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As the most stable joint of the human body, the primary role of the hip is to support the weight of the body and enable the transfer of movement forces from the trunk and upper limbs. Nevertheless there is a large degree of movement necessary at this joint and this occurs at the ball and socket joint between the head of the femur and the pelvis. Both of these functions allow us to perform dynamic movements whilst withstanding the exertion of outside forces.
Apart from the bony formations, the stability and mobility is provided by the thick larger muscle structures and the many ligaments that pass over and around the joint. Effective muscle recruitment and timing is essential to maintaining correct movement and postural balance.
 Injury to the hip has direct influences over the levels of mobility of an individual. Fracture or dislocation can cause total immobilisation where lesser restrictive injuries with still impact upon the gait pattern. If these are not identified and treated accordingly they can cause compensatory mechanisms elsewhere around the body both upper and lower limb. However the most common complaints include: Fracture neck of femur: Where the bone that allows movement and weight transfer between the femur and pelvis is fractured
Hip Replacement: When the bones that make the hip joint have been damaged or degenerated beyond repair a new hip joint is surgically introduced
Physiotherapy will help restore correct movement and function to full range using techniques such as:
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