HIP KNEE AND LEG PAIN

Pain, stiffness, or weakness in your hips, knees, or legs often traces back to how your joints, muscles, and nerves work together — not just the area that hurts. At Northwest Chiropractic in Olympia, we look beyond symptoms to uncover the root cause, helping you move with strength and confidence again. Around the South Sound, we often see these issues flare up after long hikes, day trips to Mount Rainier, or hours spent standing at local markets — everyday movement that adds up over time.

WHAT IS HIP, KNEE, & LEG PAIN?

Hip, knee, and leg pain can stem from issues in the joints themselves or from nerve irritation higher up in the lower back and pelvis. Depending on the source, pain may feel sharp, aching, radiating, or accompanied by numbness or weakness. Hip pain often relates to the pelvis or lumbar spine, while knee and leg pain may involve the sciatic nerve or referred tension from surrounding muscles.

COMMON CAUSES & CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

Typical contributors include:

Lumbar disc bulges or herniations pressing on nerve roots
Sciatica or lumbar radiculopathy
Joint degeneration or arthritis in the hips or knees
Pelvic or sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Muscle imbalances or tight fascia altering joint mechanics
Repetitive strain, overuse, or postural stress
Gait changes from prior injuries or flat feet

Because multiple systems often interact, precise evaluation is essential to lasting recovery.

HOW WE EVALUATE HIP, KNEE, & LEG PAIN

We begin by listening — when symptoms started, how they feel, and what movements aggravate or relieve them. Then we assess:

Posture, gait, and spinal alignment
Hip, knee, and ankle range of motion
Strength, reflexes, and sensation
Nerve tension and muscle balance
Joint and soft tissue function
Imaging (X-ray, MRI) when needed

This comprehensive approach helps determine whether your pain stems from the spine, joints, muscles, or a combination.

OUR TREATMENT APPROACH

Your personalized plan may include:

Gentle chiropractic adjustments to improve alignment and nerve flow
Soft tissue therapy for tight or inflamed muscles and fascia
Targeted stretches and mobility drills
Strength and stabilization exercises for hips, knees, and core
Posture and movement coaching for daily activities
Adjunct therapies such as cold laser or shockwave for inflammation relief

Dr. Ed McCullough tailors care to your unique movement patterns, ensuring each adjustment and exercise supports safe, functional recovery.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Some patients notice improvement quickly, while chronic or disc-related cases may take longer. We continually adapt your care plan as your body responds, aiming for both relief and long-term stability.