Hip Pain: Uncovering the cause and finding relief with Osteopathy
Hip pain is a common complaint that can significantly impact quality of life, making everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even sitting uncomfortable. The hip is a complex ball-and-socket joint designed for both mobility and stability, but this also makes it susceptible to various problems.
Osteopathy offers a whole-body approach to hip pain. Rather than just focusing on the site of pain, we look at the body as an integrated system to identify and address the underlying causes, helping you achieve lasting relief.
Key Facts About Hip Pain
Hip pain is a leading reason people seek musculoskeletal care, affecting people of all ages, from young athletes to older adults. Pain felt in the hip region can sometimes be referred from other areas, most commonly the lower back (lumbar spine) or the sacroiliac joints. Prolonged sitting, sedentary behaviour, and certain types of physical activity can contribute to the development or worsening of hip pain.
Common Causes of Hip Pain
Osteoarthritis: The most common form of arthritis, involving wear-and-tear of the protective cartilage lining the joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles). Trochanteric bursitis on the outside of the hip is a frequent cause of lateral hip pain.
Muscle Strains and Tendinopathies: Overuse or injury can strain the muscles and tendons surrounding the hip, such as the gluteal muscles or hip flexors.
Referred Pain: Pain perceived in the hip but originating from a problem elsewhere, often from the lower back such as a lumbar disc problem or joint dysfunction.
Labral Tear: An injury to the cartilage (labrum) rimming the socket of the hip joint, which can cause a catching sensation, stiffness, and pain.
Biomechanical Imbalances: Issues with gait, leg length discrepancies, or poor foot mechanics can place abnormal stress on the hip joint over time.
How Can Osteopathy Help with Hip Pain?
Osteopathic treatment for hip pain begins with a thorough assessment to determine the precise origin of the problem. We consider how the spine, pelvis, knees, and feet are influencing hip function.
During the initial consultation, we take a detailed history of pain, activity levels, and relevant medical history; perform a physical examination assessing posture, gait, and range of motion in the hip and related joints; and conduct orthopaedic and mobility tests to identify areas of restriction, muscle weakness, or joint dysfunction. Treatment involves: improving joint mobility with gentle articulation and mobilisation of the hip, lumbar spine, and sacroiliac joints; reducing muscle tension and inflammation with soft tissue massage, myofascial release, and stretching around the hip; addressing biomechanical factors throughout the body; and providing personalised advice on strengthening exercises, ergonomic adjustments, and activity modification.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
Please consult your GP or seek urgent care for a history of significant fall or trauma; inability to bear weight on the affected leg; a joint that appears deformed, swollen, or hot to touch; signs of infection (fever, chills, or redness around the hip); or sudden severe pain or numbness/weakness in the leg or foot.
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information only and is not intended as a substitute for professional health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a registered health practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of health conditions. Individual results from osteopathic treatment may vary.
