Hip Pain Treatment in West Des Moines, IA
Content Reviewed by: Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, DC, BCN on November 10, 2026
Iowa Chiropractic License #085940 (NPI: 1568993574)
Hip Pain Treatment At A Glance
Hip pain is one of the more diagnostically complex extremity complaints we evaluate at Vero Health Center because the hip joint, the lumbar spine, the sacroiliac joint, and the surrounding musculature all produce symptoms that overlap significantly. A patient who presents with deep groin pain and limited hip rotation may have hip joint degeneration, a labral tear, or referred pain from an L3 nerve root, and each of those possibilities requires a different treatment approach.
Our evaluation assesses the hip joint, the lumbar spine, the sacroiliac joint, and the relevant musculature together before a care plan is recommended. Conservative hip care at Vero Health Center may include chiropractic care, shockwave therapy, regenerative medicine, and rehabilitation, depending on what the evaluation confirms.
Common Symptoms Of Hip Pain
The location of hip pain is an important diagnostic clue. Deep groin pain with limited rotation suggests hip joint pathology. Lateral hip pain suggests greater trochanteric conditions. Posterior buttock pain suggests sacroiliac joint dysfunction, piriformis involvement, or lumbar radiculopathy.
Hip pain commonly worsens with prolonged standing, walking, and stair climbing. Many patients report significant difficulty getting in and out of chairs, putting on shoes and socks, and sleeping on the affected side. A limp or altered gait often develops as the hip is protected from full loading, which in turn creates secondary issues in the knee, lumbar spine, and contralateral hip.
What Causes Hip Pain?
Hip pain develops from intra-articular pathology, periarticular soft tissue conditions, and referred pain from the lumbar spine or sacroiliac joint.
Hip osteoarthritis is the most common cause of chronic hip pain in patients over fifty. Progressive cartilage loss narrows the hip joint space and produces deep groin pain, reduced hip rotation, and stiffness that worsens with prolonged walking or standing.
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome encompasses pain over the outer hip related to gluteal tendinopathy or trochanteric bursitis. It is common in middle-aged women and runners and produces lateral hip pain that worsens with lying on the affected side, prolonged standing, and walking.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction produces buttock and posterior hip pain that patients frequently describe as hip pain. It is one of the most commonly missed contributors to hip region pain and responds well to chiropractic evaluation and treatment directed at the sacroiliac joint.
Hip flexor tightness and iliopsoas tendinopathy produce anterior hip and groin pain that worsens with hip flexion and prolonged sitting. Labral tears produce deep groin pain with clicking and limited hip rotation and are most common in younger, active patients.
Conditions That Can Mimic Hip Pain
Lumbar radiculopathy from the L3 nerve root produces anterior thigh pain that patients often attribute to the hip. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction, as noted above, produces buttock and posterior hip pain that is frequently mislabeled as hip pain. Inguinal hernia can produce groin pain that resembles anterior hip pathology. Because the treatment for each of these conditions differs significantly from treatment of the hip joint itself, accurate diagnosis is the essential starting point.
When To Seek Urgent Care For Hip Pain
Seek urgent medical attention for hip pain following significant trauma such as a fall, particularly in older adults where hip fracture must be excluded. Inability to bear weight on the leg after trauma warrants urgent imaging. Hip pain accompanied by fever, significant night pain, and unexplained weight loss requires urgent evaluation to rule out infection or malignancy.
What Our Patients Are Saying
How We Diagnose Hip Pain At Vero Health Center
Hip pain evaluation at Vero Health Center includes assessment of the hip joint, the lumbar spine, and the sacroiliac joint as an integrated system. Hip range of motion testing, orthopedic hip provocation tests, and sacroiliac joint assessment allow us to identify the primary source of symptoms. Lumbar spine evaluation confirms or excludes a radicular contributor. We review available imaging and may recommend X-ray where the clinical evaluation suggests hip joint degeneration or other structural pathology.
How Vero Health Center Treats Hip Pain
Hip pain treatment is built around the confirmed source. The approach differs significantly depending on whether the pain is coming from the hip joint, the sacroiliac joint, the surrounding soft tissue, or the lumbar spine.
Chiropractic Care For Sacroiliac And Lumbar Contributors
When the sacroiliac joint or lumbar spine is identified as a primary or contributing source of hip region pain, chiropractic adjustments address those structures directly. Many patients presenting with apparent hip pain experience meaningful improvement when their sacroiliac joint dysfunction is treated.
Shockwave Therapy For Lateral Hip Tendinopathy
For greater trochanteric pain syndrome and gluteal tendinopathy, shockwave therapy targets the damaged tendon tissue and supports repair in tissue that has not responded to activity modification and other conservative approaches.
Regenerative Medicine For Hip Joint Degeneration
For patients with confirmed hip osteoarthritis considering joint replacement, regenerative medicine may offer a conservative option that reduces symptoms and delays or avoids surgery for appropriate candidates.
Hip Biomechanics And Rehabilitation
Gluteal strengthening and hip mobility work correct the muscle imbalances that contribute to many hip overuse conditions and to the abnormal loading patterns that accelerate hip joint degeneration.
Why Early Treatment Matters For Hip Pain
Hip pain that is not addressed tends to progress. Hip joint degeneration accelerates with continued loading through a degenerated, poorly supported joint. The compensatory gait patterns driven by hip pain create secondary problems in the knee, lumbar spine, and opposite hip. Early evaluation and care address the mechanical contributors before those secondary effects become established.
Meet The Experts Behind Your Care
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, D.C.
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons is originally from Ames, IA. He played college football at South Dakota State and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a master’s degree in Nutrition, Exercise and Food Sciences in a five-year span. He then attended the fountainhead, Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Dr. Logan Dabney, D.C.
Dr. Logan Dabney is originally from Centerville, IA. He attended Centerville High School, where he discovered his passion for health and science as a frequent visitor to his hometown chiropractor. He then attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he majored in Pre-Med/Chiropractic Biology, before completing his graduate studies at Palmer College of Chiropractic. During his time at Palmer, Dr. Logan was heavily involved in Torque Release Technique and earned Advanced Proficiency Certification in it.
Dr. Scott Coyle, D.C.
Dr. E. Scott Coyle is originally from Waterloo, IA. He graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic-West. After practicing in California for several years, he returned to Knoxville, IA, in 1997, where he practiced until 2016. Dr. Coyle then worked in robotic spine and brain surgery for two years with Mazor Robotics, and practiced in Lawrence, KS, for two years before returning home to join the Vero Health Center team. He works with patients dealing with chronic neck, mid-back, and low-back pain, headaches, and arthritis-related discomfort.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger, D.C.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger is originally from Sumner, Iowa. He studied Biology at the University of Northern Iowa, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic. He chose to pursue chiropractic at a young age as he has always had a passion for helping others.
Dr. Nate Halverson, D.C.
Dr. Nate Halverson is originally from Fort Dodge, IA, where he was a multi-sport athlete at Fort Dodge Senior High and placed 5th at the Iowa High School wrestling tournament. He found his passion for holistic health care through his background in athletics. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa, he graduated with honors from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, in 2015. He then worked as the lead chiropractor for a chiropractic and sports injury practice in Chicago before moving back to the Des Moines area with his wife, Leah, to be closer to family. They welcomed their daughter, Hayes, in April 2022 and their son, Steele, in June 2024.
Dr. Colby Nelson, D.C.
Dr. Colby Nelson is originally from Audubon, Iowa. He attended Iowa State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, where he received his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. During his time at Palmer, he was a leader of the Sports Injury Club and participated in a clinic abroad program in Brazil. Before joining the team at Vero, Dr. Colby operated his own chiropractic clinic for 12 years.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom, D.C.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom is originally from Britt, IA. He received his BS degree from Central College and his Doctorate degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Before joining the team at Vero Health Center, he owned his own practice in both Ames and Ankeny. In his free time, he enjoys coaching football, exercising, and spending time with his wife Amanda and their four kids, Tate, Harper, Holland, and Harlow.
Dr. Darrius Poe, D.C.
Dr. Darrius Poe is originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa. He attended the University of Northern Iowa where he earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. While in undergrad, he discovered his passion for chiropractic after being treated for a sports injury in a chiropractic clinic. Not only did the chiropractic treatments help with his shoulder injury, he was also educated on the intricacies of the central nervous system and how chiropractic care can help the body heal and function better as a whole. Dr. Darrius’ experience as a chiropractic patient motivated him to pursue a career in chiropractic. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, where he received his doctorate in 2018. Prior to joining the Vero team, Dr. Darrius served as an associate and clinic director for six years in the Des Moines metro area.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone, D.C.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone is originally from Smyrna, Delaware. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology. He then pursued a doctorate degree in chiropractic and graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Dr. Toby also attended Harris School of Business in Dover, Delaware, where he earned a degree in Massage Therapy. He has worked as a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2016. He specializes in sports massage, deep tissue, and gua sha. His passion is to help others to achieve optimal health and wellness. He has certifications in the Webster’s Technique and acupuncture.
Dr. Scott Jacobson, D.C.
Dr. Scott Jacobson grew up in Cherokee, Iowa, and has spent more than 17 years in practice across Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, California, and South America. While living in South America, he helped grow a clinic into one of the largest on the continent and became bilingual in Spanish along the way. He is Board Certified in Neuropathy (BCN) through the American College of Physical Medicine (ACoPM) and previously served in the United States Air Force and worked with the Department of Defense. Dr. Scott Jacobson has also been a black belt in Taekwondo for 40 years. He and his wife have two sons—so apparently he enjoys a challenge both professionally and at home.
Serving West Des Moines And Nearby Iowa Communities
Vero Health Center is located at 630 S 50th St in West Des Moines, Iowa, and serves patients from West Des Moines, Clive, Windsor Heights, Urbandale, Des Moines, Johnston, Norwalk, Waukee, Grimes, Saylorville, Van Meter, Pleasant Hill, Ankeny, Dallas Center, Granger, Polk City, De Soto, Carlisle, Adel, Altoona, Bondurant, Indianola, Cumming, and the surrounding area.
Sources And Clinical References
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my hip pain is coming from the hip joint or my spine?
Deep groin pain with limited hip rotation that worsens with walking is more likely to be coming from the hip joint. Buttock pain with or without thigh involvement that is reproduced by lumbar or sacroiliac provocation is more likely to be coming from the spine or sacroiliac joint. The evaluation at Vero Health Center assesses both and identifies the primary source.
Can chiropractic care help hip osteoarthritis?
Chiropractic care can help reduce the lumbar and sacroiliac dysfunction that contributes to hip loading and symptom severity. For patients with significant joint degeneration, regenerative medicine may also be an appropriate component of the plan. We will evaluate your case and give you an honest assessment of what conservative care can realistically accomplish.
What is greater trochanteric pain syndrome?
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is the current preferred term for lateral hip pain related to the gluteal tendons and trochanteric bursa. It was previously called trochanteric bursitis, but research has shown that tendon degeneration is typically the primary driver rather than bursal inflammation. Treatment focuses on tendon health rather than anti-inflammatory approaches alone.
Do I need an MRI for hip pain?
Not necessarily for an initial evaluation. Clinical examination can identify many hip pain sources effectively. Where the findings suggest significant intra-articular pathology such as a labral tear, or where treatment is not producing expected improvement, MRI provides important additional information.
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Read This ArticleBook Hip Pain Treatment in West Des Moines
Hip pain that limits your movement, disrupts your sleep, or has kept you looking for answers deserves a complete evaluation that considers the hip joint, the sacroiliac joint, and the lumbar spine together. Vero Health Center builds conservative hip care plans around what we actually find. Contact us to schedule your evaluation.