Hip & Pelvic Pain Management
Hip and pelvic pain can affect everything from walking and standing to sleeping and exercise. The hip joint and pelvis are central to lower body movement, and dysfunction in this area can cause pain locally or refer pain to the groin, lower back, or leg. Targeted, evidence-based chiropractic care can help identify the source of hip and pelvic pain and provide effective management.
In short: Spirit Chiropractic in Kogarah, NSW treats hip and pelvic pain caused by sacroiliac joint dysfunction, hip impingement, bursitis and pelvic asymmetry, using a five-step process of assessment, diagnosis, hands-on adjustment, rehabilitation and progress review.
Contributing Factors & Symptoms
Common Causes
- Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction
- Hip joint restrictions or impingement
- Gluteal or hip flexor muscle tightness
- Bursitis or tendinopathy around the hip
- Poor biomechanics and altered movement patterns
- Leg length discrepancy or pelvic asymmetry
Common Symptoms
- Pain in the hip, groin, or buttock area
- Pain with walking, standing, or getting up from sitting
- Stiffness in the hip joint or lower back
- Clicking or catching sensations during movement
- Pain when lying on the affected side at night
- Discomfort radiating down the thigh or leg
Evidence-Based Management Approach
Spirit Chiropractic takes a patient-centred approach to managing hip & pelvic pain. Treatment is always preceded by a thorough assessment to ensure the right care plan for your specific needs.
Assessment & Screening
A comprehensive examination of the hip and pelvis including range of motion testing, orthopaedic assessment, and gait analysis. Screening for conditions that may require imaging or referral.
Diagnosis & Care Plan
A clear explanation of the source of your hip or pelvic pain, whether it is joint-related, muscular, or biomechanical. Your care plan addresses the specific dysfunction and its contributing factors.
Hands-On Chiropractic Care
Adjustments to the hip joint and sacroiliac joints to restore proper alignment and movement. Combined with soft tissue therapy to address tight hip flexors, gluteals, and surrounding musculature.
Rehabilitation & Self-Management
A targeted program of hip mobility, strengthening, and stability exercises. Includes guidance on gait, footwear, and daily movement patterns that may be contributing to your pain.
Progress Review & Prevention
Regular monitoring of your hip function and pain levels, with progression of your exercise program. Prevention focuses on maintaining hip mobility and strength and addressing biomechanical factors.
What to Expect
Your initial visit includes a thorough assessment of your hip and pelvis to identify the source of your pain. Treatment combines adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and a structured exercise program. Most patients see improvement over several sessions, with a clear plan for ongoing management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor help with hip and pelvic pain?
Yes. Chiropractors assess whether hip and pelvic pain is coming from the joint, surrounding muscles, or movement patterns, then use adjustments, soft tissue therapy and targeted exercises to restore mobility and reduce pain.
What is sacroiliac (SIJ) joint dysfunction?
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction occurs when the joint connecting the base of the spine to the pelvis moves abnormally or becomes irritated, often causing pain in the lower back, buttock or groin that worsens with standing, walking or sitting.
Can chiropractic care help with hip impingement?
Chiropractic care can help manage pain and stiffness associated with hip impingement by improving joint mobility, releasing tight surrounding muscles, and building a strengthening and movement program, alongside appropriate activity modification.
Why does my hip hurt more at night or when lying on one side?
Night-time hip pain is commonly linked to bursitis or tendinopathy around the hip, where sustained pressure on the affected side aggravates already irritated tissue. An assessment can confirm the specific cause and guide treatment.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor for hip or pelvic pain?
No referral is required in Australia to book a chiropractic consultation. You can book directly online.
How do I know when my hip pain is serious?
Get urgent care if you can't put weight on the leg after a fall, the hip is hot and swollen with fever, the pain is severe and constant, or you have a history of cancer or osteoporosis.
How can I tell if hip pain is from the joint or a muscle?
Hip joint pain is often felt in the groin and is worse with walking or standing. Pain on the outside of the hip that is worse lying on that side is often from the tendons. Buttock pain can come from the lower back. An assessment helps work out which.
Is a physio or a chiropractor better for hip pain?
Both are registered health practitioners who assess and manage musculoskeletal pain, and research doesn't show one is clearly better for hip pain. What matters more is a proper assessment, a clear explanation and a plan that includes exercise. If another practitioner would suit you better, we'll tell you and refer you.
Is chiropractic care for hip pain covered by Medicare?
Medicare can cover part of the cost if your GP decides you have a chronic condition (usually present for six months or more) and refers you under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan. It covers up to 5 allied health visits a year, shared across all allied health services. At Spirit Chiropractic, returning plan visits are bulk billed and the first plan visit has a gap. Private health extras may also cover part of a consultation, but not for the same visit as Medicare.
How much does a chiropractor cost for hip pain, and can I book on a weekend?
At Spirit Chiropractic a first (comprehensive) consultation is $150 for 50 minutes, standard follow-up consultations are $90 (20 minutes) and short consultations are $60 (10 minutes). We're open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and on Saturday by appointment only. We don't offer after-hours appointments.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Book a consultation with Spirit Chiropractic to discuss your hip & pelvic pain and develop a personalised care plan.
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