Trent W.
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Hip Pain
SYMPTOM
Hip Pain
SITUATION
Trent, a 32-year-old youth select soccer coach, came to KIRO with pain in the front crease of his hip, near the hip flexors, which he described as a sharp “pinch.” The discomfort began after he started attending his girlfriend’s reformer Pilates classes, which introduced new hip ranges of motion and deep flexion movements he wasn’t accustomed to.
Trent noticed that the pain worsened when performing lunges, high-knee movements, or certain stretches in Pilates. He also reported stiffness after sitting for long periods and mild discomfort while running on the field with his team. Concerned about worsening symptoms and potential long-term hip injury, Trent sought chiropractic care to reduce pain, restore function, and continue both coaching and exercise safely.
TREATMENT
Care began with a thorough examination by KIRO’s team of doctors. The evaluation revealed limited hip internal rotation, flexion, and adduction, tight hip flexors, and mild weakness in the hamstrings and glute muscles. Palpation and functional testing indicated functional femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), a condition where muscle imbalance and abnormal hip motion can cause pinching and irritation in the front of the joint.
To further assess function and compensation patterns, our doctors performed a baseline nervous system scan, which showed elevated tension in the lower back and surrounding stabilizing muscles, confirming that insufficient muscular support were contributing to his pain.
Based on these findings, our doctors designed a personalized three-month care plan to relieve hip pain, restore mobility, and strengthen supporting musculature. Care began with twice-weekly chiropractic adjustments to the pelvis, lumbar spine, hips, knees, and ankles to optimize hip mechanics, paired with soft tissue therapy to release tight hip flexors and improve movement quality.
At the five-week mark, our doctors repeated the nervous system scan and re-evaluated hip range of motion and effects on daily activities. The scan demonstrated reduced tension in the lower back. Reassessment also showed improved internal rotation, and Trent reported less pinching during movement. Based on these improvements, care transitioned to once-per-week visits, with greater focus on strengthening, stability, and long-term correction.
Our doctors gave Trent an at-home strengthening and stabilization routine which included targeted hip flexor stretches, hamstring and glute strengthening exercises, and core stabilization work to support healthy hip function during both athletic activity and daily life. Activity modifications for Pilates and soccer drills were introduced to avoid aggravating the impingement while still maintaining training. Emphasis was placed on proper alignment during deep hip flexion and maintaining flexibility without provoking the impingement.
RESULT
By the end of the three-month care plan, Trent experienced significant improvements in hip mobility, strength, and comfort. Internal rotation, adduction, and flexion of the hips no longer caused a pinching sensation. He could participate in Pilates and soccer without pain.
Trent stays dedicated to an at-home mobility and function routine including hip flexor stretches, hamstring and glute strengthening, and core stabilization, allowing him to maintain healthy hip mechanics, prevent future impingement, and continue coaching and exercising pain-free. He reports he’s improved so much in his Pilates performance that he’s decided to get his Pilates teaching certification to teach alongside his girlfriend.
DURATION
3 months
