Definition:

A muscle contracture is a permanent shortening of a muscle or joints in the hip. It is usually in response to prolonged hypertonic spasticity in a concentrated muscle area. Contractures are essentially muscles or tendons that have remained too tight for too long, thus becoming shorter. Once they occur they cannot be stretched or exercised away; they must be released with orthopedic surgery.

Symptoms:

• Loss of ROM of the hip
• Pain in the hip
• Weakness in the lower extremity
• Difficulty walking

Causes:

• Trauma
• Infection
• Arthritis
• History of surgery

Treatment:

• ROM and stretching exercises to hip
• Hip stabilization exercises
• Lower extremity strengthening exercises
• Gait program