Overcoming Tight Hip Flexors in Georgetown: Causes, Impact & Chiropractic Care Explained

Tight hip flexors are increasingly common in Georgetown's desk-bound professionals and active residents, contributing to nagging lower back pain and restricted movement. These powerful muscles (iliopsoas, rectus femoris) shorten from prolonged sitting, running, or poor posture, limiting hip extension and pulling the pelvis forward into anterior tilt. At Thomas Back and Body, chiropractic care addresses tight hip flexors through targeted adjustments and therapy for lasting relief and better mobility.​

Causes of Tight Hip Flexors

Sedentary lifestyles top the list, with studies linking over 7 hours of daily sitting to reduced hip extension and increased flexor stiffness (Boukabache et al., 2021). Repetitive activities like cycling or sprinting overload the flexors, while muscle imbalances from weak glutes exacerbate the issue. In Georgetown's hybrid work culture, this creates a perfect storm for tightness affecting daily function.​

Health Impacts of Tight Hip Flexors

Tight hip flexors disrupt pelvic alignment, increasing lumbar lordosis and low back strain—up to 70% of chronic back pain cases show this pattern (Konrad et al., 2021). They limit stride length, contribute to knee pain, and promote compensatory spinal stress during walking or sports. Left unaddressed, they heighten injury risk and reduce performance in activities like golf or pickleball popular locally.​

Chiropractic Solutions at Thomas Back and Body

Chiropractic excels at relieving tight hip flexors by restoring sacroiliac and pelvic joint function. High-velocity adjustments improve hip extension range, as shown in studies where manipulation enhanced extensibility by 10-15 degrees post-treatment (Bergmann & Peterson, 2008). Soft tissue therapy releases adhesions, while customized stretches and strengthening rebuild balance. Patients often report reduced back pain and better posture within weeks.​

Our Georgetown clinic tailors plans with assessments using the Thomas test, ergonomic advice for desks/home offices, and home exercises to prevent recurrence.

Book Your Path to Relief Today

Don't let tight hip flexors sideline your active lifestyle. At Thomas Back and Body in Georgetown, experience evidence-based chiropractic care that targets root causes for comprehensive relief. Schedule your assessment today—reclaim pain-free movement and optimal spinal health!

Questions? Contact us!

References

Bergmann, T. F., & Peterson, D. H. (2008). Effect of chiropractic treatment on hip extension ability and running speed in subjects with tight hip flexors. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 31(6), 415-421. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2682941/

Boukabache, A., et al. (2021). Prolonged sitting and physical inactivity are associated with limited hip extension. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 54, 102389. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2468781220305877

Konrad, A., et al. (2021). The influence of stretching the hip flexor muscles on performance parameters. Sports, 9(3), 29. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7922112/

Avrahami, B., et al. (2014). The clinical and biomechanical effects of fascial-muscular lengthening therapy on tight hip flexor patients. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 58(4), 442-447. https://chiropractic.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/88869-1_Chiro_58_4q_Avrahami.pdf​