Treating Hip Pain

Understanding Hip Pain: The Center of Motion and Balance

The hip is one of the most powerful and complex joints in the human body — a marvel of design that allows us to walk, stand, run, climb, and move with grace. When the hip becomes painful or restricted, it affects far more than just mobility; it influences posture, balance, and even the health of the spine and knees.
Hip pain can present suddenly or develop gradually, and its causes range widely — from trauma and overuse to age-related degeneration or subtle biomechanical imbalances. Because the hip is so integral to motion, even small changes in alignment or muscular tone can create significant pain or dysfunction elsewhere in the body.

Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Hip Pain — Understanding the Spectrum

Not all hip pain is the same, and understanding its timeline is crucial for effective treatment.
Acute pain often develops immediately after injury — a slip, strain, or fall — and may involve inflammation or muscle spasm.
Subacute pain develops over several days or weeks, frequently from repetitive use, poor posture, or movement compensation.
Chronic hip pain evolves slowly, often linked to degenerative arthritis, long-term postural strain, or old injuries that never fully healed.
At Mid-Valley Chiropractic Allied Health Sciences, our providers are trained to identify where a patient lies along this spectrum — and to create a care plan that meets the unique needs of each phase of healing.

The Origins of Hip Pain — Structure, Function, and Etiology

Because the hip is a ball-and-socket joint surrounded by powerful stabilizing muscles, the source of pain may stem from several different tissues. Common pathologies include:

  • Degenerative arthritis (wear of the cartilage and joint surfaces)

  • Bursitis (inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion movement)

  • Iliopsoas hypertonicity (deep muscle tightness that can cause sharp pain in the groin or inguinal region)

  • Acetabular labral tears (cartilage injury that can create deep, catching pain)

  • Overuse or postural strain injuries affecting muscles such as the gluteals, adductors, and piriformis

  • Post-surgical complications or compensation patterns following hip replacement

Even pain felt “in the hip” can sometimes originate from nearby regions — the lumbar spine, sacroiliac (SI) joints, or even the knee and ankle — as altered biomechanics ripple throughout the kinetic chain.

Why Chiropractic Evaluation Matters

Chiropractic physicians are uniquely positioned to evaluate the interconnected relationship between the hip, pelvis, and spine.
A subtle rotation in the pelvis or fixation of the SI joint can create abnormal forces in the hip joint, leading to irritation of the iliopsoas and surrounding muscles. One of the earliest signs of dysfunction may be pain in the inguinal crease, caused by a hypertonic iliopsoas tugging on the front of the pelvis.
Through careful orthopedic testing, postural evaluation, and palpation, our doctors identify not only the location of discomfort — but the mechanical cause behind it.

Integrated Treatment for Lasting Relief

At Mid-Valley Chiropractic Allied Health Sciences, treatment begins with precision.
Our providers employ a blend of gentle chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue release, and targeted rehabilitative exercises to restore balance and mobility to the hip and pelvis. When indicated, medical massage therapy is prescribed to reduce muscular tension, improve circulation, and accelerate tissue healing.
This collaborative model — combining chiropractic, massage, and rehabilitative care — addresses the root cause of dysfunction and helps prevent future recurrence. Patients often report not only pain relief but also improved posture, balance, and fluidity of motion.

Beyond the Table — Strength, Stability, and Everyday Wellness

Healing doesn’t end when you leave the office. Our providers help patients build resilience through ergonomic and lifestyle modifications — from adjusting workstation posture to improving lifting mechanics or footwear choices.
Specific stretching and strengthening routines are prescribed to support hip stability, reduce tension, and maintain flexibility long after treatment ends. These practical changes prevent relapses and encourage healthy alignment in daily life.

Invest in Your Mobility and Your Future

Left untreated, chronic hip dysfunction can lead to compensations in the spine, knees, and ankles — setting off a cascade of new injuries and pain.
By seeking care early, patients can avoid long-term degeneration and improve overall biomechanics, ensuring the hips continue to serve as the strong, stable foundation for a lifetime of movement.
Our goal is not just to relieve your pain, but to help you move — and live — better, with lasting comfort, confidence, and vitality.