HIP PAIN TREATMENT IN GREENVILLE, SC

Reviewed by Dr. Michael Nelson, DC, MHRD, ATC, chiropractor and certified athletic trainer · Last updated November 2026

Hip pain is pain in or around the hip joint, felt in the groin, the outside of the hip or the buttock, and it can come from the joint itself, the surrounding tendons and muscles, or be referred from the low back. At Carolina Active Health Chiropractic in downtown Greenville, SC, we find out where your hip pain is really coming from and treat it with hands-on care and strengthening that keeps you moving.

A hip exercise our doctors often use. Check with your provider before starting new exercises.

Where does your hip hurt?

Front of the hip or groin: often the hip joint itself, the hip flexors, cartilage (labrum) irritation or arthritis.
Outside of the hip: often the gluteal tendons (gluteal tendinopathy, sometimes called trochanteric bursitis), especially painful lying on that side or climbing stairs.
Back of the hip or buttock: often referred from the low back or sacroiliac joint, or from the hamstring tendons.

Get medical care right away if you have:

hip pain after a fall and you can't bear weight,
a hot, red, swollen joint or fever,
severe pain at rest or at night with unexplained weight loss, or
a child or teen with a new limp or hip, groin or knee pain.

What causes hip pain?

Common contributors include a jump in running, walking or training volume, long periods of sitting, weakness in the glute muscles, stiffness in the hip or low back, and age-related joint changes. Because the hip, low back and knee work as a unit, the source of hip pain isn't always the hip.

How we treat hip pain

We start with a thorough exam of the hip, pelvis and low back, including movement and strength testing. We take X-rays in our office when they're clinically indicated and coordinate other imaging or referrals when needed. Depending on what we find, your plan may include:

chiropractic care for the hip, pelvis and low back,
soft-tissue therapy such as Active Release Technique or dry needling,
shockwave therapy or laser therapy when clinically appropriate,
a progressive strengthening program for the glutes, hips and core, and
guidance on running, lifting and sitting so you can stay active while you recover.

Hip pain FAQs

Why does the outside of my hip hurt when I lie on it?

Pain on the outside of the hip that's worse lying on that side, climbing stairs or standing on one leg often comes from irritated gluteal tendons. It usually responds to targeted strengthening and changes to how the tendons are loaded.

Can hip pain come from my back?

Yes. Pain in the buttock or back of the hip is often referred from the low back or sacroiliac joint. That's why we examine the low back as well as the hip.

Should I stretch or strengthen a painful hip?

It depends on the cause. Some hip problems are aggravated by aggressive stretching, especially tendon pain on the outside of the hip. Most people benefit from progressive strengthening, and we'll tell you which stretches help and which to skip.

Is running bad for my hips?

Running isn't bad for healthy hips, and staying active is good for joint health. Hip pain from running is usually about training load and strength, which we can help you adjust.

Do I need imaging for hip pain?

Not always. X-rays are useful when arthritis, a fracture or a structural problem is suspected, and we take them in our office when they're clinically indicated.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Schedule An Appointment

If you’re ready to get on the road to recovery, reach out to our chiropractic care team in downtown Greenville to discuss your options. And, if your injury or condition does not fit our methods, we will find a provider that can.

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT