My hip problem...big riding problem, any ideas?

[poiuytrewq]

First noticed years ago (maybe 6?) that my right stirrup was always shorter than the left but still felt longer.
Ignored for ages as it wasn't a huge deal.
Things got worse. My balance became effected (because I was wonky).
It got bad enough that after a few falls I pretty much gave up on riding as I used to be a secure rider, not amazing but secure and had stick ability.
I've seen Dr's. not recently but a few who have said there is nothing wrong but referred me to physio's who have said there is a problem but no one is ever sure what.
Several physio's have had different opinions and tried to fix it or given exercises. Nothing's worked.
I've also seen private chiropractors again who have their own idea's and fixes again which have not worked.
Now I have a horse and am desperate to properly ride. I've been trying to ignore and get on with riding. Having lessons etc. Instructors have commented on how stiff and inflexible I am in that particular area. It's my left hip but my right feels like it's really unsteady in comparison and I'm just not feeling safe on a horse.
More recently my hip feels like it locks or clicks. I'm feeling it walking and driving.
It's driving me insane because it's holding me back, I finally have a wonderful horse and am feeling really confident with him but physically am really struggling but it seems no one can help
Any ideas please?!

 

[NiceNeverNaughty]

yes, from someone else with a hip/leg issue. forget physios, chiros etc etc and ask to be referred to an orthopeadic consultant for a proper assessment. I paid to see one privately and it was about £200 - you’d have bigger vet bills, figured it was worth it as Id been having problems for years. Im now waiting for MRI results.

 

[splashgirl45]

are you in pain? i had bad hipsand it was very painful, after many x rays they decided i needed a hip op as it was bone on bone, all the cartilage had gone(where, i dont know) i continued to ride but felt as you do, not very secure and a but perched on top as i couldnt widen my hips. after having my hip replaced i carefully began to ride and almost immediately i felt back to my old confident self as i felt i was sitting into the horse rather than being on top, i know no one wants operations but it may be your answer...hope this helps...

 

[Red-1]

I am sorry your hip gives you problems. I have a similar problem, right down to one that feels tight and that is bad enough, bit the other feels unstable.

I too have tried many physios, chiros and Drs, even acupunture.

The two things that have helped the most were

1. Cranio Sacral therapy. Yes, I thought it was a load of mumbo jumbo, but it really did work for me. To the extent that after one session the leg that had been shorter was back to normal and I could not walk as the newly long leg kept catching on the floor!

2. A really brutal physio. I was horrified how rough he was, as I usually protect the area. He rammed the hips up into the joint, then made me do step ups, and had a rigorous exercise program. I think it was kill or cure! That was after X rays etc so ensure there were no bone issues.

More recently a gym instructor told me that equestrians have many issues with hips and lower backs as we strengthen the adductors, but leave the abductors weak. With this inbalance we do not move the joint correctly, and will injure ourselves. Similarly with core strength being stronger than back musculature. He has introduced me to what I call the red room of pain in the gym, with the weights, to target the mismatched muscles.

If I can do a bit of running that also helps strengthen the cradle in the pelvis or something. It does seem to work.

I also find using a mounting block every single time, and it is one high enough to put the foot into the stirrup already facing forwards so you do not twist the hip helps.

 

[mandyroberts]

I think the advice to get scans etc is the right advice but depending on the out come, pilates could help. You would need a highly qualified teacher and private lessons at least to start. You could be wonky due to muscles/tendons not doing their job properly. My hip pain turned out to be a tight psoas, easily rectified with pilates

 

[Rowreach]

Another thing to think about is your saddle. I've worked with several people with hip and pelvic issues who have benefited from riding in treeless, and their horses have benefited too ��

 

[LD&S]

Have you had any Xrays done?

Not the same problem but I needed a hip replacement and found that I couldn't straighten both legs at the same time and have my heels on the ground (difference of about 2.5 inches), eventually I was told the pelvis tilts in response to the pain, could it be something like that? If your pelvis isn't level I wonder if the theory is that the legs will feels different lengths.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I have had the stirrup feeling shorter thing, compounded by a broken ankle. I have had Chico and physio which did help but the best thing was sessions with a physio on a mechanical horse. Amongst other things I found that I wasn't actually sitting centrally. I do find my Solution saddle more comfortable than a treed saddle.

 

[Lucy1986]

I have just had a hip arthroscopy for femeroacetabular impingement and labral tears (and some arthritis) and had similar symptoms. It took years to get a diagnosis (and i'm a doctor!) as it's a specialist area. I had similar symptoms to you in my left hip and still have the same in the right.

Have you seen an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in hip problems?

 

[Slightlyconfused]

yes, from someone else with a hip/leg issue. forget physios, chiros etc etc and ask to be referred to an orthopeadic consultant for a proper assessment. I paid to see one privately and it was about £200 - you’d have bigger vet bills, figured it was worth it as Id been having problems for years. Im now waiting for MRI results.

This is good advice.

You need it scanned and to be seen by a specialist.
I recommend if you are near them asking to be referred to Nuffield Orthopaedic Hospital in Oxford. Amazing place.

 

[Celtic Fringe]

I really sympathise with this as I have a very bad left hip and constantly tip to the right. Physiotherapy has helped but really I'm heading for a hip replacement quite soon.

You could consider side-saddle if nothing else helps. This worked well with old cob as I was not sitting tight on his back and he could move his shoulders much better and carry me well. The pommels helped me to feel secure and I didn't find it too difficult to keep my pelvis straight and facing the front.

 

[Rowreach]

Amongst other things I found that I wasn't actually sitting centrally. I do find my Solution saddle more comfortable than a treed saddle.

This is an extremely common rider problem and can be greatly helped by using a single rear shim on the side you need more support. This will sit a rider more centrally, relieve pain and discomfort, and be of huge benefit to the horse

 

[Pearlsasinger]

This is an extremely common rider problem and can be greatly helped by using a single rear shim on the side you need more support. This will sit a rider more centrally, relieve pain and discomfort, and be of huge benefit to the horse

Oh yes, Solution saddle is shimmed to correct us both. The mare has some muscle wastage on her left, which is the side I tend to sit away from, although i don't think ive caused it, she was no spring chicken when she came here.

 

[favcobs]

I have similar problem. Left leg doesn't sit right. Right leg feels very secure. Been going to chiropractor for a year. She said rotated pelvis. Really struggle on left rein as can't get left leg on and lose balance to outside so horse doesn't turn. I get so frustrated I want to cry.

 

[Rowreach]

Oh yes, Solution saddle is shimmed to correct us both. The mare has some muscle wastage on her left, which is the side I tend to sit away from, although i don't think ive caused it, she was no spring chicken when she came here.

Sorry yes I knew you knew, I was sort of responding to the OP still

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Sorry yes I knew you knew, I was sort of responding to the OP still

Yes, I was agreeing with you!

 

[Rowreach]

Yes, I was agreeing with you!

Ah, excellent

 

[poiuytrewq]

Ok Thanks all. A lot to think about and not an uncommon problem it would seem
I am fairly near Oxford but I dont think Gloucestershire will refer to Oxfordshire. I'll check as im definitely going to make another Dr apt especially as we have swapped surgeries since i last tried so new eyes and all that.
Ive not specifically had any xrays or scans for this. I did however have my pelvis xrayed about 18 months ago after a fall (which i absolutely should have stayed on and blame this hip!) They were looking for a fracture but i figured would have mentioned if anything else showed up?! Maybe not and i dont know if a pelvis xray would show my hip.
I'm about to book a mechanical horse lesson as I'm worried about ruining my horse.
Over the years I've ridden in many saddles and found a dressage saddle to be best but more recently bought a Albion which is the comfiest gp type I've tried in years.
Are they shims mentioned just for a certain saddle or might it help with mine? I've got a swanky 3d saddle fit session booked so thats something to bring up with the saddler.

 

[Rowreach]

Pearlsasinger and I are specifically talking about Solution saddles here

 

[Nicnac]

Yes and since doing rider focused 1:1 Pilates on a reformer I am a different person. As long as I go once a week I am pain free, can actually spring off my horse rather than having to unlock my right hip but swinging it for a minute or so and then getting someone to chuck my leg over back of saddle. I drive alot for work and can now drive pain free.

I went to doctors, hospital, physio, osteo etc and they couldn't find anything specific.

It costs me the same as an osteo visit and I have fired my cleaner to afford it but it's made a world of difference. It's helped my riding as well as taken back and knee pain away too.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Sorry just checked through to make sure i'd responded to all that required!!
No I'm not in pain as such, although forcing it is painful eg- if i lie on my back with my knees up i can drop the right one down but not the left and if forced it feels like it may break! Its more awkward and feels yuck! Sometimes it starts to hurt if I'm say walking up hill or have been walking a long way.
I was running a lot and quite enjoy it but stopped after going over on my ankle and hurting it, this dragged on for weeks worsening every time i tried again. By the time it was better i had said new horse and the clocks changed so time was against me but i do mean to restart.