Week 4 NFL Injury Spotlight: Anthony Richardson Hip Pointer

This week Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback, Anthony Richardson, suffered a hip pointer injury in the first quarter of Sunday’s 27-24 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was running the ball when he took a hard hit causing him to fumble the ball. He sat out two plays before returning to the game, however sustained a second hit irritating his initial injury. He left the field and the Colts listed him out for the remainder of the game. Richardson was evaluated in the locker room and diagnosed with a hip pointer injury. Depending on the severity of his injury Colts fans may have to wait several weeks for Richardson to return to the field.

A hip pointer injury can be very painful depending on the severity of the injury. A hip pointer is a bruise to the iliac crest which is the bone on the outside of the hip. Typically, this injury occurs due to a hit or fall and is a common injury sustained in contact sports like football. If the injury is not treated correctly, it can cause further injury to the hip area such as tendinitis, ITB syndrome, or fracture. Many times, athletes will try and come back too early or push through the injury. It’s important to diagnose it correctly and take the athlete out of activity to have a full recovery without complications.

The treatment plan for a hip pointer typically starts with rest, ice, compression, and anti-inflammatories. Physical therapy is also a helpful adjunct treatment to help a hip pointer injury recover properly. Richardson will begin treatment focusing on improving mobility and decreasing pain. Manual therapy, like massage and passive stretching, will help reduce pain and improve mobility of the hip. Strength training and balance activities will be introduced and progressed based on his tolerance to treatment. The focus is on the muscles around the hip joint and making them stronger and improving the motor control around the joint. It is important to introduce exercises that improve strength and function like squats, lunges, and bridges. Initiating single leg balance activities to promote dynamic balance will be key in decreasing risk of re-injury. Richardson will be put through return to sport testing and activities, like plyometrics and agility exercises, to ensure his is ready to take the field again without compromising his health.

Richardson should have a full recovery in a few weeks and return to the field without issue. His return will be decided by his medical team and when he is no longer limping, without pain, has regained full strength, and has full range of motion in his hip. If this criterion is met and he completes rehabilitation, he will eliminate the risk of re-injury and any possible complication. Colts’ fans will be happy to see Richardson return to the field in a few weeks resuming his role as their starting quarterback; scrambling, running the ball, and throwing deep passes to his fellow teammates.

Don’t forget to give Portsmouth PT a call if you run into any injuries so we can help you get Back to Sports, Back to Work, and Back to Life!