Hip Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Discover chiropractic approaches aimed at reducing hip pain, improve mobility, and enhancing quality of life for those living with osteoarthritis.
Hip osteoarthritis is a common and often painful condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The hip joint is one of the largest weight-bearing joints in the body, and the development of osteoarthritis is multifactorial. It results from the progressive loss of articular cartilage and is considered a degenerative, rather than an inflammatory process. Osteoarthritis can develop due to a combination of factors such as aging, genetics, previous joint injuries, or repetitive stress on the hip joint. Early intervention is important to help manage symptoms effectively. Managing hip osteoarthritis effectively requires a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the joint itself but also overall movement, posture, and lifestyle habits.
Symptoms of hip osteoarthritis often develop gradually and can vary in intensity over time. One of the most common early signs is stiffness or discomfort in the hip joint, especially after periods of rest or inactivity, such as first thing in the morning or after prolonged sitting. As the condition progresses, individuals may experience deep, aching pain in the groin, which may radiate into the buttocks or knee. Hip pain may worsen with activity (walking) and ease with rest. Reduced range of motion, difficulty walking, and a sensation of the hip "locking" or "sticking" are also common presentations. In more advanced cases, stiffness may make it difficult to walk or bend, and a limitation in range of motion may produce a limp.
Chiropractic care offers a conservative, non-invasive approach to managing hip osteoarthritis by focusing on mobility, strength, and joint function. Treatment may include joint mobilizations and adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and targeted exercises to reduce stiffness, improve flexibility, and support the surrounding muscles. Chiropractors also offer guidance on posture, activity modifications, and lifestyle habits to help reduce joint strain. If you’re experiencing hip pain or difficulty moving, understanding how chiropractic care can help manage osteoarthritis may offer you a safe, natural path to relief and improved function. Click here to book an assessment today.
