Chiropractors/Hip Popping

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 3/8/2007


Question
Sir,
I have recently started to practice Taekwondo. The first couple weeks of doing kicks were fine, but recently every time i do a side kick, i experience a popping sensation in my upper groin,under my privates, almost where the hip socket is located. When i'm walking or doing normal everyday activities, i don't feel the popping at all, just when i do certain kicks? Is this maybe a tweaked hip flexor? Or is it a joint problem? Will it go away with stretching? Thanks for your help.

Answer
Dear Travis,

From what you have described, it sounds like classic ligament instability either in the joint space of the hip (acetabulum), or at the front of the pelvis (symphysis pubis), or laxity of a tendon in the adductor group of muscles in the inner thigh.  

Now, the area of the symphysis pubis is a very strong ligamentous connection with a disc like structure holding the two sides of the pelvis together...this is less likely the offending structure, but still possible.  More likely is that you are straining the tendon of one of the muscle which is stretching and then snapping back with the kicking motions, or that the ligaments of the joint are being stretched and snapping.  If this is a tendon problem, then yes ongoing stretching protocols will help to alleviate the problem, but if the ligament is the offending structure then stretching may actually make it worse.  A ligament that is lax needs controlled movement more than stretch to help it regain the lost function and stability.

I would suggest that you have the area functionally examined either by a medical physiatrist, and orthopedist, a chiropractic orthopedist, or a chiropractic sports physician.  The fact that you are reporting no real pain is good and signifies that the tissue is not seriously damaged.  Now is the time to further evaluate the problem to prevent any further progression of the problem.

I would also suggest that you send this question to Dr. Man Tran who is also a volunteer on this site as he has extensive training in the Martial arts and has been an instructor for years.  He may be able to add information specific to the mechanics of the kicks you are performing, and he is likely more familiar with karate specific injuries.  Good luck Travis!

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net  

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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman

Expertise

I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.

Experience

I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net

Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. *CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*

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