Can Chiropractic Help Hip Pain? Treatment & Relief
Can chiropractic help hip pain?
Yes, chiropractic care may help some people with hip pain caused by joint stiffness, muscle tension, or problems in the lower back and pelvis. However, the results depend on the cause of your pain, and chiropractic treatment may not be suitable for every hip condition.
Hip pain can make simple daily activities uncomfortable. You may feel pain while walking, climbing stairs, sitting for long periods, or getting out of your car. Sometimes, the discomfort can also affect your sleep, work, and ability to move freely.
The good news is that some types of hip pain may improve with conservative care. The first step is to understand what's causing your symptoms and whether chiropractic treatment is an appropriate option.
In this guide, we'll explain the common causes of hip pain, how chiropractic care may help, its possible benefits, what to expect during treatment, and when you should see a medical professional.
What Is a Chiropractor?
A chiropractor is an officially recognized health practitioner with a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. Chiropractors undergo specialized education at the doctorate level, pass required exams, and obtain state licenses.
Chiropractors diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions including spine, joint, muscle and related movement disorders.
They commonly use manual procedures, joint manipulation, mobilization, and advice on proper posture and function.
People often think that chiropractors work exclusively with the spine. But chiropractors may also consider issues of the shoulders, knees, ankles, and hips.
This is important because sometimes the pain in the hip area does not come from the hip joint itself.
For instance, a person experiencing pain in the back of the hip as a result of prolonged sitting may suffer from lower back or adjacent muscles' condition. A chiropractic evaluation can help determine these possibilities.
Dr. Anthony Turner at Gallatin Chiropractic Clinic provides chiropractic care to patients interested in non-surgical treatment for musculoskeletal pain.
Reasons You Get Hip Pain
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint built for stability and load-bearing. It supports your weight when you stand, walk, run, climb stairs, or get out of a chair.
It's also closely connected to the pelvis and lower back. That means the place where you feel pain isn't always where the problem starts.
The most common reasons you get hip pain include:
Osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis develops when the tissues within the joint change over time, including the cartilage that helps the bones move smoothly.
It can cause stiffness, reduced movement, and a deep aching sensation in the groin or front of the hip.
Some people notice more discomfort when walking, getting out of a car, or putting on shoes.
Bursitis and Tendon Irritation
Pain along the outside of the hip is often related to the tendons around the joint. Sometimes the nearby fluid-filled sacs, called bursae, are also involved.
Discomfort may become more noticeable when lying on the affected side, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods.
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac joints connect the lower spine to the pelvis.
When these joints or their surrounding structures become irritated, pain may develop in the lower back, buttock, or nearby hip area.
Referred Pain From the Lower Back
Sometimes, hip pain starts somewhere else.
An irritated nerve or other problem in the lumbar spine can cause pain that travels toward the buttock, hip, or leg. This may occur alongside symptoms of sciatica.
If your discomfort travels below the knee or comes with tingling, numbness, or weakness, the lower back and nerves may need closer evaluation.
Deep Gluteal or Piriformis-Related Pain
The piriformis is a small muscle deep in the buttock.
Irritation involving this muscle or nearby tissues can sometimes contribute to discomfort in the buttock and leg. However, similar symptoms may have several causes, so an examination is important before assuming the piriformis is responsible.
Hip Impingement and Labral Irritation
The hip joint contains a ring of cartilage called the labrum, which helps support the joint.
Hip impingement occurs when the bones of the hip contact each other abnormally during certain movements. It may contribute to labral irritation, stiffness, or discomfort.
These problems can occur in active adults and athletes, particularly when certain movements place repeated stress on the joint.
Sedentary Habits and Muscle Imbalance
Spending long hours sitting can affect hip flexibility and muscle strength.
Tight hip flexors, reduced glute strength, and limited movement may contribute to discomfort during daily activities.
For example, you might feel stiff when standing up after working at your desk all afternoon.
Pregnancy-Related Hip Discomfort
Pregnancy changes how the body carries weight and can affect muscles, ligaments, and joints around the pelvis.
Some pregnant patients experience hip or pelvic discomfort, especially when walking or changing positions in bed.
Because the causes vary, pregnancy-related pelvic pain should be assessed before treatment.
What Does the Location of Hip Pain Tell You?
Where you feel the discomfort can provide useful clues.
Pain location | Possible contributing causes |
Front of the hip or groin | Hip osteoarthritis, impingement, labral problems, hip flexor irritation |
Outer side of the hip | Gluteal tendon problems, bursitis, local muscle irritation |
Back of the hip or buttock | Lower-back problems, SI joint discomfort, deep gluteal conditions |
Hip pain traveling down the leg | Possible nerve irritation or referred pain from the lower back |
These patterns are helpful, but they cannot confirm a diagnosis on their own.
Pinpointing the real reason for your hip pain is what separates an appropriate treatment plan from simply trying different methods and hoping something works.
Symptoms That Shouldn't Be Ignored
Most everyday hip discomfort is not an emergency. However, some symptoms may indicate a fracture, infection, significant nerve problem, or another condition requiring medical care.
The following are symptoms that shouldn't be ignored:
Severe hip pain after a fall or injury, especially when you cannot stand or walk.
Sudden pain with significant swelling, warmth, redness, or fever.
A visibly deformed or shortened leg after an injury.
Persistent night pain that does not change with position, particularly with unexplained weight loss.
New or worsening numbness or weakness in the leg.
Loss of bladder or bowel control, especially with numbness around the groin.
Deep groin pain in someone with long-term corticosteroid exposure or other risk factors for bone damage.
Seek emergency care for suspected fractures, inability to bear weight after injury, or new bladder or bowel dysfunction with neurological symptoms.
A hot, swollen hip with fever also needs urgent medical assessment.
If pain keeps returning, affects your sleep, or interferes with normal activities, arrange a medical evaluation even if the symptoms are not severe.
The NHS guidance on hip pain provides additional information about warning signs and when medical attention is needed.
A responsible chiropractor screens for these concerns before treatment and recommends a referral when necessary.
Recognizing warning signs early helps prevent delays in getting the care you need.
Does Chiropractic Help Hip Pain?
Does chiropractic help hip pain? It may help some people, particularly when the discomfort is related to joint stiffness, certain muscular problems, or movement restrictions involving the lower back and pelvis.
The hip, pelvis, and lower back work together whenever you move.
If one area becomes stiff or painful, you may unconsciously change how you walk, sit, or stand. Over time, those changes can place additional stress on surrounding muscles and joints.
A chiropractor looks at how these areas function together instead of focusing only on the painful spot.
For example, someone who experiences hip discomfort after prolonged sitting may have limited hip movement, muscle tightness, or lower-back stiffness.
Depending on the examination, conservative treatment may help improve comfort and movement.
When Chiropractic Care May Be Worth Considering
A chiropractic evaluation may be useful when:
Your hip feels stiff during everyday movements.
You have muscular tightness around the hips or buttocks.
Hip discomfort occurs alongside mechanical lower-back pain.
Your movement feels restricted after long periods of sitting.
Certain activities cause recurring musculoskeletal discomfort.
You want to explore conservative options after serious conditions have been ruled out.
When Chiropractic Treatment May Not Be Enough
Chiropractic care cannot repair a fracture, reverse advanced cartilage loss, or reliably correct a significant structural hip injury.
Conditions such as severe arthritis, certain labral tears, infections, and significant nerve problems may require medical treatment, physical therapy, orthopedic care, or surgery.
The key is understanding your diagnosis before selecting treatment.
How Chiropractic Can Help Hip Pain
The purpose of chiropractic care is not simply to make a painful area feel better for a few hours.
For appropriately selected patients, care may focus on improving movement, reducing discomfort, and addressing physical factors that contribute to recurring symptoms.
Improving Joint Mobility
When a joint feels restricted, ordinary movements can become uncomfortable.
Appropriate manual techniques may help improve movement in the hip, lower back, or pelvis, depending on the source of the problem.
Reducing Muscle Tension
Tight muscles around the hips and lower back can make bending, walking, and changing positions uncomfortable.
Massage or other soft-tissue techniques may offer short-term relief from muscle tension.
Addressing Lower-Back and Pelvic Problems
Not every painful hip needs direct hip treatment.
Sometimes, the lower back or pelvis contributes to the symptoms. In those situations, care may focus on those areas rather than applying force directly to the hip.
Supporting Better Movement
If pain has caused you to change how you walk or move, improving mobility and muscle strength may help you return to normal activities more comfortably.
Exercise and activity guidance are important parts of this process.
Helping You Understand Your Symptoms
One of the most useful parts of an examination is understanding what might be causing your discomfort.
Knowing which movements aggravate your symptoms, which activities are generally safe, and when to seek medical advice can help you make better decisions about your care.
How Do Chiropractors Treat Hip Pain?
Treatment begins with finding out what may be causing the discomfort.
A chiropractor should not assume that every patient with hip pain needs the same adjustment.
A typical evaluation may include:
Health history: When your pain started, previous injuries, medical conditions, medications, and daily activities.
Posture and walking assessment: How you stand, walk, and move.
Joint mobility testing: How comfortably your hip and lower back move in different directions.
Muscle strength testing: Checking the muscles that support your hips and pelvis.
Orthopedic testing: Selected tests, such as FABER, FADIR, or Trendelenburg assessments, when appropriate.
Neurological screening: Evaluating sensation, strength, and reflexes when symptoms suggest possible nerve involvement.
Imaging referral: X-rays, MRI, or other tests when the examination suggests they may be needed.
These tests help guide clinical decisions, but no single physical test can identify every cause of hip pain.
How Is a Treatment Plan Created?
After the evaluation, your chiropractor should explain what the findings suggest and discuss appropriate options.
A care plan may involve joint mobilization, chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, movement guidance, or other suitable conservative approaches.
Treatment should also include a way to measure progress.
For example, you and your chiropractor might track whether you can walk farther, climb stairs more comfortably, or move your hip with less restriction.
If symptoms do not improve as expected, the diagnosis and treatment plan should be reassessed.
Hip Pain Chiropractic Adjustment: What Does It Involve?
A hip pain chiropractic adjustment involves a controlled movement applied to a joint when the chiropractor determines that the technique is appropriate.
The treatment does not always involve adjusting the hip directly.
Depending on the examination, care may focus on the lower back, sacroiliac joints, or another area contributing to restricted movement.
Some techniques involve a quick, controlled movement. Others use slower, gentler mobilization.
Does a Hip Adjustment Hurt?
An adjustment should not cause severe pain.
Some patients feel pressure or mild discomfort during treatment, especially when an area is already sensitive.
Temporary soreness or stiffness can occur afterward. However, worsening pain, new numbness, or new weakness should not be dismissed as a normal response.
Tell your chiropractor immediately if a technique feels uncomfortable.
What About the Popping Sound?
You may hear a pop or crack during certain adjustments.
This sound is generally associated with changes in gas within the joint fluid. It does not mean bones are rubbing together or that a joint has been put back into place.
The sound is also not necessary for treatment to be useful.
Is a Hip Pain Chiropractic Adjustment Safe?
Safety depends on the condition being treated, the technique used, and the patient's medical history.
Before treatment, tell your chiropractor if you have osteoporosis, a recent injury, a joint replacement, previous surgery, pregnancy, or another condition that may affect treatment decisions.
An appropriate assessment helps determine whether an adjustment, gentler technique, or medical referral is the better choice.
Patients in Gallatin can explore the clinic's Chiropractic Adjustments service to understand the type of care offered.
The Best Chiropractic Methods for Hip Pain Relief
No single technique works for everyone.
The best chiropractic methods for hip pain relief depend on the cause of the pain, the patient's health history, and how they respond to care.
Several conservative approaches may be considered.
Chiropractic Adjustments and Joint Mobilization
Adjustments and mobilization are used to address certain joint movement restrictions.
For example, if the examination suggests that movement in the lower back or pelvis is contributing to hip discomfort, appropriate manual care may be considered.
These techniques do not reverse arthritis or repair damaged cartilage.
Massage Therapy
Muscles surrounding the hip help support walking, standing, and changing positions.
When these muscles become tight or sensitive, everyday movement can feel uncomfortable.
Massage therapy may help reduce muscle tension and provide short-term comfort.
Gallatin Chiropractic Clinic offers Massage Therapy as a separate service that may complement other appropriate musculoskeletal care.
Massage does not replace strengthening exercises or medical treatment when those are needed.
Spinal Decompression
Sometimes, pain that seems to involve the hip may be related to the lower back.
For certain spinal conditions, a clinician may discuss non-surgical spinal decompression as one possible treatment option.
This technique applies controlled traction to the spine. However, evidence for mechanical traction is mixed, and it is not an established treatment for pain originating inside the hip joint.
Gallatin Chiropractic Clinic offers Spinal Decompression services. Whether that treatment is relevant depends on the examination and diagnosis.
Orthotics
Your feet, ankles, knees, and hips work together when you walk.
In some cases, foot mechanics or differences in how weight is distributed may contribute to discomfort elsewhere in the body.
Orthotics may be considered when an assessment identifies a relevant foot or walking problem.
Gallatin Chiropractic Clinic provides Orthotics services, but foot supports are not necessary or proven helpful for every type of hip pain.
SoftWave Therapy
SoftWave Therapy uses acoustic shockwaves and is sometimes considered for certain musculoskeletal conditions.
Research on shockwave treatments varies depending on the specific condition, device, and treatment method. Some studies of extracorporeal shockwave therapy have examined lateral hip tendon pain, but results should not be generalized to every hip problem.
Gallatin Chiropractic Clinic offers SoftWave Therapy.
It should be considered only when clinically appropriate, with a clear explanation of the potential benefits, limitations, and alternatives.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
Hands-on treatment may help some patients feel more comfortable, but movement and exercise remain important for many hip conditions.
Depending on the diagnosis, a clinician may recommend:
Glute bridges to strengthen muscles around the hips.
Gentle hip flexor stretches to improve flexibility.
Side-lying leg raises to work the muscles supporting the pelvis.
Controlled walking or other low-impact movement to maintain activity.
Not every exercise is appropriate for every hip problem.
Someone with significant hip impingement, an acute injury, or severe pain may need a different approach.
The goal is to choose exercises that help rather than simply pushing through discomfort.
Lifestyle and Ergonomic Guidance
Small changes in everyday habits may help reduce unnecessary strain.
These may include changing how long you sit, taking movement breaks, adjusting your work setup, choosing comfortable footwear, or modifying painful activities.
The most useful treatment plan is one that fits both your diagnosis and daily life.
What to Expect From Your Chiropractic Sessions
If you've never visited a chiropractor, uncertainty can make it harder to schedule your first appointment.
Knowing what to expect from your chiropractic sessions may help you feel more prepared.
First Visit: Understanding Your Symptoms
Your first appointment generally begins with a discussion of your symptoms and health history.
Your chiropractor may ask:
Where exactly does your hip hurt?
When did the pain begin?
Did it start after an injury or develop gradually?
Is the discomfort worse when walking, sitting, or lying down?
Does the pain travel into your back or leg?
What activities have become difficult?
Be specific when describing your symptoms.
For example, saying "My hip hurts when I put on my shoes" may be more useful than simply saying "I have hip pain."
Physical Examination
Your chiropractor may assess your posture, joint mobility, muscle strength, walking pattern, and lower-back movement.
Some movements may reproduce your usual discomfort, which can help identify possible contributing structures.
If the findings suggest a problem requiring medical testing or specialist assessment, referral may be recommended before treatment.
Discussing Your Treatment Options
Once the examination is complete, your chiropractor should explain the findings in language you understand.
This is also an opportunity to ask whether chiropractic adjustments are appropriate, whether another service might be useful, and what alternatives are available.
Treatment may begin during the first appointment when appropriate, but it is not guaranteed or necessary in every case.
Follow-Up Visits
Follow-up appointments may include reassessing your symptoms, providing appropriate treatment, and reviewing activity or exercise recommendations.
The number and frequency of visits depend on your condition, response, and treatment goals.
There is no standard appointment schedule that works for every patient with hip pain.
How Do You Know If You're Improving?
Progress is not always about reaching zero pain immediately.
Useful improvements might include:
Getting out of a chair more comfortably.
Walking longer before discomfort starts.
Climbing stairs with less difficulty.
Sleeping more comfortably.
Moving your hip with less stiffness.
If your symptoms are worsening or not changing after a reasonable trial of care, discuss whether the treatment plan or diagnosis needs to be reconsidered.
What Affects Your Results?
Several factors may influence improvement:
The actual cause of your pain.
How long you've experienced symptoms.
Whether the hip joint or lower back is involved.
Your current mobility and muscle strength.
Any previous injuries or medical conditions.
Whether appropriate exercise is part of the plan.
How your body responds to treatment.
Someone experiencing mild movement-related discomfort may respond differently from a person with advanced hip arthritis.
How Long Does Chiropractic Care Take to Help Hip Pain?
There is no reliable number of visits that applies to everyone.
Some people notice changes relatively early. Others need a longer rehabilitation plan or may not benefit enough from chiropractic treatment.
Chronic arthritis and structural hip conditions may require ongoing medical management.
A reasonable approach is to establish clear goals, monitor improvement, and reassess the treatment plan rather than committing to a fixed number of visits without knowing how you are responding.
Can Chiropractic Care Provide Long-Term Relief?
Some patients experience lasting improvement when appropriate treatment is combined with exercise and changes in daily habits.
However, chiropractic care cannot guarantee permanent relief or prevent every recurrence of hip pain.
For many musculoskeletal conditions, maintaining strength, movement, and appropriate activity is an important part of longer-term management.
Simple Ways to Manage Hip Pain at Home
You don't always need a complicated routine to make daily activities more comfortable.
If your hip pain is mild and you do not have warning signs of a serious condition, a few practical changes may help.
Take Breaks From Sitting
If you spend most of your day at a desk, try changing position regularly.
Standing up, walking briefly, or moving gently can help prevent prolonged stiffness.
You don't need to force yourself into a perfect posture. The goal is to avoid staying in one uncomfortable position for too long.
Stay Gently Active
Complete rest is not always the best approach for everyday musculoskeletal discomfort.
Walking short distances or performing comfortable, low-impact activities may help maintain movement.
Avoid activities that cause sharp pain, significant limping, or a clear increase in symptoms.
Try a More Comfortable Sleep Position
If you sleep on your side, placing a pillow between your knees may help some people feel more comfortable.
If pressure on the painful hip makes symptoms worse, consider lying on the opposite side or trying another supportive position.
Use Ice for Recent Soreness
For a recent minor strain or irritated area, a cold pack wrapped in a towel may help temporarily ease discomfort.
Avoid placing ice directly on the skin.
Pay Attention to Footwear
Shoes that fit well and provide comfortable support may make walking easier.
If you have ongoing foot or walking problems, a professional assessment may help determine whether additional support is appropriate.
Know When Home Care Isn't Enough
If pain continues, repeatedly returns, limits your normal activities, or has not improved after approximately two weeks of self-care, arrange an evaluation.
Do not try to stretch through severe pain or exercise through symptoms involving significant weakness or numbness.
The goal of home care is to support comfortable movement, not to force the hip to do more than it can tolerate.
Finding Hip Pain Chiropractic Near Me
Searching for hip pain chiropractic near me may bring up several clinics, but choosing the right provider involves more than finding the closest office.
A helpful chiropractor should take time to understand your symptoms, explain the examination findings, and discuss realistic treatment options.
Before scheduling, consider whether the clinic offers:
A thorough evaluation before treatment.
Experience assessing musculoskeletal problems involving the hip and lower back.
Clear explanations of recommended techniques.
Individualized treatment planning.
Guidance on exercise and everyday activities.
A willingness to recommend medical evaluation when appropriate.
Chiropractic Care for Hip Pain in Gallatin, TN
At Gallatin Chiropractic Clinic, Dr. Anthony Turner provides chiropractic care for patients seeking conservative approaches to musculoskeletal concerns.
The clinic offers chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, spinal decompression, orthotics, and SoftWave Therapy.
Depending on the cause of your symptoms, one or more of these services may be discussed as part of your care options. However, no particular service is automatically recommended simply because you have hip pain.
Whether your discomfort begins after a long workday, appears while walking, or occurs alongside lower-back stiffness, the first step is understanding what may be contributing to it.
A professional evaluation can help determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate or whether another healthcare provider would be better suited to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractic care help with hip pain?
Yes, chiropractic care may help some people with hip pain caused by certain muscle, joint, or movement-related problems. The benefits depend on the diagnosis, and an examination is necessary to determine whether treatment is appropriate.
How do chiropractors treat hip pain?
Chiropractors begin by reviewing the patient's symptoms and examining the hip, pelvis, and lower back. Depending on the findings, treatment may include joint mobilization, chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue care, or recommendations for exercise and movement.
Can a chiropractic adjustment help hip pain?
An appropriate chiropractic adjustment may improve joint movement and reduce discomfort in some patients. However, adjustments do not repair fractures, reverse advanced arthritis, or treat every type of hip injury.
How long does it take for chiropractic care to help hip pain?
Recovery time varies according to the cause and severity of the symptoms. Some patients improve sooner than others, while certain conditions require medical or rehabilitative care. Progress should be monitored rather than assuming a fixed number of visits.
When should I see a doctor instead of a chiropractor for hip pain?
Seek medical attention after a significant injury or if you experience severe pain, swelling with fever, inability to bear weight, progressive weakness, or unexplained symptoms. New bladder or bowel problems with nerve symptoms require emergency assessment.
Which is better for hip pain, massage or chiropractic care?
It depends on what is causing the pain. Massage therapy may provide short-term relief from muscle tension, while chiropractic care may address certain joint movement problems. Neither treatment is suitable for every condition, and exercise or medical care may be more appropriate in some cases.
Can chiropractic help hip pain caused by arthritis?
Conservative manual treatment and exercise may help some people with hip osteoarthritis manage pain and improve movement. However, chiropractic care cannot regrow cartilage or reverse the underlying joint changes. More advanced arthritis may require other medical treatment.
Can hip pain actually come from the lower back?
Yes. Problems involving the lumbar spine can sometimes cause pain that is felt in the buttock, hip, or leg. This is one reason a hip examination may also include checking the lower back and neurological function.
Should I see a chiropractor for hip pain while walking?
If walking causes recurring hip discomfort, an evaluation may help identify possible muscular or joint-related causes. However, severe pain, inability to bear weight, or symptoms following an injury should be medically assessed before routine chiropractic treatment.
Is SoftWave Therapy effective for hip pain?
Shockwave therapy has been studied for some tendon-related conditions around the hip, but the evidence varies and does not establish its effectiveness for all causes of hip pain. A clinician should first determine whether the treatment is appropriate for the specific condition.
Final Thoughts
Hip pain can affect much more than your ability to walk. It can change how you sit, sleep, work, exercise, and enjoy everyday life.
The good news is that some forms of hip discomfort can be managed with appropriate conservative care.
So, can chiropractic help hip pain? For certain muscle- and joint-related problems, chiropractic care may offer a useful option for improving movement and managing discomfort. The most important step, however, is identifying what's causing the pain and choosing treatment that fits your needs.
At Gallatin Chiropractic Clinic in Gallatin, TN, Dr. Anthony Turner provides patient-focused chiropractic care and helps patients explore appropriate conservative treatment options.
If hip pain is making everyday activities uncomfortable, an evaluation can help you better understand your symptoms and decide what to do next.
Book Your Appointment
Hip pain shouldn't leave you guessing about what's wrong.
Book your appointment with Gallatin Chiropractic Clinic today to take the next step toward understanding your symptoms and finding an appropriate care plan.
Address: 210 Baber PK Dr W, Suite 120, Gallatin, TN 37066
Phone: (615) 451-3400
Website: Chiropractor in Gallatin, TN
Book Now: Schedule Your Appointment
About the Author
Dr. Anthony Turner is a chiropractor at Gallatin Chiropractic Clinic in Gallatin, TN. His clinical work focuses on providing conservative chiropractic care for patients experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort, joint stiffness, and movement-related concerns.
As a Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Turner works with patients to understand their symptoms, health history, and individual care needs. His approach emphasizes appropriate evaluation, patient communication, and treatment planning within the scope of chiropractic practice.
For additional information about Dr. Turner's professional background and the clinic's services, visit Gallatin Chiropractic Clinic's official website.
Medical information notice: This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for an individual medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Chiropractic care may be appropriate for some musculoskeletal problems but is not suitable for every cause of hip pain.
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