Hip and Knee Pain

Hip pain can arise from many structures around the joint and can result from conditions like arthritis, muscle strains, joint injuries, or referred pain from the spine.(1) Pelvic pain, caused by factors such as incorrect lifting, poor posture, or pregnancy, can manifest as discomfort in the low back, buttocks, hips, lower abdomen, groin, and thighs.(2) Back issues can also sometimes be mistaken for hip pain or sciatica, as they may refer pain to the hips or legs.(3)

A careful examination must therefore be undertaken to diagnose the most likely cause of the pain. Chiropractors are trained to perform a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed history, physical examination, and appropriate diagnostic tests, to accurately determine the source of hip and pelvic pain.(4,5)

A comprehensive approach is used to treat hip pain, incorporating manual therapies such as spinal adjustments, soft tissue techniques, and joint mobilizations, as well as exercise prescription to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and restore proper biomechanics.(6,7) If necessary, your chiropractor may also provide appropriate referrals to other healthcare professionals for further evaluation or treatment.

References:

  1. Chung, C. B., Robertson, J. E., & Cho, S. H. (2020). Hip disorders in the young adult. Skeletal Radiology, 49(6), 833-848.

  2. Lespasio, M. J., Piuzzi, N. S., Husni, M. E., Muschler, G. F., Guarino, A., & Mont, M. A. (2022). Hip pain or hip osteoarthritis. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 104(4), 317-327.

  3. Deyo, R. A., & Weinstein, J. N. (2001). Low back pain. New England Journal of Medicine, 344(5), 363-370.

  4. Brantingham, J. W., Bonnefin, D., Perle, S. M., Cassa, T. K., Globe, G., Pribicevic, M., ... & Korporaal, C. (2012). Manipulative therapy for lower extremity conditions: update of a literature review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 35(2), 127-166.

  5. Cibulka, M. T., Bloom, N. J., Enseki, K. R., Macdonald, C. W., Oven, J., & Thomas, S. R. (2017). Hip pain and mobility deficits–hip osteoarthritis: revision 2017. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 47(6), A1-A37.

  6. Cibulka, M. T., Bloom, N. J., Enseki, K. R., Macdonald, C. W., Oven, J., & Thomas, S. R. (2017). Hip pain and mobility deficits–hip osteoarthritis: clinical practice guidelines linked to the international classification of functioning, disability, and health from the orthopaedic section of the American Physical Therapy Association. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 47(6), A1-A37.

  7. Brantingham, J. W., Parkin-Smith, G., Cassa, T. K., Globe, G. A., Globe, D., Pollard, H., ... & Korporaal, C. (2012). Full kinetic chain manual and manipulative therapy plus exercise compared with targeted manual and manipulative therapy plus exercise for low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 35(6), 457-469.

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