Conditions We Treat · Hip Pain

Hip Pain Treatment in Logansport, IN

Q: Do I need imaging (X-ray or MRI) for hip pain?

Not always. Imaging is more likely if there was significant trauma, inability to bear weight, suspicion of fracture, infection, progressive neurologic symptoms, or symptoms that aren’t improving as expected. We’ll tell you clearly if imaging or medical evaluation is needed.

Figure out what’s driving it — and get a plan to walk, sit, and sleep comfortably again.

Hip + low back screen to pinpoint the real driver

Clear plan for stairs, walking, and sleep positions

Strength + mobility progressions (not just temporary relief)

Hip pain can show up on the side of the hip, deep in the groin, or in the buttock — and it’s easy to confuse with low back pain or sciatica. We start with a movement-based hip and low back exam to identify your pattern, reduce irritation, and rebuild confidence with walking, stairs, sitting, and sleep. If your symptoms overlap with knee pain, foot & ankle pain, or pregnancy-related changes, we’ll connect the dots and outline the simplest next steps.

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Clear “what’s involved” explanation before any hands-on care
Options matched to your comfort and movement findings
Honest direction — including imaging/referrals when needed

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Written by:Dr. Tyler M. Graham, DC

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Clinically reviewed by:Balanced Chiropractic Clinical Team

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Last updated:December 31, 2025

Educational only. Not medical advice. If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or you suspect an emergency, seek urgent care.

Hip Pain Patterns: Side Hip vs. Groin vs. Buttock

Where it hurts — and what movements trigger it — helps us narrow down the most likely driver and the best next step.

Common patterns we see

Side hip pain (often worse with lying on that side, stairs, long walks)
Groin pain (often worse with deep bending, squatting, twisting)
Buttock pain (can overlap with sciatica or lumbar referral)
Pinching or catching with hip flexion (getting out of the car, tying shoes)
Stiff first steps after sitting or in the morning

Many “hip pain” complaints are actually a hip + low back combo. We’ll test both so your plan targets the real driver — not just the painful spot.

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How We Help Hip Pain

We aim to reduce irritation, restore motion, and rebuild strength so your hip tolerates real life again.

Movement Exam + Hip/Low Back Screen

We test hip range, gait, and movement triggers — plus a low back/nerve screen to rule in/out referral patterns.

Hands-On Care + Mobility (When Appropriate)

Targeted options to reduce protective tension and restore motion, matched to your comfort and exam findings.

Strength Progression + Return-to-Activity Plan

Hip and glute strength + control work, with clear progress markers so you know you’re improving.

Common goals we build toward

Comfortable walking and stairs without sharp side-hip pain
Better tolerance for sitting and getting out of the car
Less night pain (see Hip pain at night: sleeping positions)
Clarity on overlap with hip vs. sciatica vs. low back pain
Return to training and sport (see Sports & Athletic Performance)

What to expect Explore services →

Hip Flare-Up Basics: What Usually Helps

Most people do better with a short-term “calm it down” plan — then a gradual return to walking and strengthening.

Simple guardrails

Don’t push through sharp pain: discomfort is different than a sharp “catch.”
Limit side-lying pressure: try the non-painful side with a pillow between knees.
Short walking bouts: frequent, tolerable movement often beats long rest.
Stairs strategy: take it slower and use a rail early on if needed.
Use a “24-hour rule”: if you’re worse the next day, scale volume back.

The best plan depends on whether the driver is tendon, joint, muscle strain, or referral from the low back. We’ll tailor this to you.

Hip Pain FAQs

Clear answers — including “when to worry.”

Why does my hip hurt on the side (outer hip pain)?

Outer hip pain is often related to the gluteal tendons and nearby bursa. It can be aggravated by sleeping on that side, long walking, stairs, or standing on one leg. A movement exam helps confirm what’s involved.

What does hip pain in the groin usually mean?

Groin pain is more commonly linked to the hip joint itself (especially with deep bending, squatting, or twisting), but it can also come from surrounding muscles. We test hip range of motion and provocation patterns to narrow down the cause.

How can I tell hip pain vs. sciatica vs. low back pain?

Hip pain is often felt in the groin, side hip, or deep buttock and tends to change with hip positions. Sciatica often follows a nerve pattern down the leg and may include tingling or numbness. Low back pain is more centered in the lumbar area but can refer. We use movement testing and a nerve screen to find the driver. See: Hip vs. sciatica vs. low back.

Do I need imaging (X-ray or MRI) for hip pain?

Not always. Imaging is more likely after significant trauma, inability to bear weight, suspicion of fracture, infection concerns, progressive neurologic symptoms, or symptoms that aren’t improving as expected. We’ll tell you clearly if imaging or medical evaluation is needed.

Is chiropractic safe for hip pain?

For most people, conservative care can be safe and helpful when it’s based on an appropriate history and exam. We screen for red flags and choose techniques and exercises that match your condition and tolerance.

What sleeping position is best for hip pain at night?

Many people do best sleeping on the non-painful side with a pillow between the knees, or on their back with support under the knees. If outer hip pain is involved, avoiding direct pressure on that side often helps. See: Hip pain at night.

How long does hip pain take to improve?

It depends on the cause and how long symptoms have been present. Some hip pain improves quickly once irritation is reduced and movement is restored, while tendon-related pain often needs a steady strength progression over weeks to months.

When should I worry and seek urgent medical care?

Seek urgent care for inability to bear weight, significant trauma, severe worsening pain, fever, redness/warmth with systemic illness, new numbness/weakness, or any rapidly worsening condition.

Hip Pain