Hip Manipulation in Young Adults With Complaints of Pain in the Groin, Lateral Hip or Buttock: Which Patients Will Have an Immediate Benefit?

Unlike older adults with hip osteoarthritis, young adults with pain in the groin, lateral hip or buttock do not have general loss of ROM, but have a specific directional motion loss, such as hip flexion and internal rotation. Therefore, the most common manual therapy designed to gradually improve hip range of motions (ROM) for osteoarthritis, long axis distraction, may not be appropriate for treating young adults with hip pain. A manipulation technique, unrestrained femoral internal rotation (UFIR), was designed specifically for treating young adults' hip pain. Manipulation is a procedure that involves the use of a high- amplitude and low-velocity thrust at the mid or end range of a restricted joint for the purpose of improving range of motion (ROM) within the joint and the ability of the joint to tolerate loads.

Although clinicians routinely use this hip manipulation technique for treating young adults' hip pain with satisfying success, no study yet has been conducted to examine the effectiveness of this hip manipulation technique. The investigators are interested in identifying which young adults with pain in the groin, lateral hip or buttock would benefit from this hip manipulation.

Adverse effects of this manipulation have been reported to be none to mild. Mild soreness or muscle tenderness at the posterior greater trochanter region has been reported. In a preliminary study on the UFIR manipulation of 35 participants, 5 reported mild discomfort immediately after manipulation, but no participants reported adverse effects of a UFIR manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

The purpose of the proposed study is to identify the characteristics of young adults with pain in the groin, lateral hip or buttock who will benefit from manipulation of the hip.