Hip Pain Chiropractic Care in Victoria Park, Perth
Dr Joel talks about Hip Pain and Chiropractic
Hip pain is a common complaint that can affect people of all ages, from office workers and runners to gym-goers and active adults. Whether symptoms develop gradually or follow an injury, hip discomfort can make everyday activities such as walking, sitting, exercising, and sleeping increasingly difficult.
Many people assume hip pain is caused solely by the hip joint itself. However, the hips work closely with the lower back, pelvis, knees, and surrounding muscles, meaning symptoms are often influenced by how these areas move and function together.
At Freeman Chiropractic, we don't just focus on where the pain is felt. We assess how the hips, pelvis, lower back, and surrounding structures are functioning together to better understand the factors contributing to your symptoms.
Is hip pain affecting your walking, sleep or training?
Book an assessment with Dr Alex or Dr Joel – no GP referral needed, and private health rebates are available on most extras policies. Prefer to talk? Call 0493 290 505.
Why do I have hip pain?
Hip pain can develop for many different reasons. While some cases are related to sporting injuries, falls, or sudden movements, many develop gradually due to repetitive strain, reduced mobility, or changes in movement patterns over time.
Common contributing factors seen in practice include:
Prolonged sitting and sedentary work
Reduced hip mobility
Previous lower back, pelvis, or lower limb injuries
Running and sporting loads
Repetitive movements at work
Muscle tension and overuse
Changes in walking or movement patterns
Reduced strength and stability around the hips
A common finding is that the area where symptoms are felt is not always the source of the problem. Restrictions through the lower back, pelvis, or surrounding muscles can influence how the hips move and function over time.
What is hip pain?
Hip pain refers to discomfort affecting the hip joint or surrounding muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues.
Symptoms can range from mild stiffness and irritation to more persistent pain that affects walking, exercise, work, and everyday activities.
Hip pain may be associated with muscle strain, joint irritation, reduced mobility, tendon-related issues, or age-related changes within the joint. Symptoms often develop when the hip is exposed to repeated stress or movement limitations over time.
What are the common types of hip pain?
Hip pain can present in different ways depending on the structures involved and the underlying contributing factors.
Lateral Hip Pain
Pain on the outside of the hip, often aggravated by walking, running, lying on the affected side, or prolonged activity.
Front of Hip Pain
Discomfort felt in the front of the hip or groin region, sometimes associated with movement restrictions or sporting activities.
Hip and Lower Back Pain
Pain that occurs around both the hip and lower back, often influenced by how the pelvis and lumbar spine are functioning together.
Hip Stiffness and Reduced Mobility
A feeling of restriction, tightness, or difficulty moving the hip through its normal range of motion.
Referred Pain
In some cases, symptoms felt around the hip may be influenced by structures in the lower back, pelvis, or surrounding muscles.
Signs it's time to get your hip checked
You don't need to wait until symptoms become severe before seeking an assessment.
You may consider having your hip assessed if:
Pain keeps returning
Walking, running, or exercise has become uncomfortable
Stiffness is limiting your movement
Sleep is being affected
Symptoms are spreading into the lower back, groin, or leg
Daily activities are becoming more difficult
Symptoms are gradually worsening over time
Early assessment is often less about treating pain and more about understanding what may be contributing to ongoing strain and movement restrictions.
How we can help with hip pain
Your first visit is a thorough assessment – a detailed health history, a physical and orthopaedic examination, and muscle activity scans (sEMG). Before any treatment starts, we explain what we've found and what's likely contributing to your hip pain.
Depending on your assessment, your care may include chiropractic adjustments to the hip, pelvis and lower back, soft tissue therapy and dry needling. We'll also give you practical advice on movement and daily habits, so you know what you can do between visits.
No GP referral needed · Private health rebates available
Hip Pain Chiropractors
Dr Alex Freeman
Firm, hands-on adjustments, dry needling and soft tissue work. Experienced with long-standing hip and lower back pain.
Dr Joel Maylor
Exercise science and sports rehab background. Practical, movement-focused care for active people.
Your Hip Pain Questions, Answered
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Pain from the hip joint is often felt in the groin or front of the hip and is aggravated by movements such as putting on shoes or getting out of a car. Pain referred from the lower back is more often felt in the buttock and may come with back stiffness or symptoms down the leg. Because the regions overlap, a hip assessment at Freeman Chiropractic includes the lower back and pelvis.
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Pain on the outside of the hip that worsens when lying on that side, climbing stairs, or standing on one leg is often related to irritation of the gluteal tendons, sometimes called greater trochanteric pain syndrome. A pillow between your knees and avoiding crossing your legs can reduce pressure on these tendons, and gradual hip strengthening is an important part of care.
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Running places repeated load through the hips, and sudden increases in distance, speed, or hill training are common triggers for hip pain in runners. Reduced hip mobility and limited strength around the pelvis can add to the strain. Your chiropractor can assess how you move, review your training load, and suggest changes that help you keep running where possible.
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Some loss of hip mobility is common with age, but stiffness that limits walking, sleep, or daily tasks is worth assessing. Staying active and building strength are widely recommended for age-related hip changes such as osteoarthritis. Chiropractic care may include hands-on techniques for hip and pelvic mobility alongside exercises that support everyday function.
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In most cases, yes. Hip pain often involves reduced strength or control around the hip and pelvis, so care commonly includes a small number of targeted exercises that fit into your routine. Dr Joel Maylor's movement-focused approach emphasises progressing these exercises as your strength and confidence improve.