At The Rejuvenation Center, our years of experience have shown us countless examples of the impact that hip pain can have. As experts in the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, our team develops custom integrated treatment plans with multidisciplinary modalities to address the common causes of pain mobility issues. Since one symptom is rarely to blame, we strive to diagnose the issues behind the symptoms to find lasting relief.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of hip pain. The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported in a study that hip osteoarthritis affects 30 million Americans. As we age, the synovial fluid which acts as a lubrication and a cushion between joints and cartilage lessens or deteriorates. This causes friction within the joint which leads to inflammation and in turn produces pain, muscle stiffness, and mobility issues. Though there is no cure for arthritis, there are ways to slow the progression and also prevent symptoms from worsening.

Other Types of Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural body reaction to injury or infection. Bursitis or diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease can also cause inflammation in the hip joint – which can lead to lower back, hip and knee pain.

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve runs from the pelvis region to the feet, and when this gets inflamed it’s called sciatica. This is usually caused by pressure or damage to the nerve causing it to not act properly. A common symptom is pain that runs from the lower back to the back of the legs and hips. It can be extremely painful.

Overuse and Trauma Injuries

When muscles are injured – such as from sports or work-related accidents – this can lead to significant mobility issues. Common causes are herniated discs, torn ligaments, and trauma from accidents. While the body tries to heal itself, it will often become inflamed and irritated. This can lead to a decreased range of motion, difficulty walking, and lower back and hip pain.

Referred Pain

The difficult thing about hip pain is that it’s not usually coming from the hip at all. While the pain may be felt there, it could be from a multitude of causes – anything from disc herniation in the spine to a hernia in the abdomen. When pain is experienced somewhere other than where it originates, this is called referred pain.

Can a chiropractor help with hip pain?

The Rejuvenation Center’s experienced, award-winning chiropractor Dr. Brad Miller will use gentle, precise manual manipulations of the spine and hips to treat the issue at its root. This is combined with multiple massage therapies that will target, relax and release stressed muscles. In this way, the adjustments are significantly more effective and long-lasting.

Can a massage therapist help with hip pain?

Our Master Bodyworker and licensed massage therapist Brianna Francom takes a whole-body approach at our Layton Utah location. Through massage, the body releases it’s own natural anti-pain chemical called serotonin, mood-enhancing endorphins, and sleep-inducing dopamine, all of which contribute to holistic healing. This is combined with a treatment plan that includes exercises and stretches. Our treatments are non-invasive, helping you to avoid medication and painful surgeries if possible.

Each case is addressed individually, and treatment protocols are unique to each person. Possible massage therapies to the whole body could include:

Myofascial massage (MFR)

A massage therapy that focuses on releasing muscular shortness and tightness. Myofascial release therapy increases flexibility, body function, and pain relating to the soft tissue.

Trigger point therapy

Trigger points are tiny nodules that form within muscle tissue and can refer pain to many different areas of the body. Rather than working on the areas where pain is felt, trigger point therapy seeks to identify and release the trigger point itself thereby eliminating all referred pain. Treatment involves consultation, frequent feedback, and a series of pressure and release cycles.

Deep tissue massage

A targeted deep pressure massage that focuses on the deeper layers and on tissue surrounding muscles. Treatment aims to relieve chronic muscle tension and acute pain and when applied around the hips, may involve slow static pressure, hip opening, and deep breath techniques.

Lymphatic drainage massage

A manual release of lymphatic ducts and glands, which improves circulation of the lymph fluid, and boosts the immune system.

Craniosacral therapy

Intended to treat headaches, migraine, and nerve tissue damage, craniosacral is subtle work that produces powerful results. This modality aims to unwind and release stuck facia, the tissue surrounding and connecting all muscles. This can stimulate the nervous system and allow healing to take place. Treatment is relaxing and focuses on the spinal column including the neck, the head, and the sacrum.

Swedish massage

A light to medium pressure flowing massage that allows for deep relaxation. This modality may be used to treat hip pain resulting from stress and anxiety stored in the hips.

Medical massage

This type of massage is specific to a medical issue or necessary therapy such as those found in neuropathy – as well as the effects of car accidents, whiplash injuries, and sciatica.

Sports massage

Hip pain can result from various sports that require intense use or rapid manipulation of the hip joint such as tennis, obstacle courses, and dancing. Sports massage targets the tight, injured or overused muscles from an active lifestyle.