If you’ve ever said, “My hip hurts,” you’re far from alone. Hip pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a chiropractor or physical therapist, especially active adults over 40.
But here’s the tricky part: hip pain doesn’t always come from the hip joint itself. It can stem from the muscles, tendons, or even the lower back. Knowing where it starts is key to finding the right treatment.
At Central Ohio Spine and Joint, we focus on identifying the exact source of pain through advanced diagnostics and movement-based assessments. From there, we create a plan that restores balance and helps you move pain-free again.
Let’s break down the three most common types of hip pain and what each one means for your body.
1. Front of the Hip: Hip Flexor Strain or Labral Irritation
Pain in the front of the hip or groin often comes from overuse or irritation of the hip flexor muscles — mainly the iliopsoas and rectus femoris. These muscles can tighten with too much sitting, repetitive movement, or excessive core tension during workouts.
In some cases, pain in this area is linked to labral irritation, which affects the cartilage ring that stabilizes the hip joint.
Common signs:
- Pinching or catching sensation in the front of the hip
- Pain when lifting the leg or getting out of a car
- Stiffness after sitting
Treatment focus:
The goal is to restore balanced hip mobility and strength. Treatment may include:
- Manual therapy and soft tissue release for the hip flexors
- Shockwave therapy to promote tissue recovery
- Core and glute activation drills
- Chiropractic adjustments to restore hip and pelvic motion
2. Side of the Hip: Bursitis or Gluteal Tendinopathy
Pain on the outer part of the hip — especially when lying on your side or walking — often points to greater trochanteric pain syndrome, which includes hip bursitis or gluteal tendinopathy.
This type of pain often affects women over 40 and results from tight hip muscles rubbing against the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint.
Common signs:
- Tenderness when pressing the side of the hip
- Pain when lying on the affected side
- Discomfort when walking upstairs or uphill
Treatment focus:
Reducing inflammation and improving glute strength is key. Treatment may involve:
- Dry needling or focused shockwave therapy
- Manual therapy for IT band and TFL tension
- Glute strengthening and stability training
- Gait retraining to correct movement patterns
3. Back of the Hip: SI Joint or Piriformis-Related Pain
When pain sits deep in the buttock or lower back, it’s often mistaken for hip joint pain. The real issue might be with the sacroiliac (SI) joint or piriformis muscle, both crucial for connecting the spine and pelvis.
When these areas become restricted or inflamed, they can cause pain that radiates into the hip or thigh — sometimes even mimicking sciatica.
Common signs:
- Pain with prolonged standing or single-leg loading
- Stiffness in the lower back or pelvis
- Pain radiating into the glute or thigh
Treatment focus:
The approach restores both spinal and pelvic movement:
- Chiropractic adjustments to restore joint mobility
- Soft tissue release for the piriformis and hip rotators
- Corrective exercises for core and pelvic balance
- Gradual strengthening through controlled movement
When to Get Checked
If your hip pain lasts more than a few days or affects your daily activity, it’s time to see a professional. At Central Ohio Spine and Joint, we take an integrated approach to identify whether your pain is coming from the front, side, or back of the hip.
From there, we build a personalized plan that combines manual therapy, exercise-based rehab, and progressive strengthening — so your results last.
The Bottom Line
Not all hip pain is the same. Whether it’s irritation in the hip flexors, inflammation on the side, or dysfunction in the pelvis, finding the root cause is the first step toward lasting relief.
If hip pain in Westerville is keeping you from doing what you love, we’re here to help you move better, feel stronger, and stay active — without relying on temporary fixes.
If hip pain is holding you back, book your Diagnostic Scan and movement assessment today.
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