Osteopathy management and advice for Hip Osteoarthritis

Our Osteopaths discuss the causes, symptoms and best course of management for osteoarthritis of the hip

The hip is made up of 2 bones; the femur (thigh bone) and the acetabulum (part of the pelvic bone). These bones make up a ‘ball and socket’ joint which is covered with a smooth, slippery substance known as articular cartilage, that protects and cushions joints. As this cartilage ‘wears’ away, it can become rough and space between the bones can decrease. This can lead to a condition known as osteoarthritis (OA).

To add to our previous blog on osteoartritis (OA) (see our blog here for a more in depth summary of OA), did you know that:

4 million Aussies have OA
2 in 3 of those people are women
1 in 5 Australians aged over 45 have osteoarthritis

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HIP OA

Pain, either in the groin or thigh that can radiate down your leg or into your buttock.
Pain that flares up with intense exercise
Joint stiffness and loss of range of movement
“Locking” or “sticking” of the joint
Crepitus (a grating sensation inside the joint) with movement

WHO AND WHY?

Increasing age
Family history of osteoarthritis
Previous injury to the hip joint
Obesity/High BMI
Improper formation of the hip joint either at birth or through life.

OSTEOPATHY AND OA

There is no ‘cure’ for OA however it can be well managed, generally with weight control, strength training and activity modification.

Your osteopath will perform a complete assessment and determine a diagnosis of your pain. An X-ray can also help with a diagnosis.
Osteopathy may help reduce muscle tension around the hip, knee and lower back joints to help decrease pain and improve range of movement
May help promote blood and lymphatic flow, helping reduce pain and inflammation.
Develop a treatment and management plan going forward, including any take home advise and stretches/strength exercises.

Book an appointment to chat with one of our osteopaths at Health and Balance about your hip pain HERE

For a great fact sheet and more information, see HERE

References:

https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/what-is-arthritis/areas-of-the-body/hips/
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/arthritis-other-musculoskeletal-conditions/osteoarthritis/data
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/osteoarthritis/contents/what-is-osteoarthritis