Osteopathy for Hip and Groin Pain
Hip and Groin Pain
Hip pain can be caused by a number of injuries or conditions. The most common cause of hip pain is inflamed tendons. Hip and groin pain can be related to a range of muscle or joint problems or it could be referred pain from your lower back.
When you get osteopathy for hip and groin pain your osteopath will analyse your lower back and lower limb movement to help determine the cause of your pain. Because the hip is the centre of movement between the upper and lower parts of the body, it can easily be affected by poor movement control, posture or exercise.
Hip joint pain is often caused by a sitting position, landing awkwardly, certain sports, a sedentary lifestyle or arthritis. Hip joints can become sore when are held in a fixed position for a long time, or repeatedly moved into an uncomfortable position.
Anatomy of the hip and groin
Hip and groin pain may be influenced by a number of joints in the area. The actual hip joint is made up of three fused pelvic bones, the illium, the ishium and the pubic bones, which form a socket that the thigh bone, or femur, sits in. This is a very strong joint and does not dislocate easily. You may also have heard people talk about their "SIJ." This is the sacroiliac joint and it is formed between the pelvis and a triangle shaped bone (the sacraum) at the end of your spine, just before your tail bone. The third joint in the area is the pubic joint, it is right in the front at the middle of your pelvis.
Pain from your back can also refer to your hip or your groin and so can some organs. However most commonly hip and groin pain is minor and short term.
Osteopathy for Hip and Groin Pain
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Minor and short term pain
Muscle pain often occurs in people who perform repeated sideways movements such as soccer players, dancers and AFL players. Many minor, short term conditions can be painful but usually heal within a few days. For muscular pain, your osteopath will look at the other muscles around your hip and groin to understand the cause of your discomfort.
They may also give you stretches or strengthening exercises for the muscles around your hip and bottom,for example your glutes, and for your upper leg muscles such as the hamstrings and quads.
Long term pain
Longer-term pain may be caused by conditions such as arthritis or bursitis. If pain is caused by arthritis your osteopath may also suggest you see a GP for any additional medications or treatment. This might include things such as images, anti-inflammatories or a referral to a rheumatologist.
Your osteopath at Enhance Osteopathy will work with you to improve your posture, discuss the way you move or why you may be experiencing hip problems. They will look at your hip in relationship to your whole lower limb. This includes looking at how you walk and assessing the knee and the ankle as well.