When it comes to maintaining hip health, mobility, and long-term performance, few exercises are as effective as Hip CARS — short for Controlled Articular Rotations. At Life in Motion Chiropractic, we often incorporate Hip CARS into our patients’ movement programs to enhance control, improve range of motion, and build strength at the limits of joint movement. If you’ve been searching for a chiropractor near me in Livonia who prioritizes functional rehabilitation, this is a key exercise we teach.
What Are Hip CARS?
Hip CARS are part of the Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) system — a scientifically supported approach that improves joint mobility and control by moving each joint through its full available range. According to the National Institutes of Health, controlled mobility exercises like CARS help maintain joint integrity, promote synovial fluid flow, and can enhance proprioception, which is your body’s ability to sense movement and position.
How to Perform Hip CARS
- Start on your hands and knees, aligning wrists under shoulders and knees under hips.
- Keep your back flat and core gently engaged — avoid arching or rounding your spine.
- With your knee bent and foot flexed, slowly extend one leg straight back.
- Open your hip outward, circling the knee up toward your elbow.
- Continue moving slowly in a smooth circular motion, maintaining control at every angle.
- Complete 8–10 circles in one direction, then reverse.
Benefits of Hip CARS
This exercise enhances hip joint awareness, increases stability, and helps reduce the risk of stiffness or pain from inactivity. It’s especially beneficial for athletes, desk workers, or anyone recovering from hip or lower back issues. By strengthening the muscles that control the hip joint through its full range of motion, you also improve your ability to generate power safely in movements like squats, lunges, and running.
Chiropractic Integration in Livonia
At Life in Motion Chiropractic, we often pair Hip CARS with DNS-based stabilization and soft tissue work to optimize hip function. A Livonia chiropractor can assess your movement, identify mobility limitations, and create a customized plan for your specific goals. Whether you’re looking to improve athletic performance or alleviate chronic tension, Hip CARS are an essential tool for long-term joint health.
👉 Explore more mobility exercises in our rehab library.
👉 Schedule an appointment today and take the next step toward better movement and function.