Hip Pain Treatment in Norfolk, VA
Hip pain can be deceptively complex. Because the hip sits at the intersection of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower extremity, dysfunction here radiates in multiple directions — producing pain that feels like a back problem, a knee problem, or a groin issue when the true source is the hip itself. At Ghent Chiropractic in Norfolk, VA, Dr. John Clayton has the clinical expertise to accurately identify the source of your hip pain and deliver targeted, effective care that restores pain-free movement and function.
Request an AppointmentWhat Causes Hip Pain?
The hip joint itself, the muscles and tendons that surround it, the bursae that cushion it, and the nerves that pass through the region can all be sources of hip pain. Additionally, problems in the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints frequently refer pain into the hip and buttock region. Dr. Clayton evaluates all of these structures during your examination to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Common causes of hip pain treated at Ghent Chiropractic include:
- Hip flexor strains and tightness — overuse or acute injury to the iliopsoas and rectus femoris muscles, producing groin and anterior hip pain — particularly common in runners, cyclists, and those who sit for long periods
- Gluteal tendinopathy — degeneration and pain in the gluteus medius or minimus tendons at their attachment to the greater trochanter, a common and frequently misdiagnosed cause of lateral hip pain
- Greater trochanteric bursitis — inflammation of the bursa overlying the greater trochanter on the outer hip, producing sharp lateral hip pain that worsens with lying on the affected side
- Hip impingement (FAI — femoroacetabular impingement) — abnormal contact between the ball and socket of the hip joint during movement, causing groin pain and reduced range of motion, particularly in athletic individuals
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction — misalignment or inflammation at the SI joint that produces pain in the buttock and posterior hip and is frequently confused with hip joint pathology or sciatica
- Piriformis syndrome — tightness and irritation in the piriformis muscle that compresses the sciatic nerve as it passes through the buttock, producing hip, buttock, and leg pain
- Hip osteoarthritis — degenerative loss of articular cartilage in the hip joint producing groin and hip pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion
- Lumbar referral — disc herniation, facet joint dysfunction, or nerve root compression in the lumbar spine that produces pain referred into the buttock and hip region
How Dr. Clayton Treats Hip Pain
Because the hip is so closely connected to the lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower extremity, Dr. Clayton evaluates and treats the complete kinetic chain — not just the hip in isolation. Treatment at Ghent Chiropractic in Norfolk, VA may include:
- Active Release Techniques (ART) — targeted soft tissue therapy for the hip flexors, gluteal musculature, piriformis, IT band, and surrounding tissues. ART is particularly effective for hip flexor strains, gluteal tendinopathy, and piriformis syndrome, restoring tissue mobility and eliminating the adhesions that perpetuate chronic hip pain.
- FAKTR Therapy — instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization during functional hip movement to address deep fascial restrictions and restore full, pain-free range of motion at the hip
- Chiropractic Adjustments — hip joint adjustments restore proper joint mechanics and reduce impingement, while lumbar and sacroiliac adjustments address any spinal contribution to hip and buttock pain
- Rehabilitative Exercises — progressive hip strengthening programs targeting the glutes, hip abductors, and external rotators to restore muscular balance, joint stability, and pain-free lower extremity function
- NormaTec Compression Therapy — hip compression sessions to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support faster soft tissue recovery around the hip and gluteal region
To schedule your hip pain evaluation with Dr. Clayton, call Ghent Chiropractic in Norfolk, VA at (757) 622-1222 or request your appointment online.
Hip Pain FAQs — Ghent Chiropractic, Norfolk, VA
Can a chiropractor treat hip pain?
Yes. Chiropractors are highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of hip conditions, including both the hip joint itself and the spinal and pelvic structures that contribute to hip pain. Dr. Clayton’s sports chiropractic background and full-body ART and FAKTR certifications make him exceptionally equipped to treat the complex combination of joint, soft tissue, and biomechanical factors that most hip pain conditions involve.
How do I know if my hip pain is coming from my back?
Hip pain that originates in the lumbar spine or sacroiliac joint is very common and can closely mimic true hip joint pathology. Signs that your back may be the source include pain that changes with spinal movement or position, pain that radiates from the lower back into the buttock, and the absence of pain specifically in the groin with hip rotation testing. Dr. Clayton’s examination differentiates between these sources with specific orthopedic and neurological tests.
What is piriformis syndrome and can chiropractic help?
Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle in the buttock becomes tight or inflamed and compresses the sciatic nerve as it passes through or beneath it, producing buttock and hip pain that radiates down the leg. It is often misdiagnosed as lumbar sciatica. Dr. Clayton treats piriformis syndrome very effectively with targeted ART and FAKTR therapy to release the piriformis and surrounding gluteal muscles, combined with stretching and strengthening exercises to prevent recurrence.
Can hip pain be related to knee or foot problems?
Yes. The hip, knee, and foot are all part of the same lower extremity kinetic chain, and dysfunction at one level frequently affects the others. Weak hip abductors can cause knee pain; flat feet or poor ankle mechanics can increase hip loading. Dr. Clayton evaluates the full kinetic chain to identify all contributing factors and address them in your treatment plan.
How is hip bursitis treated at Ghent Chiropractic?
Greater trochanteric bursitis — inflammation of the bursa on the outer hip — is treated at Ghent Chiropractic with a combination of ART and FAKTR to reduce the soft tissue tension compressing the bursa, chiropractic adjustments to improve hip and pelvic mechanics, and rehabilitative strengthening of the gluteus medius to address the biomechanical cause of the problem. NormaTec compression therapy is also used to accelerate reduction of local inflammation.
Can chiropractic help avoid hip replacement surgery?
For hip osteoarthritis that has not yet progressed to end-stage joint destruction, conservative chiropractic care can substantially reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and strengthen the supporting musculature — potentially avoiding or significantly delaying the need for joint replacement. Dr. Clayton will give you an honest assessment of whether conservative care is likely to be effective for your specific degree of hip joint degeneration.
Does sitting all day cause hip pain?
Yes. Prolonged sitting shortens and tightens the hip flexors, inhibits the gluteal muscles, and compresses the hip joint — a combination that produces anterior hip pain, increases lumbar lordosis, and alters gait mechanics. If you spend long hours at a desk and experience hip or low back pain, Dr. Clayton can identify the specific pattern of tightness and weakness driving your symptoms and prescribe a targeted corrective program to address it.