A person may be able to use chiropractic care to complement other evidence-based treatments, such as medication, surgery, or physical therapy. However, research on chiropractic care and hip pain is inconclusive, so it’s a good idea to consult a doctor before seeing a chiropractor.
Although some people report that chiropractic care has relieved their hip pain, the evidence supporting this treatment is limited. Much of the research on the subject comes in the form of case studies involving only one person or studies published in journals interested in promoting chiropractic care, making them unreliable sources .
People who want to try chiropractic care for their hip pain should first contact a doctor to discuss treatment options.
Read on to learn more about how chiropractic manipulation can relieve hip pain, what to expect from a session, and the risks associated with the practice.
Chiropractors can treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, but they do not treat emergencies, such as broken or fractured hips. If a person suffers an acute injury, they should contact a doctor.
Most of the time, chiropractors treat a person recovering from an injury. For example, a person who receives medical treatment for a hip fracture may still experience pain or mobility problems afterward. In this case, they may decide to contact a chiropractor.
Chiropractors are not doctors and therefore do not undergo medical training. Instead, they earn a doctorate in chiropractic. In the United States, chiropractors must have attended a college accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and be licensed to practice.
Some of the Conditions a Chiropractor Can Treat include:
- Chronic pain: This pain may result from a specific condition or have no clear cause. Chiropractors can also help people who have somatic symptomswhich means that psychological distress causes them physical pain.
- Femoroacetabular impingement: This occurs when abnormalities in the thigh bone, hip socket, or both cause abnormal contact during hip movement. It can be painful and affect a person’s range of motion.
- Hip dysplasia: In a person with hip dysplasia, the hip socket does not fully contain the thigh bone, sometimes causing a partial dislocation of the hip. Hip dysplasia is often a congenital condition.
- Spinal problems: Spinal problems can cause lower back or hip pain, as well as mobility issues.
- Arthritis: Arthritis is a group of joint disorders that can cause pain and movement problems. Chiropractors treat many types of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis.
- Recovery after injury: A person can experience a wide range of injuries, such as fractures or soft tissue injuries, that cause pain. A chiropractor can help treat injuries or aid recovery after a person has healed.
Early chiropractors believed that most types of pain came from
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The specific treatment a chiropractor chooses to use varies and may not depend on the type of injury. Instead, it may depend on the type of pain and its source.
Because chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine, the diagnosis and treatment processes do not always match those of medical care. Recommended treatment plans may also vary between chiropractors.
However, if a person sees a chiropractor, they can expect the following:
- manipulative therapies, which involve moving joints and muscles
- mobilization of joints by moving the legs or hips
- exercise and physical therapy recommendations
- soft tissue treatments, such as electrical stimulation or massage
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Following the results of these studies, chiropractors may use a combination of approaches to treat chronic pain.
During a visit to the chiropractor, a person may
First, the chiropractor will ask questions about symptoms and medical history. They can discuss treatment goals, current medications, and lifestyle factors. In some cases, they may take x-rays or perform a physical exam.
Some chiropractors work in doctor’s offices or hospitals. Others associate with physiotherapists and other alternative medicine professionals.
It can be difficult to find treatment for some types of hip pain, especially chronic hip pain.
Anecdotally, many people report improvements – sometimes even life-changing improvements – with chiropractic care. For example, a
People who saw a chiropractor initially reported higher pain reduction scores than those who saw a doctor. However, at 4 months, pain levels were similar between the two groups.
Chiropractic care
Chiropractic care can be less expensive than medical care and some insurers cover it. However, not all insurance plans offer coverage, so it is important to check with the plan provider before making an appointment.
People should keep in mind that chiropractic care carries certain risks,
Chiropractic care can help some people with hip pain. However, research on chiropractic manipulation has not caught up with proponents’ anecdotal evidence, and there are no recent well-designed studies proving that it can treat or cure hip pain.
This is not to say that chiropractic care does not work. Instead, it means that chiropractic care remains an alternative therapy until more evidence supports it. A person may find that this is a beneficial complementary therapy to evidence-based medical treatments. Anyone interested in receiving chiropractic care for hip pain should first talk to a doctor.
