Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions I hear from patients.
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Please note, all content within this page is provided for general information only and should not be substituted for medical advice of your own doctor or healthcare professional. Please make an appointment for a full personalised assessment and health screen.
Hips
FAQ's
How do I know if I need a hip replacement? There are many causes of pain in the hip region, some of which respond very well to manual therapy. Sometimes, even though the pain feels as though it is coming from your hip, it may be caused by your back or your knee. Osteopathic assessment will determine the cause of your hip pain and if any further investigations are required. Hip replacements are major surgery so are normally only recommended if other treatments, such as osteopathy, exercises or medications have not helped reduce the pain or improved your mobility. There are many other options to consider before having an operation or joint replacement. Your Osteopath will be able to assess your hip and advise you on the best approach to your care and recovery.
Do I have hip arthritis? Arthritis is a normal condition that happens to us all, in varying degrees, as we age and can be compared to our hair turning grey! Many people have hip arthritis without any symptoms and it is often well managed and causes no problems. If you are getting hip pain, it is advised you have an assessment to diagnose the cause so you receive the appropriate treatment and self-care to get you back on track.
Why are my hips so tight? Our hips have powerful muscles that allow us to bring our knees towards our chest for every day movements such as climbing stairs, cycling and bending forwards. Sometimes these powerful muscles can be worked very hard or placed in a flexed position for a long period of time when sitting at a desk or driving. This can cause our hips to feel 'tight' and 'stiff'. Usually, some manual therapy techniques with stretching and advice can help your hips feel back to normal!