Hip Pain Care in Chippewa Falls
Hip pain has a way of creeping into everyday life. Walking, getting out of the car, or simply moving through your usual routine can become more uncomfortable when your hip keeps bothering you.
Why the Pain Isn’t Always Coming From the Hip
Your hip is a strong, stable joint that works closely with the sacroiliac (SI) joint, where your spine meets your pelvis. Because these areas work together, pain that feels like it’s coming from the hip may involve the SI joint too. Chippewa Falls Chiropractor Dr. Jason Denn looks at both areas, along with how you move, to better understand what may be involved.
Hip concerns can also occur alongside low back, buttock, or sciatic-type pain. Because referral patterns can vary, where you feel the discomfort doesn’t always tell the whole story.
When Problems Build Over Time
Many of the hip concerns we see have developed gradually rather than from one obvious injury. Factors that may be involved include:
- Arthritis and age-related joint changes
- Previous injuries
- Slips and falls
- Muscle and soft tissue concerns around the hip, including the IT band and piriformis
- Glute weakness that affects how the pelvis moves while walking
Where Symptoms Can Show Up
Hip pain doesn’t always stay in one spot. You may notice discomfort around the hip itself, while other symptoms can occur around the SI joint, low back, buttock, or down the leg.
Referral patterns can sometimes be surprising. One of Dr. Denn’s patients came in with shoulder blade pain, but an examination also identified a problem with the opposite hip. After the hip was addressed, the patient reported that the shoulder blade pain was gone. Individual experiences vary, but the case illustrates why looking beyond the painful area can matter.
When Pain Starts Changing How You Move
If hip pain keeps returning or you’ve noticed that you’re walking differently to accommodate it, consider having the area evaluated. Changes in your gait can provide useful clues about how the hip and surrounding muscles are functioning.
Looking at the SI Joint and Movement
Your visit begins with a conversation about your history and what you’ve been experiencing. We then use orthopedic and neurological tests to help determine whether your symptoms appear to involve the hip, SI joint, or both.
We’ll also watch how you walk. For example, if one side of the pelvis drops with each step, it may point to weakness in the glute muscles. Hands-on examination of the surrounding tissues can help identify areas of irritation or inflammation.
Care is based on what we find and may include adjustments, stretching, active release, and trigger point therapy. If there’s significant inflammation, ultrasound or electrical stimulation may also be considered to help relax the surrounding muscles. You’ll receive stretches and exercises selected for your specific findings rather than a generic routine. Mild stretching and weight-bearing exercises may be introduced early in some chronic cases, with more challenging exercises added gradually as you progress.
Your Customized Care Plan
Care is based on what we find and may include adjustments and stretching. For chronic concerns where scar tissue may be involved, active release and trigger point therapy may also be incorporated. If there’s significant inflammation, ultrasound or electrical stimulation may be considered to help relax the surrounding muscles.
You’ll receive stretches and exercises selected for your specific findings rather than a generic routine. Mild stretching and weight-bearing exercises may be introduced early in some chronic cases, with more challenging exercises added gradually as you progress.
Building Movement Back Gradually
There’s no single exercise plan for every hip problem. Your recommendations will depend on what’s contributing to your symptoms and how you’re responding. The goal is to improve movement and function while giving you practical exercises suited to your particular hip.
Take the Next Step
Hip discomfort can make everyday movement more difficult than it needs to be. Reach out to Denn Chiropractic today to book an evaluation and learn more about what may be behind your discomfort.
