The hip, like the shoulder, is a ‘ball and socket’ joint, but is far more stable than the shoulder. The ‘socket’ is a lot deeper and has strong ligaments, which keep the hip firmly located. However more stability results in less movement which is why the hip moves far less than the shoulder. The hip is also a heavily weight bearing joint making it particularly susceptible to osteoarthritis (OA).

SYMPTOMS WE CAN RELIEVE

• Pain
• Ache
• Weakness
• Joint restriction
• Numbness
• Tingling (paraesthesias)

CONDITIONS WE CAN TREAT

• Osteoarthritis
• Bursitis / synovitisTendonitis
• Snapping hip
• Sacro-iliac joint problems
• Meralgia Parasthetica
• Muscle sprain / strain

CONDITIONS IN MORE DETAIL

Osteoarthritis: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common hip problem seen at The Chiropractic Clinic. This is not a surprise when you consider OA causes joint pain in around 8.5 million people in theUKwith one of the most commonly affected areas being the hip. With hip OA, the joint cartilage becomes damaged and worn and this can cause pain, either in the groin or outside the hip. Pain can even be felt in the buttock, thigh or knee as a result.  It can lead to difficulty moving your hip joints and doing everyday things like putting on your shoes or getting in and out of a car.

A recent UK report, the Bronfort Report, shows that chiropractic can be very effective for treating the symptoms of hip OA.  In fact the current UK NICE guidelines recommend manipulation and stretching for OA in general and particularly hip OA.  Many other hip conditions can benefit greatly from the combination of manual therapies that a chiropractic treatment offers. 

Bursitis/Synovitis: Inflammation of a bursa (fluid filled sac) or synovium (lining of the joint capsule). Characteristically causes sharp, severe pain on movement, and may be associated with an underlying or chronic problem involving tendon and muscle function.

Tendonitis: Inflammation of a tendon. Most commonly an overuse or misuse injury. Associated with pain on movement which is usually sharp/acute pain in nature.

Snapping Hip: Incorrect function and/or weakness of the hip muscles can cause tendons to flick over bony protuberances as they move creating a clicking sensation. Snapping hip is often painless but can lead to problems such as tendonitis, bursitis or muscular pain.

Meralgia Parasthetica: This produces pain (often burning in nature) and numbness or tingling over the side of the thigh, classically described as a ‘hand in pocket’ distribution. Caused by irritation of the femoral nerve as it passes through the groin.

Sprain/strain: Excessive, incorrect or repeated stress through a muscle can cause overloading or fatigue leading to fibre damage described as a strain. The same affect on a ligament produces a sprain. Both result in pain and may also produce weakness and swelling.

NICE Clinical Guideline (2008). The care and management of osteoarthritis in adults. The Bronfort Report (2010)