HIP PAIN 

Hip pain can stop you in your tracks. Whether it catches you getting out of a car, limits your running, or aches through the night, it affects daily life in ways that are hard to ignore. We see hip pain across all age groups at our Sandton practice, from active runners and gym-goers to office workers and older adults.

The hip joint itself can be the source of pain, with causes including joint stiffness, osteoarthritis, labral irritation and bursitis (particularly greater trochanteric pain syndrome, which causes pain on the outside of the hip). But not all hip pain actually comes from the hip. The lumbar spine frequently refers pain into the hip, buttock and groin, and tight or weak muscles around the pelvis can create pain patterns that mimic joint problems. Getting the right diagnosis matters because the treatment approach differs depending on the source.

A 2017 systematic review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that exercise therapy and manual therapy are effective for reducing pain and improving function in hip osteoarthritis. More recent research supports combining joint mobilisation with targeted strengthening, particularly of the gluteal muscles, for conditions like greater trochanteric pain syndrome and hip-related groin pain. When the lumbar spine is contributing, treating the back alongside the hip produces better outcomes.

We take the time to work out exactly where your hip pain is coming from. That means assessing the hip joint, the lumbar spine and the surrounding muscles and tendons. Treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, joint mobilisation, soft tissue therapy and a tailored exercise programme focused on building strength and stability where it is needed most.