Osteopath or physiotherapist for back and hip pain?

[Friolero]

I've suffered from lower back pain for a few years, probably stemming from the fact I have a disabled child and so do a lot of lifting etc. I used to visit a chiropractor monthly pre-covid, but haven't returned as I'm not convinced it was really helping.

The back pain is fairly constant but I've recently started having hip pain on one side as well, so I think I need to see someone about it but I'm not sure if a physiotherapist or osteopath (or something else?) would be best.

Does anyone have any advice? Thank you!

I'd suggest physiotherapist but then I am one and might be biased. Chiropractor can definitely help in the short term from what I hear if the problem is stiff joints. Physiotherapy on the NHS is very limited at the moment but there are a lot of private ones. Try and find someone that is recommended if possible. Sometimes GPs will suggest someone locally

Here's a link to a directory of physiotherapists

www.csp.org.uk/public-patient/find-physiotherapist

Thank you - I was thinking of private rather than NHS so will ask locally for recommendations for a physio.

I agree a physio would be first thing I would do in your situation.

I've had a very similar issue which developed into knee pain and swelling as well as hip pain. Visited both physios and chiros. (In my specific case the physio helped more than the chiropractor but was working mainly on my knees which had been injured by the effects of the back instability). However, the thing that has helped by far more is.... yoga! I signed up to a yoga app and do yoga min 4x per week. It's massively helped my core strength and flexibility, reducing back pain and letting my hips and knees recover. Can't recommend highly enough.

A physio will (in my experience) be more likely to give you a suite of exercises you can do ongoing to help you. The osteo I saw some years ago was very good and the sessions helped, but there was no guidance on what else I could do to help myself.

Thanks - sounds like a physio is definitely the best option. I'll look into yoga as well!