Project Description

OVERVIEW
CONDITIONS & TREATMENTS
PHYSICIANS

The hip is a simple ball and socket joint. Normally, the parts of the hip joint work together and the joint moves easily without pain. However; disease, arthritis, or injury can disturb the normal function of the hip joint. This can result in hip pain, groin pain, muscle weakness, and limited movement. Longer life expectancies and greater activity levels as people age have lead to joint replacements being performed in greater numbers of patients.

How does the Hip Work?

This ball and socket joint acts much like a car’s ball joint connecting the wheel to the axle allowing you to turn in different directions while supporting the body. The ball (femoral head) is at the upper end of your thigh bone (femur) and this fits into a socket (acetabulum). Cartilage (a layer of smooth soft tissue) covers the ball and lines the socket allowing the ball to move easily in the socket. You are given only one coating of this cartilage in your lifetime; when it is damaged or worn out it cannot repair itself.

  • Arthritis Surgery in the Shoulder and Elbow
  • Arthroscopy
  • Distal Biceps and Triceps Ruptures
  • Elbow Arthroscopy
  • Elbow Fractures/Dislocations
  • Elbow Replacement
  • Elbow Sports Injuries
  • Elbow Surgery
  • Rotator Cuff Injuries
  • Shoulder Fractures
  • Shoulder Instabilities
  • Shoulder Replacement
  • Shoulder Sports Injuries
  • Shoulder Surgery
  • Tendonitis

Shoulder Topics

ANATOMY – “Your Amazing Body”

SELF-CARE – Things You Can Do”

Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Rehabilitation Exercises

Shoulder Surgery Exercises

INFORMED CONSENT

Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Rotator Cuff Tears

MEDICATIONS

Managing Pain With Medications After Surgery

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Rehabilitation Exercises

INJECTION THERAPIES

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Although Martha’s Vineyard Orthopedic specialists can offer highly-specialized shoulder surgery options, it is best to avoid surgery altogether if possible. To avoid experiencing shoulder pain, Martha’s Vineyard patients should keep physically fit with a balanced program of aerobics, stretching and strengthening all body parts to help to prevent shoulder injuries.  Here are some specific tips for the shoulders:

  • Apply heat to shoulder muscles before exercise. Heat prepares muscles and tendons for exercise.
  • Keep your arm below shoulder height while doing stretches for the shoulder.
  • Gradually increase movements—big circles, across-body movements, trunk twists, shoulder blade rolls and forward and backward squeezes—during shoulder warm-up.
  • Pendulum stretching exercises relieve pressure on the rotator cuff. While sitting or standing, keep arm vertical and close to the body. Allow arm to swing back and forth in a small diameter (about 1 inch). As symptoms improve, the diameter of swing may be increased. Initially perform the exercise with just the weight of your arm. As shoulder pain improves, progressively add more weight—5 to 10 pounds (a filled gallon container weighs 8 pounds). Perform exercise for 5 minutes once or twice a day.
  • Muscle-strengthening exercises can be performed about 1 to 2 weeks after doing pendulum stretching exercises. Use elastic exercise bands for a variety of arm exercises. For example, attach band to a doorknob. Then hold your elbow close to your side at a 90 degree angle, grasp the band and pull toward your waist. Hold for 5 seconds. Do 15 to 20 repetitions each day.

Hip Conditions

Hip Treatments

Request An Appointment

Patient Testimonials

Share Your Story

Dr. David Halsey Discusses Arthritis

How To Decide About Surgery For Your Hip & Knee Problems