CONDITION
Presenting with chronic left-sided hip pain characterized by persistent pinching sensation and recurrent flare-ups, limiting her ability to run and perform daily functional tasks without discomfort
29
Female
4 years
| CHALLENGES | ROOT CAUSES |
|---|---|
| Squatting and stair descent limitations | Anterior hip impingement/pinching during squat mechanics |
| Running and loss of primary stress-relief activity | Weak gluteal musculature with poor load support |
| Prolonged sitting and driving discomfort | Anterior pelvic tilt with reduced lumbopelvic control |
| Morning stiffness | Mechanical hip clicking/popping (non-painful) |
| Difficulty with car transfers (getting in/out) | Reduced running load tolerance with no structural pathology on MRI |
PREVIOUS TREATMENTS
Physical therapy through insurance (sessions every 3 weeks), primarily focused on symptom reduction through modalities and stretching, with temporary relief but no long-term resolution
GOALS
Return to pain-free running, which served as her primary stress-management tool and emotional regulation outlet due to a highly demanding job as a therapist
TREATMENT PHASES
Pain Relief & Early Management
- Diaphragmatic breathing and core bracing education
- Hip joint mobilizations
- Restoration of basic pelvic control and positioning awareness
Restore Movement & Function
- Rebuilding squat and hinge movement patterns
- Lateral loading for adductors and glute medius activation
- Hip rotational control training
Load, Performance & Strength
- Running coordination drills
- Running-specific plyometrics
- Calf and ankle strength development
- Triple extension mechanics training
- Rhythm and cadence-based running integration
Treatment Obstacles & Adjustments
- A brief setback occurred after she attempted to run during a high-stress personal situation, which resulted in a flare-up. Training was deloaded for one week, symptoms settled, and progression resumed without further regression. Consistency was challenged by external life stressors but managed through short-term adjustments and gradual reload.
Measurable wins
- Able to complete full workdays, stairs, sitting, and car transfers pain-free within 2 weeks
- Significant reduction in daily hip guarding and movement fear
- Improved tolerance to foundational lower-body loading prior to return-to-run phase
- Returned to structured running progression within 3 months
Outcome
- Successfully completed the OC Marathon in 2026. Post-race soreness was mild and consistent with expected exertion, without recurrence of previous sharp or debilitating hip pain patterns. Pain improved from 3/10 constant with 8/10 flare-ups to minimal post-load soreness following marathon completion
Hip Results
Client Feedback
“Dr. Alex’s method literally gave me a new life. I am able to bend at the waist, have fun with my son doing activities running around, even sleeping through the night. I can work a lot more comfortably and even sit longer periods of time with much less pain.”
Dr. Alex Mak, DC, CCSP, CSCS, QME
Your FREE First Visit
60minYour first step is a low-pressure visit to understand your body mechanics, what will resolve it, and explain our approach.
- Quick intake: what’s hurting, what triggers it, training goals
- Movement: mobility, strength, control, and sport-specific patterns
- Clear plan: observations, why it’s happening, best path forward
What You’ll Receive
- A clear clinical direction and root-cause hypothesis
- Recommended next steps, including a plan and projected timeline
- Practical guidance on what to do, and what to avoid, in training right now
