Understanding hip pain
The hip is a deep ball-and-socket joint that generates large forces during walking, running, and sport. Pain in the hip region can come from the joint itself, the surrounding muscles and tendons, the bursa, or the lumbar spine. Telling these apart is one of the most important parts of the initial assessment.
Common hip conditions treated
- Hip osteoarthritis: cartilage degeneration causing deep groin pain and progressive stiffness
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI): bony abnormalities causing pinching in the joint during movement
- Labral tears: damage to the cartilaginous rim of the hip socket, often associated with FAI
- Gluteal tendinopathy: pain on the outer hip and buttock, particularly when sitting cross-legged or climbing stairs
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome: lateral hip pain previously labelled trochanteric bursitis
- Hip flexor strain or tendinopathy: anterior hip and groin pain, common in runners and cyclists
- Post-surgical rehabilitation: following total hip replacement
Symptoms
- Deep groin pain, particularly on weight-bearing or rotating the leg
- Lateral (outer) hip pain when lying on the side or after prolonged sitting
- Pain that refers into the thigh or buttock
- Stiffness first thing in the morning
- A clicking or catching sensation in the hip with certain movements
- Reduced ability to squat, cross the legs, or walk long distances
How physiotherapy helps
Many hip conditions, including those with structural changes visible on imaging, respond well to physiotherapy. Progressive strengthening of the hip and gluteal muscles is often the most important intervention, reducing stress on the joint and its surrounding structures.
What treatment involves
- Thorough clinical assessment to differentiate hip pathology from referred lumbar spine pain
- Manual therapy to the hip joint and lumbar spine where indicated
- Progressive hip and gluteal strengthening programme
- Load management and activity modification guidance
- Gait retraining for runners with hip-related injuries
- Post-surgical rehabilitation following hip replacement
What to expect from recovery
Gluteal tendinopathy and hip flexor issues typically improve significantly within eight to twelve weeks of a structured loading programme. Hip osteoarthritis is managed rather than cured, but physiotherapy consistently reduces pain and improves function, often delaying or avoiding the need for surgery. Post-replacement rehabilitation follows a staged protocol over three to six months.