HIP OSTEOATHRITIS

The hip joint is a deep, ball-and-socket joint designed for strength and stability. In OA of the hip, cartilage degeneration typically occurs gradually. Patients may experience stiffness or pain in the groin, outer thigh, or buttock. Early signs can be subtle, such as reduced mobility when putting on shoes or difficulty getting out of a car.

As the condition progresses, the joint may become less flexible, more painful with weight-bearing activities, and even begin to lose its normal shape. Muscular compensation and postural changes can further aggravate the condition.

KNEE OSTEOATHRITIS

The knee is the most commonly affected joint in OA. It’s a hinge joint that takes significant load through walking, standing, and climbing stairs. OA in the knee often begins with discomfort when walking long distances or going up and down stairs. As it progresses, swelling, stiffness, and instability can develop.

In more advanced cases, cartilage loss can result in a bow-legged or knock-kneed appearance due to joint space narrowing. The surrounding muscles — particularly the quadriceps — often weaken over time, which contributes to worsening symptoms and reduced joint support.

patellofemoral joints

The patellofemoral joint is where the kneecap (patella) meets the thigh bone (femur), and it plays a key role in knee movement. Problems in this joint often arise from poor alignment, muscle imbalances, overuse, or issues with how the kneecap tracks during movement. This can lead to patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) — a common condition that causes aching or sharp pain at the front of the knee, especially during squatting, climbing stairs, or after sitting for long periods.

FEMOROACETABULAR IMPINGEMENT 

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) occurs when there is abnormal contact between the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint. This can lead to pinching, stiffness, and deep groin pain, especially during hip flexion or rotation — such as squatting, sitting, or crossing the legs. It’s common in younger, active individuals and athletes but may also affect those with altered hip joint structure. Chiropractors can help by improving joint mobility, correcting movement patterns, relieving surrounding muscle tension, and guiding rehabilitation exercises to reduce strain and improve function.

BURSITIS and Iliotibial band syndrome  

Bursitis is the inflammation of small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the hip and knee joint/tendons —In the hip often presenting as outer hip pain that worsens when lying on the side, climbing stairs, or walking long distances. It frequently coexists with Iliotibial Band Syndrome, where the thick band of connective tissue running along the outer thigh becomes tight and irritated. This can lead to pain on the outer hip or knee, especially in runners or people with poor lower limb biomechanics. Chiropractic care focuses on relieving inflammation, improving joint and muscle balance, and restoring correct movement to reduce pressure on affected tissues.

meniscal injuires  

The meniscus is a shock-absorbing cartilage in the knee that helps with stability and weight distribution. Tears can occur from twisting, squatting, or sports injuries, and are also common with age-related wear. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness, or catching in the joint.

At Holly Cottage, we assess knee function to identify possible meniscus issues. While some tears may need imaging or surgical referral, many can be managed conservatively with chiropractic care — including joint mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, and strengthening exercises to support recovery and prevent further strain.

adolescent problems  

During adolescence, rapid growth, increased activity, and developing posture can put added stress on the hips and knees. Common conditions we see include Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, Sever’s disease, patellofemoral pain, and growth-related muscle tightness or imbalances. These issues can cause pain during sport, difficulty keeping up with activity, or discomfort around the knee or hip joints.

At Holly Cottage, we take a gentle, age-appropriate approach to assessing and treating adolescents. By identifying movement patterns, joint restrictions, and muscular imbalances early, we help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support young people to stay active and confident through their growing years.