Hip Pain

The hip is a ball and socket joint supported by a network of tendons, muscles and ligaments – making it a very strong and stable joint, capable of carrying/moving our upper body weight.  Hip pain is a common complaint and can be caused by unaccustomed or increased activity, a sporting or traumatic injury (e.g. a fall or car accident) or by ‘wear and tear’ to the joint structure itself.  On occasion, irritation to other areas of the body such as the low back, pelvis or groin (e.g. hernia) can also present as hip pain.

If your problem is directly associated with the hip, then you may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Groin, inner thigh and/or buttock pain
• Knee pain
• Stiffness and/or reduced mobility of the hip joint
• Difficulty walking and/or walking with a limp
• Pain going up and down stairs or getting in or out of a car
• Painful clicking or ‘catching’ in the hip joint
• Difficultly sleeping on the side of the affected hip
• Heat/swelling around the hip joint

Your osteopath will work with you to try and understand the cause of your hip pain and will be able to provide either osteopathic treatment or guidance as to whether your condition warrants further investigation.

Depending on your age, fitness and diagnosis your osteopath will use a wide range of techniques to reduce muscle tension and improve mobility in both the hip and in surrounding joints.  Strengthening and/or stretching exercises and advice on footwear, general activity, sleeping position and lifestyle changes etc. will also be provided where appropriate.  Osteopathic treatment can be very successful in reducing hip pain and improving mobility and can help in a faster return to normal activity.