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Can a Chiropractor Help With Hip Pain?

Hip pain is a debilitating condition that can significantly impact the quality of life for its many sufferers. If you’ve been struggling with hip pain recently, you might be wondering, “Can a chiropractor help with hip pain?”

Chiropractors are trained professionals with a focus on treating the musculoskeletal system. Because of this focus, chiropractic care can be a valuable part of a comprehensive treatment plan for various hip conditions.

Chiropractic care for hip pain can help restore hip function, improve range of motion, relieve pain, and enhance quality of life (Should I See A Chiropractor For Hip Pain).

In this article, we will explore how chiropractic care can address hip pain and what you can expect from a visit to the chiropractor.

What Hip Conditions Do Chiropractors Treat?

Chiropractors specialise in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, particularly those related to the spine and joints. The wide range of common hip conditions that chiropractors can help treat is listed below (Hip Conditions That Chiropractors Treat).

Chronic Pain

Chronic hip pain can result from overuse, injuries, or degenerative diseases. In general, chronic hip pain is caused by an overload of pressure on one area. Chiropractors can help manage this pain by addressing the underlying problems, including misalignments in the spine and torsion and tension in the pelvis.

They can also treat tissue inflammation using soft tissue techniques, and recommend exercises to help alleviate pain and improve function.

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

Femoroacetabular impingement occurs when there is abnormal contact between the bones of the hip joint during movement. This can cause pain and limit the range of motion. Chiropractors can provide adjustments and mobilizations to help reduce FAI and improve joint function.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip socket does not fully cover the ball of the thigh bone, leading to partial dislocation. Chiropractors can assist in managing this condition by improving joint alignment.

Additionally, chiropractors can design a personalised exercise program to strengthen the surrounding muscles, thereby stabilising the joint.

Spinal Issues

Sometimes, hip pain is not directly related to the hip joint itself but instead originates from issues in the spine. For example, misalignments or degenerative changes in the lower back can cause referred pain in the hips.

Chiropractors focus on spinal health, and they can address these underlying issues, potentially relieving hip pain in the process.

Arthritis

Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, is a common cause of hip pain. Arthritis causes wear and tear of the joint cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Chiropractors can provide gentle adjustments and recommend lifestyle changes to help manage arthritis symptoms and improve joint function.

Injury Recovery

Whether it’s a sports injury, a fall, or surgery, recovering from a hip injury can be a long process. Chiropractors can support your recovery by offering treatments that reduce pain, improve range of motion, and strengthen the muscles around the hip joint.

Other Common Causes Of Hip Pain

While chiropractors can address many hip conditions, hip pain does not always originate from the same source. Other common causes of hip pain include:

  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs) around the hip joint.
  • Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the hip, often due to overuse.
  • Hip fractures: Hip fractures are especially common in older adults. They require immediate medical attention and may not be suitable for chiropractic care.
  • Labral tears: Tears in the cartilage surrounding the hip joint may require surgical intervention.

Understanding the cause of your hip pain is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment, whether it involves chiropractic care, physical therapy, or medical intervention.

How Chiropractors Treat Hip Pain

A chiropractor will provide a personalised care plan designed to treat the underlying cause of hip pain. A typical aim will be to remove all and every interference, thereby restoring optimum posture and function. The general approach is outlined below.

  1. Manipulative Therapies: Chiropractors use spinal and joint manipulations to restore alignment and improve mobility. This can help relieve pain by reducing pressure on nerves and muscles.
  2. Joint Mobilisation: Gentle movements of the hip joint can increase their range of motion and reduce stiffness. Chiropractors often use this technique to treat conditions like femoroacetabular impingement or arthritis.
  3. Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques like massage, trigger point therapy, or myofascial release can help relax tight muscles and improve blood flow, aiding in pain relief and recovery.
  4. Exercise And Physical Therapy Recommendations: Chiropractors often prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the hip, improve flexibility, and support the healing process.

Innovative Chiropractic Techniques For Hip Pain Relief

In addition to traditional chiropractic methods, some chiropractors use innovative techniques to enhance treatment outcomes.

  • Drop-Table Technique: This technique involves a special table that drops slightly when pressure is applied, helping with joint adjustments while reducing the force needed. It is particularly useful for treating conditions like hip osteoarthritis.
  • Electrical Muscle Stimulation (E-Stim): This technique uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscles and nerves, helping to relieve pain and improve muscle function.
  • Laser Therapy: Low-level laser therapy reduces inflammation and promotes tissue healing. This treatment can be used to provide relief for chronic hip pain.
  • Ultrasound Therapy: This therapy uses sound waves to penetrate deep tissues, reducing pain and promoting healing.

These advanced techniques can be combined with traditional chiropractic care to provide a comprehensive approach to managing hip pain.

What To Expect From Your Chiropractic Sessions

If you decide to see a chiropractor for hip pain, your initial visit will likely include a thorough assessment of your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle factors.

The chiropractor will likely perform a physical examination and, in some cases, request diagnostic imaging tests (e.g., X-ray imaging). Your chiropractor will then work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan.

During treatment sessions, the chiropractor will perform manual adjustments and other therapies outlined in the treatment plan. They may also ask you to perform certain movements or exercises, both during the session and at home, as part of the treatment.

While it is common to feel some relief after the first few sessions, multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve significant improvements (depending on the severity of the condition). Your chiropractor will monitor your progress over time and adjust the treatment plan as required.

Conclusion: Can A Chiropractor Help With Hip Pain?

So, can a chiropractor help with hip pain? The answer is yes, chiropractic care can be an effective treatment option for different hip conditions.

Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or managing a condition like arthritis, chiropractic care offers a non-invasive approach to pain relief and recovery of function.

By combining manipulations with soft tissue therapies, exercises, and lifestyle changes, a chiropractor can help treat hip pain and improve your quality of life.

Book an initial consultation with a qualified chiropractor to discuss your symptoms and treatment goals. Together, you can decide whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your specific condition.

With the right treatment, chiropractic care for hip pain can provide the relief and support that you need to get back to your daily activities without discomfort.

Dr Shamus Hussain

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