The hip abductors are an important and often forgotten muscle group that contribute to our ability to stand, balance, rotate our legs, and stabilize our pelvis while we walk. When strong, they help prevent and treat pain in the hips and knees.

With years of underuse and sitting, these muscles become weak and very hard to activate during mobility and difficult to isolate during exercise. During activity, the body compensates for the weak or absent hip abductor torque by applying a load on the lower back, hips and knees, causing weakness, injury and pain.

As pain and instability in the hips and knees rise, so does the lack of mobility, weakened bones, risk of falling and therefore, associated diseases and disorders of physical inactivity begin to set in- increasing the risk of death.

Mostly caused by falls, one in five hip fracture patients die within a year of their injury. Falls and subsequent injuries can also lead to further reduced mobility, lack of physical fitness, and a greater probability of ending up in long-term care.

Essentially, strong hip abductors are necessary for keeping seniors mobile, pain free and reducing their risk of falling immensely. This very important muscle group should not be overlooked or taken for granted, as activating it can increase a senior’s quality and longevity of life.

If you are concerned about your or your loved one’s hip abductor weakness or inactivity, our senior trainers are skilled in techniques to test for this issue and activate these muscles in even the weakest seniors- It’s a life saver!