Hip pain is a common complaint that can affect people of all ages, from athletes to older adults. The hip joint is one of the largest and most important weight-bearing joints in the body, and pain can significantly impact mobility and daily life. Understanding the potential causes of hip pain is the first step toward effective treatment.

Common Causes of Hip Pain

Hip pain can arise from multiple sources, including:

  • Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause cartilage breakdown in the hip joint, leading to stiffness, inflammation, and chronic pain.

  • Muscle and Tendon Strains: Overuse, sudden movements, or sports-related injuries can strain hip muscles, tendons, or ligaments, causing localized pain or swelling.

  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint, often causes sharp or aching pain on the outside of the hip.

  • Labral Tears: Damage to the cartilage lining the hip socket can result in clicking, locking, or pain during movement.

  • Hip Impingement: Abnormal contact between the femoral head and the hip socket can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

  • Postural and Gait Issues: Misalignment in the pelvis, spine, or lower limbs can place extra stress on the hip joint, leading to pain and compensatory movement patterns.

  • Referred Pain: Sometimes hip pain originates from other areas, such as the lower back, pelvis, or knees, due to nerve irritation or musculoskeletal dysfunction.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapy focuses on reducing pain, improving strength, and restoring mobility. At Medical Grade Physiotherapy & Wellness, our physiotherapists use a combination of approaches:

  • Targeted Exercises: Strengthening the hip muscles, glutes, and core to improve stability and support joint function.

  • Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to reduce stiffness, improve joint mobility, and relieve tension in surrounding tissues.

  • Movement and Posture Assessment: Identifying faulty movement patterns or gait issues that may contribute to hip pain.

  • Stretching and Mobility Programs: Enhancing flexibility in tight muscles and promoting better range of motion.

  • Education and Self-Management: Providing strategies to reduce strain during daily activities, sports, or exercise.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care addresses joint alignment and biomechanics, which can reduce stress on the hip and surrounding structures:

  • Spinal and Pelvic Adjustments: Restoring proper alignment can relieve compensatory stress on the hip joint.

  • Soft Tissue Therapy: Releasing tension in tight muscles, tendons, and ligaments that contribute to hip discomfort.

  • Postural Guidance: Correcting posture and movement patterns to prevent recurrence of hip pain.

  • Integrated Approach: Chiropractors often work alongside physiotherapists to ensure a complete treatment plan.

A Comprehensive Approach to Hip Pain

Hip pain is rarely caused by a single factor. By combining physiotherapy and chiropractic care, our team at Medical Grade Physiotherapy & Wellness in Burlington offers a holistic, evidence-based approach. This integrated care helps:

  • Reduce pain and inflammation

  • Improve strength, flexibility, and joint stability

  • Correct movement and postural imbalances

  • Enhance overall function and quality of life

  • Prevent future injuries and chronic issues

Whether your hip pain stems from an injury, arthritis, or alignment issues, our personalized treatment plans ensure that every patient receives care tailored to their specific needs.