Hip Perthes

Howdy Leslie and Melanie and All,

Hope the summer has been fab for yous all, mine has been busier!! Along with my clients, I have been working hard at my own rehab. It is coming slowly, but correctly!! My question regards a male client, mid 50’s, with hip perthes. I have done some research and understand the basic of the disease. He has come in several times with it “out” which gives him a leg length difference of 1/2 to 1″. He is in very good muscular shape but lots of disfunction throughout his spine and scapula. Are there any exercises or positions that would be an absolute no-no, or is this a problem that can be worked in any position as long as there is no pain?

Thanks for being available for these type of things! I had never even heard of this disease before!

Happy Still Summer,

James

Response from Melanie Byford-Young:

Legg Calves Perthes disease is when the growth plate at the head/ neck of the femur (the capitol epiphysis) slips, and thus the orientation of the femur is irregular. In order to know what the precautions are, you would have to know what the shape of the hip is, whether or not the socket is a normal depth, and any other dysplasia. Your client or his therapist should know some of this information. In the absence of all of this information, follow the range of motion your client has and do not push it. The neutral position is most likely not symmetrical, so again find the best position and always follow the ease of movement.

Melanie