There are lots of organizations out there and people that are providing support to hippies worldwide! One organization who does this is the Hippies Club of Baton Rouge. Kelli Kirkland is a cofounder, patient and a Physical Therapy Assistant. She has seen both sides of this injury. The organization's mission statement is "to provide a community of support and education for those with hip pain."
I asked Kelli what her intent was in forming the club. She said her surgeon was actually the inspiration behind this organization. Her surgeon had discussed that there was really no support in the area and Kelli stated, "as a clinician, I am passionate about pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation education. As a patient, I am passionate about community awareness." She sees the primary role of the Hippies Club to provide emotional support and education for anyone with a diagnosis of hip dysplasia. but her audience is really anyone with hip pain.
The Hippies Club of Baton Rouge engaged with the hip community both globally and locally.
"Globally and locally, via social media pages (Instagram and Snapchat) (hippiesclubbr), we advertise quarterly meetings and a HIPPIES Hike (with miles4hips day of awareness day) and success stories. We utilize a public library meeting room to discuss our personal journeys, “hot topics” questions and answers session with PAO surgeon, Dr. John Faust, and Coach Kelli’s favorite strength and stretches breakout sessions. Family members are encouraged to attend."
The club is "most passionate about returning to sports and performance coaching rehabilitation research (pre- and post-surgical). We would like to speak to as many groups as possible to inform the public of a positive environment regarding the diagnosis, surgical interventions, and return to fitness culture. " The advice that Kelli can you as a hip patient is “Enjoy your journey. There is peace in the process.”
The club is "most passionate about returning to sports and performance coaching rehabilitation research (pre- and post-surgical). We would like to speak to as many groups as possible to inform the public of a positive environment regarding the diagnosis, surgical interventions, and return to fitness culture. " For encouragement and nourishment during your hip journey, here are the club's instagram pages: