Chiropractic for Hip Pain

Chiropractic is a safe and effective treatment option for a range of hip problems including tendonitis, bursitis and osteoarthritis. Learn more about chiropractic for hip pain…

The first step to effective treatment is effective examination.

Once the source of the pain has been established (muscle, joint, nerve etc) the real question becomes – why has that area become painful in the first place (the cause)? Obviously, if pain came on as a result of a fall or collision than trauma was the cause. However, most hip complaints are not the result of trauma and instead result from progressive overload on the joint which eventually results in pain.

Asymmetries, weaknesses and restrictions in other areas of the body are common underlying causes in hip pain. Chiropractic treats the local problem but also aims to identify and address the underlying dysfunctions.

How does chiropractic for hip pain work?

Adjustments/ manipulation

Restriction in the movement of the hip joint is a common problem with hip complaints. Chiropractic manipulation is a very effective approach to restore proper movement to the joints and to reduce local pain. Manipulation can also be used to restore movement and function to joints away from the site of pain to help unload painful areas. In hip pain for example, pelvic joints are often restricted and also need to be addressed in order for the hips to function correctly.

Soft tissue work

Triggers points or ‘knots’ in the muscles of the pelvis can cause a variety of hip pains. Trigger points in other areas of the body (e.g. the lower back) can also cause pain referred to the hips. For example, the Quadratus Lumborum muscle in the back (see image) will commonly refer to the gluteal region of the hip. A range of soft tissue approaches such as active release, trigger point therapy or ischaemic compression can be used to treat these muscles to relieve hip pain.

Dry needling

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique using an acupuncture needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate the underlying tissue. Dry needling is very effective at treating deep trigger points within the gluteal muscles or piriformis at the back of the hip.

Exercise

Stretches and mobilisation exercises can be used to relieve pain and promote healing in the early stages of treatment. Later, exercise can be progressed to improve strength, mobility and muscle balance to correct underlying hip dysfunction and aid in full recovery and prevention. The hip areoplane (shown on the right) is an excellent exercise enhancing both stability and mobility of the hip.

Is chiropractic for hip pain safe?

Yes. Chiropractic is widely recognised as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of nerve, muscle and joint complaints. Most patients experience immediate relief following chiropractic treatment however, some may experience mild soreness, stiffness or aching, just as they might after exercise. Current research shows that this discomfort typically fades within 24 hours.

Are you suffering with hip pain?

Click here to find out how Treatment at Dynamic Health could help.

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Images

Liebenson. C., Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies

‘Chiropractic for Hip Pain’ was written by Steffen Toates. Steffen is a chiropractor at Dynamic Health Chiropractic in Jersey, Channel Islands. For more infomation about Steffen click here.