Chiropractor for Hip Pain in Kingsport, TN
Go to the ER after a fall if you can't bear weight, the leg looks shorter or turned out, or the pain is severe, especially for older adults. A hot, swollen hip with fever, or constant pain that's worse at night with unexplained weight loss, needs a medical evaluation first.
What causes hip pain?
- •Stiff hip joints, from sitting, past injury, or early arthritis
- •Gluteal tendon irritation and bursitis on the outside of the hip, often sore when lying on that side
- •Muscle strains in the hip flexors, groin or hamstrings, common in sports
- •Hip osteoarthritis, with stiffness in the morning and groin pain on walking
- •Pain referred from the low back or sacroiliac joint, which can mimic hip pain
Is my hip pain coming from my back?
It might be. Pain that sits in the buttock, comes with back stiffness, or travels down the back of the thigh often starts in the low back or with an irritated nerve (sciatica). Groin pain that's worse with putting on socks or getting out of a car points more toward the hip joint. The exam tests both, because treating the wrong one wastes your time.
Hip pain in older adults
Hip osteoarthritis and outer hip tendon pain are common after 50. Neither one means you're headed for a replacement. Exercise is the most strongly recommended treatment for hip osteoarthritis in national guidelines, and strength and balance work also lowers the risk of falls. Care here focuses on keeping the hip moving, building strength, and making walking, stairs and getting up from a chair easier. Medicare is accepted.
How chiropractic care may help hip pain
- •Extremity adjustments and mobilization for a stiff hip joint
- •Chiropractic adjustments for the low back and pelvis when they're involved
- •Soft tissue work, including instrument-assisted techniques and dry needling for the glutes, hip flexors and groin
- •Hip strengthening and balance work (corrective exercise)
- •Advice on sleeping position, sitting and walking volume
What to expect and when we refer
Your first visit runs 30 to 45 minutes. Dr. Douglas checks hip motion and strength, screens your low back and nerves, watches you walk, and examines how your knee and foot respond. X-rays are available on site when needed, including to assess arthritis. Suspected fractures, infection, or pain that suggests something other than a musculoskeletal problem are referred out first. More on your first visit.
Is chiropractic care safe for hip pain?
For mechanical hip pain without fracture or infection, conservative care is considered low risk. Techniques are adjusted for age, bone density and comfort; gentler options such as Activator and drop table work well for many older patients.
Hip pain care in Kingsport
We see runners and field athletes with hip flexor and groin strains, people who sit or drive all day, and older adults who want to keep walking, gardening and getting down on the floor with grandkids. Plans are built around the activity that matters to you.
Common Questions
Clinical Sources & Guidelines
- Kolasinski SL, Neogi T, Hochberg MC, et al. 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee. Arthritis Care & Research. 2020;72(2):149-162.
Ready to be seen?
Call 423-239-9122 or book online. We don't take walk-ins, but most new patients are seen within a week, and we check your insurance benefits before your first visit.