kim, J. H., Kim, K. T., & Lee, S. J. (2018). Effects of hip exercise therapy on patients with hip osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 30(5), 686-691.
- Baldon, R. M., Lobato, D. F. M., & Carvalho, L. P. (2012). Effect of functional stabilization training on lower limb biomechanics in women. Clinical Rehabilitation, 26(2), 132–141.