Osteopathic Diagnosis Of Hip Pain
Below is a list of possible casues of hip pain and best action plan.
Hip Bursitis
This is tenderness and swelling, occasionally with redness over the side of the hip. You will experience discomfort on lying on the painful side and symptoms tend to be worse in the mornings.
Bursaes are small bags that exist in areas of high friction, such as between tendon and bone or tendon and muscle, they become inflamed when the friction exceeds the bursaes coping capacity. Osteopathic treatment is aimed at releasing the tension in the muscles and correcting the alignment of the bones through manipulation and exercise prescription.
Snapping hip
This is caused by tightness of the Iliotibial tract; a tendon that runs down the outside of the thigh. A click is heard on the hip rotating as the Iliotibial tract flicks over a bony prominence located at the top of the thigh bone (femur). In itself, the clicking will not cause any problems, but the tightness can cause Hip bursitis (see above). Usually, only one osteopathic appointment is required to release the Iliotibial tract and provide postural advice.
Transient Synovitis
Here the sac (capsule) over the hip becomes inflamed and pain is experienced over the side of the hip, which is worse at night and first thing in the morning. The pain is aggravated by weight bearing on the affected leg. Osteopathic treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation and increased lymphatic drainage.
Urinary tract infections and gynaecological problems
These can often refer pain to the groin. At Brook Green Osteopathy we will carry out urine tests and non-invasive investigate to deduce whether the pain relates to the urinary tract or gynaecological system. If the tests are positive, we will refer you to your GP and provide you with food plan and supplementary advice to aid a fast and natural recovery. Certain pelvic conditions are successfully treated with osteopathic treatment. See Pelvic Pain.
Osteoarthritis / wear and tear
Stiffness and pain in the groin can often be early signs of narrowing within the hip joint which eventually leads to cartilage damage and arthritis. In its early stages, arthritis can be reversed with treatment, dietary & exercise advice from Brook Green Osteopathy. Arthritis, in its moderate stage, can be treated to prevent further deterioration. At Brook Green Clinic we also provide rehabilitation following post joint replacement procedures.
Pinched Hip capsule
This is experienced as a sharp and short lived pain on the outside of the hip whilst weight bearing on the affected side. It is often related to twisting and weight bearing actions and is caused by capsule of the joint getting pinched between the two bony surfaces of the hip joint. Osteopathic treatment is extremely effective in treating pinched hip capsule, further advice will prevent its re-occurrence.
Groin Strain
Often relating to sporting injury, the tendons attaching onto the bony groin become strained. Pain is experienced on stretching the groin or activities such as running, breast stroke etc. It is very important that the strain is treated otherwise scar tissue is deposited in the muscle, creating long term shortening, which can predispose to wear and tear within the hip joint. At Brook Green Clinic we work on stretching the muscle of the inner thigh and using special scar tissue reduction techniques to guarantee your full recovery.
Hip Fracture
At Brook Green Osteopathy, we can help you during the recovery process. The use of crutches and the extra demands placed on other parts of your body can create fatigue and aches and pains else where. We will remove any compensatory strain patterns by treating your entire body – and once the fracture has sufficiently recovered – muscles contractures that remain will be released to reduce the likelihood of developing arthritis. Exercises are also prescribed to improve balance and to build muscles that may have wasted from splinting.
Hernia
Pain experienced in the groin aggravated by coughing or lifting heavy objects often relates to a hernia. An inguinal or femoral hernia is the passage of a small part of bowel through the abdominal wall. Identification is important in order to prevent bowel complications.
Pubic Symphysis Disorder
Tenderness and pain along the joint margin of the pubic joint in the middle of the pubic area, which is aggravated by dropping your knees out. Common during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding due to the hormonal ligamentous laxity. Also common in dancers, runners and football players. Treatment is aimed at improving overall mobility of the pelvis and legs to take the strain off the pubic joint.