Hip Pain in Geelong

Hip pain is a common complaint that can affect people of all ages, from active young adults to older Australians dealing with degenerative changes. The hip joint is a large, weight-bearing ball-and-socket joint that is integral to walking, sitting, bending, and most functional movements. Common causes of hip pain include bursitis, muscle strains, labral tears, osteoarthritis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and referred pain from the lumbar spine.

Chiropractic care for hip pain begins with a thorough examination to accurately diagnose the source of pain. Your chiropractor will assess hip joint range of motion, perform orthopaedic and neurological tests, evaluate gait patterns, and examine the lumbar spine and pelvis for related dysfunction. Treatment may include hip joint mobilisation, pelvic and lumbar adjustments, soft-tissue therapy targeting the hip flexors, gluteal muscles, and IT band, and specific rehabilitation exercises to improve strength and stability. Research in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine supports manual therapy for hip osteoarthritis and related conditions.

Many patients with hip pain also have underlying pelvic imbalances or lumbar spine dysfunction that contribute to their symptoms, making the whole-body approach of chiropractic care particularly beneficial. Your chiropractor will also provide advice on activity modification, stretching routines, and when appropriate, refer for imaging or specialist consultation. For patients considering or recovering from hip replacement surgery, chiropractic care can play a valuable role in pre-surgical preparation and post-surgical rehabilitation.