Hip Arthritis Treatment
in Oxford
Hip arthritis is a common and progressive condition, but the rate at which it progresses is far from fixed. At Northwood Chiropractic, we identify and address the mechanical and neurological factors driving the wear, helping to reduce pain, restore function, and slow progression.
Oxford Chiropractor
What Is Hip Arthritis?
Hip arthritis (osteoarthritis of the hip) occurs when the cartilage within the hip joint progressively wears down, causing narrowing of the joint space, inflammation, and pain. It most commonly affects those over 50, though it can develop earlier following injury or structural dysfunction. The pain is typically felt in the groin, buttock, or outer thigh, and sometimes travels to the knee. Walking and daily activities become increasingly challenging as the condition progresses.
The key thing to understand about hip arthritis is that the arthritic changes themselves cannot be reversed, but the rate at which the condition progresses is not fixed. The underlying mechanical factors driving the excessive wear can be identified and corrected, redistributing load on the joint and significantly slowing the degenerative process. In many cases, this produces meaningful improvements in pain and function even when the arthritis is already established.
Common Symptoms
- Pain in the groin, buttock, or outer thigh, especially with activity
- Stiffness in the hip, particularly in the morning or after sitting
- Pain that sometimes travels down to the knee
- A gradual reduction in the range of motion of the hip
- Discomfort when walking longer distances or climbing stairs
- A clicking, grinding, or catching sensation in the hip joint
- Tendency to favour one side when walking or standing
- Muscle weakness or tightness around the hip and pelvis
Why the Hip Wears Unevenly
Hip arthritis develops when the joint is subjected to excessive or uneven mechanical load over many years. Think of it like a car tyre: if the wheel is not properly aligned, the tyre wears unevenly and far more quickly than it should. The same principle applies to the hip.
Misalignment in the spine and pelvis, poor movement patterns, and nerve interference from the lumbar spine all alter how load is distributed across the hip joint. Over time, this leads to accelerated and uneven wear in specific areas of the joint, rather than the normal gradual deterioration that comes with age.
While the cartilage that has already been lost cannot be restored, correcting the underlying alignment and movement dysfunction redistributes the load, relieves excess pressure on the worn areas, and gives the joint the best possible environment for continued function and reduced pain.
Tilt or rotation in the pelvis and lumbar spine creates asymmetric loading across the hip joints, accelerating wear on one side
The nerves supplying the hip originate from the lumbar spine. Misalignment here can disrupt the nerve supply, weakening the surrounding muscles and altering joint mechanics
Compensatory movement habits, often developed after previous injuries, distribute load abnormally across the hip and accelerate degeneration in specific areas
Unresolved trauma to the hip, knee, or lumbar spine alters biomechanics long after the acute injury has settled, creating conditions for premature joint wear
Chiropractic Care
for Hip Arthritis
Our goal is not to reverse arthritis, but to address the underlying cause of the excessive wear and create the best possible conditions for the joint going forwards. By correcting mechanical dysfunction in the spine, pelvis, and hip, we reduce the load on the worn areas and help the joint function as efficiently as possible.
Many patients with established hip arthritis find that this approach produces significant improvements in pain and mobility, allowing them to do more of what they enjoy for longer.
- 1
Full Health History
Understanding how long the pain has been present, what makes it better or worse, and any relevant history of previous injuries to the hip, knee, or spine.
- 2
Lumbar and Pelvic Assessment
Nervoscope scanning and structural analysis of the lumbar spine and pelvis to identify misalignment affecting nerve supply and load distribution across the hip.
- 3
Hip Orthopaedic Testing
Assessment of hip range of motion, joint mechanics, and surrounding muscle function to identify specific areas of dysfunction and the degree of restriction.
- 4
Neurological Testing
Reflex and sensation testing to assess nerve supply from the lumbar spine and rule out conditions that may require referral to a specialist.
- 5
Results and Personalised Plan
At your second visit, we explain exactly what we found and present a care plan focused on reducing joint load, improving function, and slowing the progression of wear.
After starting treatment, my hip pain when sleeping has completely gone, along with the pain in my left foot and toe. I feel lighter, more mobile, and have been pleasantly surprised by the results. Dr Hulme is thorough, professional, and puts you at ease throughout the process.
Hip Arthritis FAQs
Can a Chiropractor help with hip arthritis?
Yes. While the arthritic changes themselves cannot be reversed, the mechanical and neurological factors driving the wear can be identified and addressed. By correcting spinal and pelvic misalignment, reducing nerve interference from the lumbar spine, and improving the overall mechanics of the hip joint, Chiropractic care can significantly reduce pain, improve mobility, and slow the progression of hip arthritis.
What causes hip arthritis?
Hip arthritis develops when excessive or uneven mechanical load on the hip joint causes the cartilage to wear down over time. Misalignment in the spine and pelvis, poor movement patterns developed after previous injuries, and nerve interference from the lumbar spine all contribute to abnormal loading patterns that accelerate this process. Addressing these underlying factors is the focus of our care.
Can hip arthritis be reversed?
No. The cartilage loss that has already occurred cannot be restored. However, the rate of progression is not fixed. By identifying and correcting the underlying mechanical dysfunction, it is possible to significantly reduce the load on the worn areas, slow further deterioration, and achieve meaningful improvements in pain and function even in well-established cases.
How is hip arthritis different from a hip injury?
A hip injury typically involves acute damage to a specific structure such as a muscle, tendon, or labrum, usually following a clear incident. Hip arthritis is a gradual degenerative process involving the wearing down of cartilage over time. The two can coexist, and previous hip injuries that were not fully rehabilitated are a significant contributing factor to the development of arthritis in that joint.
When should I consider hip replacement instead of Chiropractic care?
Hip replacement surgery is generally considered when conservative care has been fully explored and the level of pain and disability is severe enough that quality of life is significantly impaired. Chiropractic care can often provide meaningful improvement and delay the need for surgery. If your assessment indicates a severity that warrants surgical referral, we will advise you clearly and direct you to the appropriate specialist.
Do I need a GP referral to see a Chiropractor for hip arthritis?
No. Chiropractors are primary healthcare practitioners and you can book directly without a GP referral. If your assessment reveals anything outside our scope of care, we will refer you to the appropriate professional promptly.
feeling better?
