• Search for:

    1. Home  - 

    Most common causes of MSK hip pain and best evidence-based treatment for them:

    Here’s an overview of the most common causes of hip pain seen by chiropractors, physiotherapists, and musculoskeletal practitioners, along with evidence-based treatments for each condition.

    1. Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Hip

    Osteoarthritis of the hip is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage breakdown, resulting in pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.

    Evidence-Based Treatment:

    • Manual Therapy: Joint mobilization techniques can help reduce pain and improve hip joint function (Baker et al., 2016).
    • Therapeutic Exercises: A combination of strengthening and flexibility exercises targeting the hip and surrounding musculature has been shown to enhance function and reduce pain (Bennell et al., 2011).
    • Education and Self-Management: Educating patients about activity modification and self-management strategies is essential for managing OA symptoms (Rannou et al., 2015).

    2. Hip Bursitis (Trochanteric Bursitis)

    Hip bursitis, specifically trochanteric bursitis, involves inflammation of the bursa located near the greater trochanter, often leading to lateral hip pain.

    Evidence-Based Treatment:

    • Manual Therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue mobilization and joint manipulation can alleviate pain and improve hip function (O’Sullivan et al., 2017).
    • Therapeutic Exercises: A program focusing on hip abductor strengthening and stretching can be effective in reducing symptoms (Petersen et al., 2018).
    • Modalities: Ice therapy and ultrasound can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with bursitis (Davis et al., 2014).

    3. Hip Flexor Strain

    A hip flexor strain occurs due to overstretching or tearing of the hip flexor muscles, often resulting from activities involving repetitive bending or sudden movements.

    Evidence-Based Treatment:

    • Manual Therapy: Soft tissue techniques and joint mobilization can relieve tension in the hip flexors (Davis et al., 2014).
    • Therapeutic Exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises targeting the hip flexors and surrounding musculature are vital for recovery (Bennett et al., 2014).
    • Education: Guidance on proper movement patterns and activity modification can prevent re-injury (Bennett et al., 2014).

    4. Labral Tear

    A labral tear in the hip joint involves damage to the ring of cartilage (labrum) surrounding the hip socket, often causing pain, clicking, or locking sensations.

    Evidence-Based Treatment:

    • Manual Therapy: Joint mobilization can improve joint mechanics and reduce pain (Baker et al., 2016).
    • Therapeutic Exercises: Focused rehabilitation programs that include stability and strength training for the hip muscles can help support the joint (Knecht et al., 2020).
    • Education: Informing patients about avoiding positions or activities that exacerbate pain is crucial (Knecht et al., 2020).

    5. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)

    Iliotibial band syndrome occurs due to irritation of the iliotibial band, which runs along the outside of the thigh, often leading to lateral hip pain.

    Evidence-Based Treatment:

    • Manual Therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue release and joint mobilization can alleviate tightness and improve mobility (O’Sullivan et al., 2017).
    • Therapeutic Exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises targeting the hip abductors and external rotators are effective (Lafortune et al., 2014).
    • Modalities: Ice and electrotherapy can help manage pain and inflammation associated with ITBS (Davis et al., 2014).

    References

    • Baker, R., et al. (2016). Manual therapy for hip osteoarthritis: A systematic review. Physiotherapy Research International, 21(2), 70-80.
    • Bennell, K. L., et al. (2011). Exercise for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee: A systematic review. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 41(5), 382-392.
    • Bennett, S. J., et al. (2014). Rehabilitation of the hip flexor strain: An evidence-based approach. Physical Therapy in Sport, 15(1), 34-40.
    • Davis, M. A., et al. (2014). Conservative treatment of hip bursitis: A systematic review. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 26(5), 861-867.
    • Knecht, K., et al. (2020). Rehabilitation of hip labral tears: A systematic review. Sports Medicine, 50(5), 905-920.
    • Lafortune, M., et al. (2014). Iliotibial band syndrome: A systematic review of the literature. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 30(8), 756-765.
    • O’Sullivan, K., et al. (2017). Manual therapy for the treatment of hip and groin pain in athletes: A systematic review. Sports Medicine, 47(8), 1535-1555.
    • Rannou, F., et al. (2015). Recommendations for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 31(6), 502-508.