Easing hip pain on the chiropractic table

by Brandi Schlossberg

When one thinks of chiropractic care, the back is usually the first region of the body that comes to mind. However, quite a few other areas of the body may be affected in ways that motivate a client to book some time on the chiropractor’s table. One of these areas is the hip. Here, we will explore several common issues associated with the hips that may merit a bit of time spent on the chiropractic table.

Among the conditions that may affect a person’s hips is osteoarthritis. This tends to be a “wear and tear” condition in which the osteoarthritis develops with age. The associated symptoms can include pain, inflammation, and difficulty with the functions of daily life, such as standing, sitting and walking. Obviously, clients want to be free of such issues as much as possible, and many people would prefer to limit their use of medication in alleviating these symptoms.

Therefore, one of the common issues a chiropractor may see in his or her practice is a client on the table complaining of the problems that are connected to osteoarthritis of the hip. Although this is not a condition that can be cured through chiropractic care, proper techniques applied on the chiropractor’s table can help ease the symptoms and possibly slow down the progression of the disease and perhaps even prevent the need for surgery.

When it comes to hip osteoarthritis, the aim of the techniques applied on the chiropractor’s table may be to increase range of motion and decrease pain and muscle spasms. This often involves mobilization and manipulation of the joints that have been affected by the osteoarthritis, usually in a gentle manner, while the client rests on the chiropractic table. Other methods of chiropractic care may include specific exercises to strengthen relevant muscles.

Of course, osteoarthritis of the hip is not the only hip-related condition that may bring a client to the chiropractor’s table. Overuse injuries, traumatic injuries, and conditions that may involve the hips but not stem directly from the hips are other motivating factors for booking an appointment for chiropractic care. For example, sciatica is a condition that can cause pain in both the back and the hip.

Depending on the specific issue that is causing pain in one or both hips, the chiropractor may perform a number of different techniques as the client rests on the table. Besides adjustments and manipulation, passive motion may be used, among other methods of healing and rehabilitation.