Paulina Porizkova Opens Up On Her Struggles With Hip Arthritis

Model Paulina Porizkova has never been shy about getting candid with her followers about the joys and struggles of aging.

Although most individuals are familiar with the aches and pains of aging, the 57-year-old supermodel recently took part in the CBS reality TV show "Beyond the Edge," which required the 57-year-old to sleep on jungle floors in the rain and participate in other excruciating physical challenges in Panama.

After she arrived back in New York City, she was in so much pain that she could barely walk! However, after months of rest, Paulina shared her strategies to "sweet talk" her "cranky hips!"

On Thursday, the former Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model shared a video set to the tune of The Beatles’ hit song, “With A Little Help From My Friends.”  Paulina is lying face-up on a table, covered by a navy blue blanket, as she undergoes a deep tissue massage to help alleviate pain caused by her hip arthritis.

“Alright, there are some drawbacks to this aging biz- mine is this stupid hip arthritis,” she wrote in the caption. “It started with just a twinge on one side a few years ago, and now I have to really work on it daily to maintain mobility.”

“Doing a reality show in the jungle with no food and no sleep and insane physical challenges didn’t exactly help,” she joked. “On my return, I took a break from working out and wrote a book, and once done, jumped back into doing what I can to sweet-talk those cranky hips.”

“I do PT and try to do some daily, at least to roll out and a few stretches. I work out twice a week and do deep tissue work twice a month,” she revealed. “In nyc, @mcpetrina has been my savior, and here in LA I just found Zumi @thesterkenburgeffect on the rec of my girlfriend.”

“Deep tissue isn’t for the faint of heart. It hurts,” she admitted. “It’s digging into parts of your body you didn’t know could be dug into.But, after a session, I’ll have at least 5 days of much less pain, and my workouts are more effective.”

“Yes, I have tried every supplement and every possible therapy- bit sometimes it just is what it is,” she wrote. “I know I’m lucky that I can afford professional help, and I’m super grateful to my team for their expertise.”

She concluded her post by saying, “Btw- hips DO lie” and wrapped it up with the hashtags #betweenjloandbettywhite, #wonkyhips, and #athritissucks.

Many fans showed support for Paulina’s struggles with arthritis, with a few sharing their own stories to show solidarity. “I feel ya! I had that and waited for a couple years before a hip replacement. Best thing, I shouldn’t have waited so long. You know Christie Brinkley had one too?” one fan asked. Paulina replied, “Yup, she told me!” However, another user said that they waited four years for their surgery and still have pain two years after the operation.

“Ah, man, the hip issues! Feelin’ it too but you’re spot on, PT has been only thing that loosens me up,” another user shared. “I also have an unwieldy and loud but effective vibrating roller that scares our dogs but works well. Thanks, as always, for sharing, it really does help knowing others are experiencing the same things.” Paulina replied, “got that roller too!”

“Ugh...I have the same issue...assumed it was sciatica, went to a chiropractor who did x rays then was told I have degenerative arthritis starting in my right hip,” another user commented. “I try to workout, walk, stretch...not fun getting older. I am 52 and have had to slow down and re evaluate my workouts.” Paulina replied, “Hear you.”

However, it looks like at least one follower provided an alternative that Paulina may not have tried yet. “I’m exactly your age. Had the same problems. I had stem cell injection in both hips. Have been pain free since,” one user commented. In response to another user’s question, they explained, “look into Regenexx clinics. I went to a doctor in MN. But they have locations all over the US. There’s a lot of shady practitioners hoping to make a buck. Regenexx is state of the art.” Paulina replied, “good to know!”

Other followers recommended supplements, collagen, gentle yoga, and stretching to help relieve arthritis pain. Although different things will work for different individuals, it's always best to refer to your doctor before adding a new medical treatment or supplement to your lifestyle plan!