People who suffer from hip pain tend to look specifically at the hip region to find relief. The hip may be injected or they may receive hip physical therapy, but it may or may work. Recent evidence suggests that there’s a link between pelvic imbalances, poor core and trunk muscle flexibility, and hip pain. In this article, we will look at common hip problems and how to relieve them in a gentle way.

Hip pain is often caused by abnormalities such as degeneration, bursitis or tendinitis. There are often other factors that complicate the situation. In my 35 years as a chiropractor, I’ve seen hip pain associated with mechanical pelvic problems. Let’s look at the structure and anatomy of the pelvis to better understand the problem.

Three bones make up the pelvis. The middle tailbone is known as the sacrum. The two wingbones on each side of the sacrum, are known as the iliac bone. The sacroiliac joint (also called SI joints) is a group of joints that connect the sacrum to the iliac bone. These sacroiliac joint are glider joints. The SI joints move back and forth when we walk.

A pelvis may be misaligned or rotated in an incorrect position, causing improper movement of the sacroiliac joint. If any of the above occurs, one may find themselves carrying more weight in one leg than the other. This weight imbalance can cause abnormal pressure on the hip joint, resulting in pain. This can also lead to wear-and-tear degenerative hip changes. This will cause stress to be placed on the structures such as bursas, tendons and bursae. These can lead to bursitis or tendinitis.

In my role as a chiropractor I have been trained to assess and diagnose mechanical pelvic problems and hip issues. As a chiropractor, I am trained to evaluate and analyze mechanical problems of the pelvis as well as hip issues. It is also important to examine the muscle function in the trunk, buttock/gluteal, and thighs/hamstrings.

Researchers in Belgium reviewed nine studies published between March 2017 and March 2018 to determine the relationship of hip and lower extremity injuries with core stability. Researchers reported core strength, balance, and coordination are directly related to lower extremity/hip injury.

My treatment focuses on restoring normal motion and alignment to the sacroiliac joint and pelvis with safe, gentle chiropractic adjustments. In addition, I use deep pressure trigger points therapy on muscles in spasm and tightness. I also encourage and educate my patients on the importance of stretching the hamstrings and thighs, as well as strengthening the core muscle.

Chiropractic doctors are health care practitioners trained to evaluate mechanically the entire patient from their feet up to their head. This method of diagnosis is more effective than focusing on a small, narrow area. It is particularly true of patients who are looking for hip pain relief via safe, gentle adjustments by chiropractors and through muscle strengthening and stretching.