Welcome to Momentum Health's patient resource about Hip problems.
The hip joint is a true ball-and-socket joint. This arrangement gives the hip a large amount of motion needed for daily activities like walking, squatting, and stair-climbing.
Understanding how the different layers of the hip are built and connected can help you understand how the hip works, how it can be injured, and how challenging recovery can be when this joint is injured. The deepest layer of the hip includes the bones and the joints. The next layer is made up of the ligaments of the joint capsule. The tendons and the muscles come next.
This guide will help you understand:
the parts that make up the hip
how these parts work together
Hear from some of our patients who we treated for Hip Pain
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I was in chronic hip pain for 3.5 long years. I tried every treatment known to man including chiropractic,physio, massage, acupuncture, and even spinal decompression. Everyone who treated me came to... ”
“ I was in chronic hip pain for 3.5 long years. I tried every treatment known to man including chiropractic,physio, massage, acupuncture, and even spinal decompression. Everyone who treated me came to quick conclusions as to what my issue was with no formal assessment, and everyone claimed they could help me. Needless to say they were unsuccessful.
Thank God for Jocelyn! I went to see her for a massage one day and she genuinely cared about my pain and she did a casual assessment to try to locate the cause of my pain. She is the strongest and best massage therapist I have ever got. She urged me to try chiropractic care again with Dr Brad. In my first session with him he did a full assessment with proper diagnostic testing and he confirmed what Jocelyn thought it was. With regular appointments with Dr Brad my pain was close to gone in 3 weeks.
I have continued to see the physiotherapy team which includes Alexis and Ankit. With trying diligently to do my exercises, I am pain free.
Thank you momentum health creekside! I will forever refer to you as my dream team!
Oh, and the reception team is excellent! ”
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I recently had the pleasure of visiting Dr Carpino and Physiotherapist Russ Gothard for some back and hip pain I was experiencing. I can't say enough good things about the care I received. Both... ”
“ I recently had the pleasure of visiting Dr Carpino and Physiotherapist Russ Gothard for some back and hip pain I was experiencing. I can't say enough good things about the care I received. Both professionals were incredibly knowledgeable, attentive, and skilled. They took the time to listen to my concerns and tailored their treatments to my specific needs which also included the GLAD Back program. After just a few sessions, I felt a significant improvement in my pain levels, overall mobility and pain management. I highly recommend Dr Carpino and Pysiotherapist Russ Gothard to anyone in need of chiropractic or physiotherapy services at Momentum Health. Also a big thanks to massage therapist Meagan Fishly who also played an important role in dealing with my injuries. ”
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I’ve been seeing Heather for just over two months now and she has made a HUGE difference in my life. I have chronic pain in my back and hip that has been plaguing me for over 10 years. I’ve been... ”
“ I’ve been seeing Heather for just over two months now and she has made a HUGE difference in my life. I have chronic pain in my back and hip that has been plaguing me for over 10 years. I’ve been countless doctor, physios and trainers for my pain and for the first time I feel like I have someone who is determined to get to the bottom of my issue, teamed up with the knowledge and experience to do so. The red cord/ dry needle system that she uses is so smart I honestly can’t understand why I’ve never heard of it before, it doesn’t make sense why more physios aren’t using it! If you’re like me and have feel like you have tried everything for you pain and nothing is making a real difference I cannot recommend Heather enough, she has over 35 years of experience and genuinely cares about helping you get better. ”
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I recently attended a GLA:D program for education and exercise for osteoarthritis at Momentum Health in Seton in Calgary, Alberta. I was under the care of Dr. Teac Engen 2 times a week for 7 weeks of... ”
“ I recently attended a GLA:D program for education and exercise for osteoarthritis at Momentum Health in Seton in Calgary, Alberta. I was under the care of Dr. Teac Engen 2 times a week for 7 weeks of education exercises for the hips and knees. During that time, I learned valuable resistance training to help build up the areas around the hip and knee joints. The sessions were professionally carried out and I was treated with kindness and understanding. Dr. Engen created an environment for me to excel. He communicated through word and action. He lead by example and allowed me to discuss my feelings openly. He seeks input and involvement from others. He recognizes the contributions of others. I am comfortable going back to the program in the future if I need additional help. Sincerely Linda Rogers ”
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Russ, Mark and Safia were extremely knowledgeable and helpful in helping me with the GLAD program. Anybody with arthritis in the knees, or the hips should go to Monument health at Deerfoot City and... ”
“ Russ, Mark and Safia were extremely knowledgeable and helpful in helping me with the GLAD program. Anybody with arthritis in the knees, or the hips should go to Monument health at Deerfoot City and check out the GLAD program. ”
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Participated in GLA:D hip knee clinic. Excellent program and well supervised exercise routines and instruction. Suggest anyone with hip-knee issues to look at program earlier rather than later. ”
“ Participated in GLA:D hip knee clinic. Excellent program and well supervised exercise routines and instruction. Suggest anyone with hip-knee issues to look at program earlier rather than later. ”
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I work with Amber (massage) and Dr. Moore (chiro) for calf, hip and back issues. They work together to ensure I receive the treatments I need. The "homework" is easy to incorporate into my every day... ”
“ I work with Amber (massage) and Dr. Moore (chiro) for calf, hip and back issues. They work together to ensure I receive the treatments I need. The "homework" is easy to incorporate into my every day routines. I am feeling better and better. I really trust that my health and progress is the priority. I highly recommend coming here for any ailment. ”
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The team at Momentum Health Westbrook have been awesome! I came in with a bunked hip and after two sessions and an personally crafted plan to get me back to tip top shape; I am happy with what I am... ”
“ The team at Momentum Health Westbrook have been awesome! I came in with a bunked hip and after two sessions and an personally crafted plan to get me back to tip top shape; I am happy with what I am experience. I would recommend Momentum Health Westbrook to anyone in need of physio! Thank you!!! ”
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Marjo is a gem. I have a desk job, so the knots in my shoulders and hips are epic - but she manages to work them out every time. If you want a deep massage that has great results, she is the right... ”
“ Marjo is a gem. I have a desk job, so the knots in my shoulders and hips are epic - but she manages to work them out every time. If you want a deep massage that has great results, she is the right person to see. ”
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I have been enrolled in the GLA:D Knee/Hip program since April 19th and have been delighted with the progress. I have bone on bone on the lateral portion of my right knee and have found over the weeks... ”
“ I have been enrolled in the GLA:D Knee/Hip program since April 19th and have been delighted with the progress. I have bone on bone on the lateral portion of my right knee and have found over the weeks that I am getting stronger and definitely have less crepitus. I was able to hike Grassy Lakes; the more challenging side too. Today Dr. Carpino has started to work on other areas. He is competent, very knowledgeable, and a truly kind, caring Chiropractor. ”
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Just a note to say thanks so much for all your help in my Hip recovery. Dr. Wowk, thanks so much for taking the time to give a detailed and proper diagnosis, and recommendations for recovery regarding... ”
“ Just a note to say thanks so much for all your help in my Hip recovery. Dr. Wowk, thanks so much for taking the time to give a detailed and proper diagnosis, and recommendations for recovery regarding my injury. Rebecca, thank you so much for providing the proper physio program that related to my injury. Matt, thank you so much for providing the stretching program and making it so I could download it on my phone. Prior to visiting Momentum, I had suffered with this injury for 3 + months, due to not having had a proper diagnose or rehab program from another physio provider. It was a blessing that my Dr. referred me to Momentum Health. After only 3 months in your program, with follow up advice and physio, I am happy to say that I was finally able to go on a proper hike on May 5. I was able to do 12.5 Kms with 300 M elevation and I feel great. No soreness in the affected area and I am back to normal. I continue to do the stretches you provided and am following all the advice that was given me, and I have learned to pay attention when my body tells me something isn't quite right. Thank you All so very much! ”
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From the beginning the staff have been excellent. This is an excellent program for anyone with Osteoarthritis in your knees or hips, as you can avoid surgery by doing the exercises and movements... ”
“ From the beginning the staff have been excellent. This is an excellent program for anyone with Osteoarthritis in your knees or hips, as you can avoid surgery by doing the exercises and movements taught in this program. Thank you Carley for explaining the GLA:D program to us at the beginning. Josh( Kinesiologist),did an excellent job of teaching us proper exercise and movements to alleviate pain in these joints. If we were not doing it right he would correct us. I really noticed less pain in my right knee and left hip. I would recommend this program to anyone having hip and knee pain. Thank you, Madeline ”
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Good morning i have been having nerve problems and numbness in my left leg hip and ankle, since i have been coming there i have been treated with respect and kindness for my problem, i feel very... ”
“ Good morning i have been having nerve problems and numbness in my left leg hip and ankle, since i have been coming there i have been treated with respect and kindness for my problem, i feel very confident that the team there will help me to get better if possible. Russ is awesum he has done things that no other physio place has tried i believe he accutually cares about my injury and healing process. Hats off to all of you i would recommend treatment here for anyone who has issues with your body. ”
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Momentum Health Westbrook is a very modern clinic with the latest equipment. The entire facility is kept very clean which is extremely important these days. I had developed lower back problems and... ”
“ Momentum Health Westbrook is a very modern clinic with the latest equipment. The entire facility is kept very clean which is extremely important these days. I had developed lower back problems and could only walk about 30 yards with a cane. I was thoroughly assessed and the problem was identified. I was then put on a great exercise program. A physiotherapist and a kinesiologist work as a team. I went to the clinic 8 times. As well as showing me the best exercises to do, they also did lots of hands on work. This included dry needling (IMS), hip flexor release and traction. At the end of my 8 sessions I could walk around 2km before I had to sit down. I use walking poles, but this is mostly to steady myself. I am sure if I continue to do my exercises faithfully, that my problem will keep lessening. I highly recommend this clinic. ”
The important structures of the hip can be divided into several categories. These include:
bones and joints
ligaments and tendons
muscles
nerves
blood vessels
bursae
Bones and Joints
The bones of the hip are the femur (the thighbone) and the pelvis. The top end of the femur is shaped like a ball. This ball is called the femoral head. The femoral head fits into a round socket on the side of the pelvis. This socket is called the acetabulum.
The femoral head is attached to the rest of the femur by a short section of bone called the femoral neck. A large bump juts outward from the top of the femur, next to the femoral neck. This bump, called the greater trochanter, can be felt along the side of your hip. Large and important muscles connect to the greater trochanter. One muscle is the gluteus medius. It is a key muscle for keeping the pelvis level as you walk.
Articular cartilage is the material that covers the ends of the bones of any joint. Articular cartilage is about one-quarter of an inch thick in the large, weight-bearing joints like the hip. Articular cartilage is white and shiny and has a rubbery consistency. It is slippery, which allows the joint surfaces to slide against one another without causing any damage. The function of articular cartilage is to absorb shock and provide an extremely smooth surface to make motion easier. We have articular cartilage essentially everywhere that two bony surfaces move against one another, or articulate.
Articular Cartilage
In the hip, articular cartilage covers the end of the femur and the socket portion of the acetabulum in the pelvis. The cartilage is especially thick in the back part of the socket, as this is where most of the force occurs during walking and running.
Ligaments and Tendons
There are several important ligaments in the hip. Ligaments are soft tissue structures that connect bones to bones. A joint capsule is a watertight sac that surrounds a joint. In the hip, the joint capsule is formed by a group of three strong ligaments that connect the femoral head to the acetabulum. These ligaments are the main source of stability for the hip. They help hold the hip in place.
Joint Capsule
A small ligament connects the very tip of the femoral head to the acetabulum. This ligament, called the ligametnum teres, doesn't play a role in controlling hip movement like the main hip ligaments. It does, however, have a small artery within the ligament that brings a very small blood supply to part of the femoral head.
Ligametnum Teres
A long tendon band runs alongside the femur from the hip to the knee. This is the iliotibial band. It gives a connecting point for several hip muscles. A tight iliotibial band can cause hip and knee problems.
Iliotibial Band
A special type of ligament forms a unique structure inside the hip called the labrum. The labrum is attached almost completely around the edge of the acetabulum. The shape and the way the labrum is attached create a deeper cup for the acetabulum socket. This small rim of cartilage can be injured and cause pain and clicking in the hip.
Labrum
Muscles
The hip is surrounded by thick muscles. The gluteals make up the muscles of the buttocks on the back of the hip. The inner thigh is formed by the adductor muscles. The main action of the adductors is to pull the leg inward toward the other leg.
Adductor Muscles
The muscles that flex the hip are in front of the hip joint. These include the iliopsoas muscle. This deep muscle begins in the low back and pelvis and connects on the inside edge of the upper femur. Another large hip flexor is the rectus femoris. The rectus femoris is one of the quadriceps muscles, the largest group of muscles on the front of the thigh. Smaller muscles going from the pelvis to the hip help to stabilize and rotate the hip.
Finally, the hamstring muscles that run down the back of the thigh start on the bottom of the pelvis. Because the hamstrings cross the back of the hip joint on their way to the knee, they help to extend the hip, pulling it backwards.
Hamstring Muscles
Nerves
All of the nerves that travel down the thigh pass by the hip. The main nerves are the femoral nerve in front and the sciatic nerve in back of the hip. A smaller nerve, called the obturator nerve, also goes to the hip.
These nerves carry the signals from the brain to the muscles that move the hip. The nerves also carry signals back to the brain about sensations such as touch, pain, and temperature.
Nerves
Blood Vessels
Traveling along with the nerves are the large vessels that supply the lower limb with blood. The large femoral artery begins deep within the pelvis. It passes by the front of the hip area and goes down toward the inner edge of the knee. If you place your hand on the front of your upper thigh you may be able to feel the pulsing of this large artery.
The femoral artery has a deep branch, called the profunda femoris (profunda means deep). The profunda femoris sends two vessels that go through the hip joint capsule. These vessels are the main blood supply for the femoral head. As mentioned earlier, the ligamentum teres contains a small blood vessel that gives a very small supply of blood to the top of the femoral head.
Other small vessels form within the pelvis and supply the back portion of the buttocks and hip.
Bursae
Where friction occurs between muscles, tendons, and bones there is usually a structure called a bursa. A bursa is a thin sac of tissue that contains fluid to lubricate the area and reduce friction. The bursa is a normal structure. The body will even produce a bursa in response to friction.
Think of a bursa like this. If you press your hands together and slide them against one another, you produce some friction. In fact, when your hands are cold you may rub them together briskly to create heat from the friction. Now imagine that you hold in your hands a small plastic sack that contains a few drops of salad oil. This sack would let your hands glide freely against each other without a lot of friction.
A bursa that sometimes causes problems in the hip is sandwiched between the bump on the outer hip (the greater trochanter) and the muscles and tendons that cross over the bump. This bursa, called the greater trochanteric bursa, can get irritated if the iliotibial band (discussed earlier) is tight. Another bursa sits between the iliopsoas muscle where it passes in front of the hip joint. Bursitis here is called iliopsoas bursitis. A third bursa is over the ischial tuberosity, the bump of bone in your buttocks that you sit on.
Summary
As you can see, the hip is complex with a design that provides a good amount of stability. It allows good mobility and range of motion for doing a wide range of daily activities. Many powerful muscles connect to and cross by the hip joint, making it possible for us to accelerate quickly during actions like running and jumping.
