Learning About Hip Protectors
Hip protectors are designed to protect your hips during a fall. They are a type of padded belt, pant, or underwear with special padding over the hips.
Most hip fractures (broken hip) happen because of a fall. Wearing hip protectors may help lower the risk of hip fractures for some people.
It's important to talk with your healthcare provider, such as your occupational therapist or doctor, to make sure hip protectors are right for you.
How they work
The padding on hip protectors can have either a soft or hard shell:
- The hard shell is like the hard plastic of a hockey or soccer shin pad. It spreads the force of a fall away from your hips.
- The soft-shell padding absorbs the force of a fall on your hips. They are comfortable to wear lying down.
Styles
Hip protectors come in many styles. Some styles have extra padding over the tailbone. The padding gives your tail bone extra protection if you fall on your bottom.
Some hip protectors have room for incontinence products underneath or come with a fly front.
Size and fit
Soft- and hard-shell hip protectors are available by hip size. To find the right size for you, measure around the widest part of your hips. An occupational therapist may be able to help you with sizing.
When wearing hip protectors, the padding should always stay in place over your hip bones.
Hip protectors should stay in place while you walk, sit, and bend. They should also be comfortable and easy to put on and take off.
Where to find
You can buy hip protectors online or at a medical supply store. Ask your healthcare provider if they can recommend a website or store near you.
If you have health insurance, check with your insurance company to see if they cover the cost.
To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_hip_protectors_inst.
For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.
Current as of: August 20, 2025
Author: Alberta Fracture Liaison Services
This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
