Should I see an Orthopedist, Chiropractor, or Physical Therapist?

Question

I had a hip injury while running cross country a couple of years ago (about 17 years old)? The muscle "pulled away from the bone"--that's what the doctor said. The injury was not severe. I was using a crutch for 1-2 weeks.

I am not 21 years old and I notice that my left leg feels longer than my right. I get tightness in the muscles around my hips and my lower back when I walk alot or run. I have had doctors tell me that my hips are misaligned. Who should I see to assess my condition and refer treatment? Keep in mind that I will be paying out of pocket for these visits.

Answer 1

I would go to a PT! Reason being they cover many aspects of muscle skeleton problems. They will be able to check your alignment see if your hips are misaligned and if one leg is longer than the other, supply a insole. Likewise it might be that some of your muscle are too tight, especially the hamstrings and if they are tight they will pull on the hips and so on. Therefore might just be a simple problem of stretching the right muscles. Best of Luck

Answer 2

Well, if you are paying out of pocket, a chiropractor is often the least expensive.  Yet, you have to ask yourself how well you believe in what they say.  They will most likely tell you that your hips are misaligned, one leg is longer than the other and your spine is subluxed...now, maybe those things are true, but you have to ask yourself and the research whether those things are relevant.  This is a controversial topic in the medical and rehabilitative fields.  In other words, variations exist in the normal, healthy population...so when, if ever, does the assymetry become "dysfunctional."  If you belive your assymetries are the primary cause of the problem, then the chiropractor is probably the best place to go.  

As a therapist myself, I hardly put much weight into the "one leg longer than the other" theory until you reach at least an inch difference (which is rare).  Yet, PT will focus on showing you what you can do to help yourself.

However, the fact that you had a signficant injury in the past probably warrants further follow up.  Yet, if you follow up with the orthopedist, you are most likely going to get referred to physical therapy anyway.  Yet, it's hard in many states (and with many insurance plans) to have direct access to a  PT.  

In short, the DC will be the "cheapest" of the two, but you really have to belive in what they do.  I'm certainly biased towards PT, but PT is often out of grasp for most people to pay out of pocket (unless you go to a private clinic) and state laws may require you to obtain a referal from a physician anyway.  

Good luck in your decision.