About 10% of American adults have chronic hip pain, and it becomes more common with age. Depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms, you might assume pain medication or surgery is the only option, but that often isn’t necessary. A combination of chiropractic care and healthy lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference.
Chiropractor Michael Shiha, DC, at The Clinic Houston Chiropractic in Katy, Texas, often counsels and treats adults 40 and older with hip pain. Here, we explain why hip pain occurs, discuss how chiropractic care can help, and highlight simple home strategies for lasting relief.
Your hips are two of the most active joints in your body. They’re involved in many daily activities, including walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of the car. Despite their importance, your hips are susceptible to injury, illness, and wear-and-tear.
These risks become even more likely as you get older, which is why many people begin experiencing hip pain around age 40. Some respond by limiting physical activity, but this can actually trigger flare-ups, making stiffness and pain even worse.
The good news is that chiropractic care can ease your pain and help you move more comfortably. If you’ve been putting off treatment, Dr. Shiha can provide personalized care.
Chiropractic care focuses on improving the alignment of your spine and entire musculoskeletal system. Treatments often include chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, corrective exercises, and postural guidance to reduce hip pain and improve mobility.
Every treatment is customized, and Dr. Shiha works to align your hip joints for more comfortable movement. Incorporating regular chiropractic care into your wellness routine can help your hips stay pain-free and support long-term mobility. It may also reduce your risk of certain joint issues, like osteoarthritis, which can develop from wear-and-tear over time.
In addition to chiropractic adjustments, it’s important to take good care of your hips at home. Here’s how:
Gently stretching your glutes and hip muscles regularly with targeted exercises can increase circulation and support your joints’ range of motion. Hip flexor, hamstring, and side-lying hip stretches are great places to start.
It might seem counterintuitive, but the saying “movement is medicine” applies. Activities like cycling, swimming, and walking improve joint flexibility and strengthen the muscles surrounding your hip joints, making it easier to move comfortably.
They also improve hip stability, which can reduce your risk of falls and injury if you have an underlying condition, like hip arthritis.
Hip pain often occurs due to stiff muscles or acute injuries. Alternating between a heating pad or hot water bottle and an ice pack can help you feel better. Ice reduces swelling and inflammation, while heat increases circulation, relaxes tight muscles, and boosts flexibility.
Ultra-processed foods often contain ingredients that exacerbate inflammation, a common cause of chronic hip pain. Eating a healthy, balanced diet that features joint-friendly foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, can reduce the frequency of flares and help you feel your best.
If chronic hip pain is keeping you from exercise or other activities you love, chiropractic care may be able to help. To learn more, call Dr. Shiha at 346-387-0622 or request an appointment online today.
