The Luck’s Yard Clinic musculoskeletal team of chiropractors, physiotherapy and massage are able to treat and help you manage your hip pain.

In this blog we explain a bit more about how hip pain manifests and what help you can seek.

What is Hip Pain?

Hip pain can arise from various sources, including injuries, arthritis, or overuse. It may manifest as dull aches, sharp pains, or stiffness and can limit mobility. Common conditions associated with hip pain include:

  • Osteoarthritis: Degeneration and inflammation of joint cartilage.
  • Tendinitis: Inflammation of hip tendons.
  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs cushioning the hip joint.
  • Labral Tears: Damage to the cartilage that surrounds the hip joint.

Diagnosing Hip Pain

Chiropractors and physiotherapists will ask questions to help diagnose your hip pain so they can tailor a specific treatment plan for you:

  1. Medical History: Discussing symptoms, pain duration, and any previous injuries.
  2. Physical Examination: Assessing range of motion, strength, and any areas of tenderness.
  3. Imaging Tests: Occasionally your practitioner may recommend X-rays or MRIs to identify structural issues or arthritis.

How does Chiropractic Care help hip pain?

Chiropractors can help by making:

  • Spinal Adjustments: This can help to improve alignment and reduce pressure on the hip joint.
  • Soft Tissue Techniques: Treatment can help to address tight muscles and fascia (the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and nerves) around the hip.

Managing Hip Pain

After your chiropractic appointment you may be advised to:

  • Rest: Avoiding any activities that exacerbate the pain until the hip is stabilised
  • Ice: Apply ice packs to reduce inflammation.
  • Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help manage pain and swelling.

Chiropractic Interventions for Hip Pain

How Chiropractic Helps

  • Spinal Manipulation: Can enhance mobility and reduce pain.
  • Postural Training: Improves body mechanics, reducing strain on the hips.
  • Customized Exercise Plans: Tailored to individual needs to strengthen surrounding muscles.

Exercises for Hip Pain

Chiropractors and physios may recommend exercises to help with your recovery.  You can download FREE tips on suitable exercise and stretches on the Lucks Yard app – search for lucksyardclinic on your app store.

Gentle Stretching: Focus on hip flexors, hamstrings, and quadriceps.

  1. Strengthening Exercises:
    • Bridges: Strengthen glutes and lower back.
    • Clamshells: Target hip abductors.
    • Leg Raises: Improve hip stability.
  2. Low-Impact Aerobics: Activities like swimming or cycling to maintain fitness without stressing the hip.

You can click on these links to see Tone demonstrate stretches to support your hip health:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW3WCeFAU-Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAnlQ5brWKg

Important Notes

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if experiencing severe pain.

Published Research on Hip Pain and Chiropractic Interventions

  • Study Findings: Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments can lead to significant improvements in hip pain and function. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics indicated that patients receiving chiropractic care reported lower pain levels and improved mobility compared to those who did not receive such treatment.
  • Mechanisms of Action: Chiropractic care may reduce inflammation and improve joint function, leading to better outcomes for hip pain sufferers.

Other lifestyle recommendations to avoid hip pain

Preventative Tips

  1. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing excess weight can decrease stress on the hips.
  2. Ergonomic Adjustments: Ensure proper posture when sitting, standing, or engaging in physical activities.
  3. Regular Physical Activity: Incorporate low-impact exercises to strengthen muscles around the hip.
  4. Warm-Up and Stretch: Always warm up before exercise and regularly stretch to maintain flexibility.

Conclusion

Hip pain can significantly impact daily life, but understanding its causes and management strategies can lead to better outcomes. Chiropractic care, combined with appropriate exercises and lifestyle adjustments, can effectively address and prevent hip pain. If you are experiencing persistent hip pain, consider consulting a healthcare professional for personalised advice.

New patients can book a FREE 15 minute assessment by one of our chiropractors who can explain a suitable plan of treatment.

Call 01483 527945 to speak to our Reception team.