Extremities & Joints

Hip Pain

Pain in the groin, side or buttock that may come from the hip joint, the pelvis or the low back.

Where the pain is felt gives a clue: groin pain more often points toward the joint itself, while pain at the side or buttock frequently involves tendon, pelvis, or referral from the spine.

An examination looks at hip movement, low back function, and how the pelvis is moving during standing and walking, since these areas are closely connected.

Why this matters

Walking distance, stairs, and sleeping on that side are the usual functional markers. A person's ability to stay active is often the clearest sign of how the hip is doing.

Because hip pain can come from several sources, identifying the actual pattern early helps avoid focusing on the wrong area.

The brain & nervous-system connection

Where the nervous system fits in

Hip control is central to balance and to how load is shared with the low back. Weakness or poor timing in the hip muscles changes how the spine and knee are loaded during everyday movement.

An evaluation of gait and single-leg stability is part of understanding how well the nervous system is coordinating the hip during movement, not just at rest.

What we look at

We look for patterns, not a single test

  • Detailed health history and consultation
  • NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
  • Posture and movement
  • Balance and coordination testing
  • Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
  • Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
  • Palpation and spinal function
  • Other examination procedures based on the individual

Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.

Scope of care

What this does — and doesn't — mean

What we do

  • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
  • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
  • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
  • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
  • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.

What we don't claim

  • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
  • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
  • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
  • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.

Common questions

Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
Do I need imaging before I come in?
Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.

When medical evaluation may be needed

Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.

Related at Foothills Chiropractic

  • Joint Pain & Staying ActiveShoulders, hips, knees, ankles — extremity function matters as much as the spine.
  • Achilles TendinopathyPain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, usually load-related.
  • Ankle InstabilityA repeatedly rolling or unreliable ankle, usually following earlier sprains.
  • Ankle PainPain or restriction at the ankle, often after an old injury.

Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?

Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.

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