Pelvis and Hip Pain & Symptoms Guide

Pain around the buttocks and pelvis may be transmitted from the lower back or may arise from the hip joint and surrounding muscles and tendons. Distinguish whether the pain is in the groin or on the outer side of the buttock, and whether there is discomfort when walking or putting on socks.

We do not conclude that the structure is misaligned based solely on the external appearance of pelvic height differences, but instead verify actual movement and weight-bearing function.

• Pain in the buttocks when standing up after sitting for a long time
• Groin pain when walking or climbing stairs
• Pain on the outer side of the hip when lying on the side
• Difficulty putting on socks and shoes
• Instability when standing on one leg
• Pain radiating from the lower back to the buttocks and down the leg
• Discomfort around the pelvis after childbirth or trauma

The location of pain and hip movement must be examined together.

If you cannot bear weight after falling, or if the leg appears shortened and rotated, you must check for fracture or dislocation. If you have high fever and severe joint pain, prompt evaluation is recommended; if sudden leg swelling occurs together with shortness of breath, seek immediate evaluation in the emergency department.

Other causes should also be checked if there is associated abdominal pain or a change in urination, or severe pelvic pain during pregnancy.

We check which area hurts first—the lower back, groin, or buttocks—and how the pain differs when walking versus sitting. We examine hip flexion and rotation, single-leg stance, gait, and sit-to-stand movements.

If there is leg pain or numbness, we also check lumbar nerve function and assess whether movement of the knee and ankle affects gait.

If there are no warning signs and management of connected movement and muscle function in the lumbar, pelvic, and hip regions is needed, Chuna manual therapy may be considered.

We do not explain it as a method of aligning the pelvis in one session. It checks whether hip rotation, walking, climbing stairs, and putting on socks actually change before and after treatment.

Acupuncture and pharmacopuncture can be selected according to pain around the buttocks and hip joint and muscle tension. Exercise is progressed stepwise according to the current status of hip range of motion, gluteal muscles, and balance.

If pain recurs, adjust sitting time, the habit of bearing weight on one leg, and sudden changes in exercise volume together.

Deep pain in the groin and difficulty putting on socks or getting out of a car may be related to movement of the hip joint itself. The outer side of the buttock may be tender when pressed, and in severe cases, the surrounding tendons, bursae, and muscles can be examined.

If pain or numbness extends from the lower back to the buttocks and legs, we also check for involvement of the lumbar nerves.

In a standing photograph, the pelvis may appear uneven or one leg may feel shorter. This may vary depending on posture habits, muscle tension, and measurement methods; one cannot definitively attribute pain to a single anatomical feature.

It is more important to assess whether there are actual functional differences in hip range of motion, standing on one leg, walking, and stair climbing.

If you experience severe pain in the groin or buttocks after falling, have difficulty bearing weight on your legs, or if sudden pain occurs in elderly individuals or patients with osteoporosis, you must check for fractures. Rapid evaluation is required for high fever, severe heat sensation and swelling in the joints, and signs of leg shortening and outward rotation.

In such a condition, we do not perform stretching that forcefully pushes the pelvis or forcibly spreads the legs.

After treatment, we check whether walking distance, climbing stairs, rising from a chair, putting on socks, and getting out of a car have become easier. Even if pain decreases, if limping and leg strength asymmetry persist, a rehabilitation exercise and functional recovery plan is necessary.

Chuna manual therapy is a method that can be considered for managing movement around the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip joint, but it is not a treatment that changes bone length or hip joint structure by hand.

Indicate where the pain is located—whether in the groin, outer buttock, or posterior aspect—and note any discomfort experienced during walking, climbing stairs, or putting on socks. We also review whether there is numbness extending from the lower back to the legs, along with falls and osteoporosis.

Even if pain is reduced with medication or injection therapy, if limping and the ability to support one leg remain, recovery of function in the hip joint and buttock muscles may be necessary. Chuna manual therapy and exercise proceed step-by-step, examining the connected movements of the lower back, pelvis, and hip joint. If pain worsens rapidly or you cannot bear weight, prompt examination is recommended.

During periods of severe groin pain, you can reduce sitting on low chairs, deep squatting, and positions with excessive leg crossing. The habit of standing for a long time with weight placed only on one leg can also worsen pain on the outer side of the buttock. Instead of resting completely, we perform walking divided into distances that do not significantly increase pain.

Once the pain subsides, gradually restore hip range of motion, gluteal muscle strength, and balance of one leg. Even if pain decreases after taking analgesics or receiving injections, if limping persists, groin pain worsens rapidly, or it becomes difficult to bear weight, we recommend an evaluation to assess the condition of the joints and bones.

If you have pain on the outer side of your buttock, avoid lying on the painful side for long periods; when lying on the opposite side, place a pillow between your knees to prevent your legs from overlapping excessively. However, if you maintain a posture adopted to avoid pain throughout the night, your lower back and the opposite hip joint may become stiff; therefore, change your position within a comfortable range. If pain persists, do not assume it is solely a problem of sleeping posture.

Please organize the following information to assist with your consultation: where the pain is located (groin, outer buttock, or back), how putting on socks and getting out of a car differ, and how climbing stairs and standing on one leg are affected. After treatment, we check together whether limping and the ability to bear weight have recovered.

Hip pain cannot be explained solely by pelvic asymmetry. Pain transmitted from the lower back and knee must be evaluated together with hip joint movement, weight-bearing capacity, and gluteal muscle strength; even if imaging shows changes, we verify whether they align with current function.

Gait changes are compared between left and right sides.

We also assess the reaction to standing on one leg and on stairs.