Medical Realignment of the Hip | Hip Care (2024)

FAQs

What is the treatment for misaligned hips? ›

Recovery after medical hip realignment

Most patients can drive three to four weeks after surgery. After six weeks, you can start physical therapy, and after three months, you may be able to start working again. Full recovery from surgery can take as long as six months.

In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the front of the hip to reach the joint, cutting into the pelvic bone to free the hip socket from the pelvis. The surgeon then rotates the socket so that it aligns properly with the ball at the top of the thigh bone.

An osteotomy is a surgery that cuts and repositions your bone to restore more normal alignment in your hip joint and improve your gait, as well as reduce pain. You may also want to consider an osteotomy when a hip replacement is not a good option due to young age.

An out-of-place hip would mean it's dislocated, which is quite painful and may require a trip to the emergency room. Secondly, the pain associated with hip misalignment may be one-sided lower back pain near the SI joint, which gives the perception of a locked back, limited motion, or a general feeling of discomfort.

After about 14 days, most patients are usually feeling better. Somewhere around 2-6 weeks, people really turn a corner after a hip replacement. A full recovery usually takes up to a year, but after 2-3 months, most patients are doing pretty well.

Chiropractic is a great first option for people suffering from hip pain and other problems related to misaligned hips. It's conservative, non-invasive, and gradual. Through Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) techniques focused on rebalancing the body, chiropractors may help reposition the hips.

A hip alignment session usually takes 30 minutes.

With a mild subluxation, you may still be able to walk but could feel a snapping in the joint when you move or have difficulty putting your full weight on that leg. You may be able to pop the joint back in place yourself through gentle stretching or massage.

Who should I see if my hips are out of alignment? ›

To get back to a pain-free and active life, it is always best to understand why your hips and pelvis are misaligned. We recommend everyone see their primary care physician, spine doctor, or physical therapist as soon as symptoms begin to show.

6 Years of Age and Older

Reduction is rarely recommended in older children with completely dislocated hips because the bone changes are permanent by this age. Hip dysplasia with partially displaced hips can still be treated in older children and adolescents.

Crutches can be needed for four to six weeks. Work to improve range of motion and muscle strength can begin after two weeks, and you will be able to resume high-intensity physical activity, such as running, after four to six months, providing the bone has healed well.

With SUPERPATH^®, there is no surgical dislocation of the hip. Patients can also have as little as a 3-inch incision. It is important to understand that "less invasive" does not only refer to the incision but also means less trauma to the muscles and tendons under the skin.

Like our other treatment options, chiropractic and therapy sessions work differently for every person. However, it's still essential to adhere to your treatment plan to experience improvements immediately. We always remind our patients that misaligned hips can take several months to years before returning to normal.

Realign your hips at home with some simple lower body exercises, like the 90/90 hip stretch. Note that at-home exercises can help alleviate pain symptoms for certain types of misalignment, but visiting your doctor is still the best path forward.

Some people experience minor side effects for a few days after chiropractic adjustment. These may include headaches, fatigue or pain in the parts of the body that were treated.