Hip Pain
Expert Physiotherapy for Hip Pain
Hip pain can make everyday activities difficult. Walking, sitting, getting in and out of the car, climbing stairs, exercising or simply sleeping comfortably can all become a challenge.
At Core Physiotherapy, we assess the cause of your hip pain and create a personalised treatment plan designed around your symptoms, lifestyle and goals.
Whether your pain started suddenly, developed gradually or has been troubling you for months, our physiotherapists can help you understand what's happening and work towards getting you moving comfortably again.
What Causes Hip Pain?
Hip pain can come from several different structures around the hip and pelvis. Sometimes the source is the hip joint itself, while in other cases the muscles, tendons or surrounding tissues may be involved.
Common causes of hip pain include:
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Hip osteoarthritis
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Tendon problems and tendinopathy
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Gluteal tendinopathy
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Muscle strains
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Sports and exercise injuries
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Hip bursitis
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Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
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Labral problems
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Hip and groin pain
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Referred pain from the lower back
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Overuse and repetitive strain
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Reduced hip strength or mobility
You don't necessarily need to know what's causing your pain before making an appointment. Our physiotherapists can assess your symptoms and help determine what may be contributing to them.
How Does Hip Pain Affect You?
Hip problems can affect far more than just the hip itself.
You may notice pain or stiffness when:
Walking or running
Going up or down stairs
Getting up from a chair
Getting in or out of a car
Squatting or bending
Turning in bed
Lying on your side
Exercising or playing sport
Standing for long periods
Some people experience pain around the side of the hip, while others feel symptoms in the groin, buttock, thigh or even further down the leg. Because hip pain can have several possible causes, a thorough assessment is important.
Hip Pain Assessment
Find Out What's Really Going On
Your first appointment begins with understanding your symptoms and how they are affecting your life.
We'll ask about:
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When your hip pain started
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Whether there was a specific injury
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Where you feel your symptoms
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What makes your pain better or worse
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Your work and daily activities
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Your exercise and sporting activities
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Previous injuries or treatment
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Your goals for recovery
We'll then carry out an appropriate physical assessment.
This may include looking at:
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Hip movement and mobility
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Muscle strength
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Functional movement
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Balance and control
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The lower back and pelvis
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The muscles and tendons around the hip
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Walking, running or other relevant activities
We use the findings from your assessment to explain what may be contributing to your symptoms and what we recommend doing next.
Hip Pain Treatment
A Treatment Plan Built Around You
There isn't one treatment that works for every type of hip pain.
Your physiotherapy programme will depend on your diagnosis, symptoms, physical assessment and goals.
Treatment may include:
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Exercise Therapy
Specific exercises can help improve strength, mobility, balance, control and tolerance to activity.
We'll prescribe exercises appropriate to your current ability and progress them as you become stronger.
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Strength & Conditioning
Weakness around the hip, pelvis or lower limb can sometimes contribute to difficulty with movement and activity.
A progressive strengthening programme can help you build capacity and confidence.
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Manual Therapy
Where appropriate, hands-on techniques may be used alongside exercise and rehabilitation to help manage symptoms and improve movement.
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Advice & Education
Understanding your symptoms can make your recovery much less frustrating.
We'll explain what we've found, what may be contributing to your pain and what you can do between appointments.
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Activity Modification
You don't always need to stop doing everything you enjoy.
We can help you modify your activities, manage training loads and find ways to remain active while your hip recovers.
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Return to Sport & Exercise
If you're a runner, gym-goer or sports player, we'll help you progressively return to the activities you want to do.
Conditions
Hip Osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis can cause pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. Symptoms may be worse after periods of inactivity or following increased activity.
Physiotherapy can help you manage symptoms and maintain or improve your physical function.
The aim is to help you remain as active and independent as possible while improving your confidence in using your hip.
Gluteal Tendinopathy & Outer Hip Pain
Hip and groin pain can affect runners, footballers, rugby players, dancers, gym users and many other active people.
Symptoms may develop following a specific injury or gradually as training demands increase.
A physiotherapy assessment can help identify the factors contributing to your symptoms.
Treatment often focuses on gradually improving the capacity of the muscles and tendons around the hip while managing activities that aggravate your symptoms.
Hip & Groin Pain in Sport
Hip and groin pain can affect runners, footballers, rugby players, dancers, gym users and many other active people.
Symptoms may develop following a specific injury or gradually as training demands increase.
Your rehabilitation can then be progressed towards the specific demands of your sport.
The goal isn't simply to reduce pain—it is to build your capacity so you can return to your activity with confidence.
Hip Impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement – FAI)
Hip impingement, also known as Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI), occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint do not move together as smoothly as they should. Over time, this can place extra stress on the joint and surrounding soft tissues, leading to pain and restricted movement.
People with hip impingement often experience pain in the front of the hip or groin, particularly during activities that involve bending or twisting the hip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my hip pain needs physiotherapy?
If hip pain is affecting your everyday activities, exercise, work or sleep, an assessment can help identify possible causes and determine whether physiotherapy is appropriate.
Do I need a GP referral?
For private physiotherapy, you can generally arrange an appointment directly without a GP referral. If you have private medical insurance, check with your provider as they may have their own requirements.
Can physiotherapy help hip arthritis?
Physiotherapy can be useful for people with hip osteoarthritis. Treatment may focus on strengthening, mobility, physical activity and strategies to manage symptoms and maintain function.
Can I still exercise with hip pain?
In many cases, completely stopping activity isn't necessary. The right level of exercise depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Your physiotherapist can help you identify suitable activities and modify your training while you recover.
How long does hip pain take to improve?
Recovery varies considerably depending on the cause of the pain, how long you've had symptoms, your activity levels and other individual factors. Your physiotherapist can give you a more personalised idea after assessment.
Will I need a scan?
Not necessarily. Many hip problems can be assessed clinically without immediate imaging. If your symptoms indicate that imaging or further medical assessment may be helpful, we'll discuss this with you.
Can physiotherapy help me return to running?
Yes. If running is appropriate for your condition, rehabilitation can be progressed towards the strength, control and workload required for running. Your return should be gradual and based on how your symptoms respond.
Can hip pain come from my back?
Yes. Pain felt around the hip, buttock or leg can sometimes be influenced by the lower back. This is one reason why a comprehensive assessment can be useful.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and allows the physiotherapist to assess the relevant area.
Don't Let Hip Pain Hold You Back
Take the First Step Towards Moving Better
Whether hip pain is stopping you from exercising, affecting your sleep or making everyday activities more difficult, you don't have to simply put up with it.
At Core Physiotherapy, we'll assess your symptoms, explain what's happening and create a treatment plan designed around your goals.