Osteopathy
Hip and Groin Pain & Bendigo Osteo
The hip joint is the largest joint in our body and has a significant job of assisting us through a wide range of movements, whilst supporting the weight of our body.
Hip pain can be generated from conditions in the hip joint itself or from muscle, tendon or ligament strain surrounding the hip and presents itself in people of all ages.
In adults there can be many reasons for your hip pain. Osteoarthritis, bursitis, muscle strain in glutes/hip flexors, hip impingement, tendinitis, lower back disc conditions, post-birth trauma, sciatica or inguinal hernia. Groin Pain and pain in the front of hip (hop flexors) on its own is usually due to strain or overuse of the muscles in and around the hip and knee join.
Hip problems in infants and children is also not uncommon. Developmental dysplasia, which is where the hip joint of a newborn baby is dislocated or prone to dislocation is a condition we treat at the clinic. Along with teens who can experience hip problems including slipped capital femoral epiphysis or irritable hip syndrome.
Osteopathy and Hip Pain:
Given that Hip problems can be caused by several things, a proper assessment is necessary for effective treatment. The aim of the Osteopath is to determine the cause and then treat the hip (and possibly the rest of body – feet, knee, lower back). The aim is to correct the alignment of the bones and release the muscle and tendons so that there is a reduction in inflammation, improved circulation and painless movement.
When should I see an Osteopath for my hip problems
- Pain on sitting
- Stiffness in the hip
- Tenderness in the front of hip (hip flexors)
- Putting weight on one side of hip or limping
- A ‘grabbing’ feeling in joint when moving
- Feeling of ache ‘inside’ the joint
- Clicking in Hip joint
- Muscle spasms in thigh or hip
- Not improving after stretching or massage
- Referring pain (often in thigh, groin, knee, glute)
- Post Pregnancy Problems
- Post hip surgery
How do Osteopaths treat Hip and Groin Pain
Osteopaths use a range of different manual techniques to treat hip/groin pain. It may involve stretching, massage, manipulation, articulation, dry needling, cranial, or exercise prescription. For more details on each of these methods check our what is osteopathy page.
Osteopaths are medically trained to diagnose and treat muscular skeletal problems. They can also refer for medical imaging or refer to other specialists if required. They can write medical sick certificates and are registered practitioners for private health funds.
Massage and hip & groin pain
Hip and Groin pain is often from muscular skeletal strain (over use), so massage can also been effective in treating it if you have over done it. Running in particular is a common cause of over use. At Bendigo Osteo we have Remedial Massage Therapists who regularly see people for hip pain and massage will include your gluts, lower back and upper legs. It is normal for our patients to alternate between both therapies and either practitioners can advise which treatment will be best.
At Bendigo Osteo in our clinical experience we believe Osteopathy is effective for hip and groin pain. Yet like all forms of health care, there are no guarantees. This will be discussed with you at your treatments. You can find more information on our page Osteopathy and Research.
Unsure if you should see an Osteopath or Massage therapist? Click here.
