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Home - Hip Pain

Hip Pain

Hip Pain: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and When to See a Physio

Hip pain is a common issue affecting people of all ages — from runners and lifters to those sitting at a desk most of the day. Whether it’s a dull ache deep in your hip, sharp pain when walking, or stiffness first thing in the morning, understanding what’s behind your hip discomfort is the first step toward getting long‑term relief and restoring mobility.
Our Specialist Hip Pain Treatment Approach

What is Hip Pain?

Hip pain refers to discomfort, stiffness, or aching around the hip joint, groin, buttock, or outer thigh. It can result from inflammation, muscle strain, joint irritation, or referred pain from the lower back or pelvis.
A hip pain physio will assess the joints, muscles, and movement patterns around your hip to determine which structures are affected — then design a tailored plan to restore smooth, pain‑free movement.

Main Types of Hip Pain

Groin-Pain-or-Hip-Joint-Arthritis with red spot indicate pain

Groin Pain or Hip Joint Arthritis

Common in active adults or older individuals, felt deep in the front of the hip.

Gluteal-or-Outer-Hip-Pain with red spot indicate pain

Gluteal or Outer Hip Pain (Trochanteric Bursitis)

Pain and tenderness on the outside of the hip, often worse when lying on the affected side.
Referred-Hip-Pain with red spot indicate pain

Referred Hip Pain from the Lower Back or SIJ

Pain travelling from the spine or pelvis, mimicking hip symptoms.
Labral-Tear-or-Hip-Impingement with red spot indicate pain

Labral Tear or Hip Impingement

Sharp pain or clicking in the hip joint, especially with twisting or sitting.
Postural-muscle‑Related-Pain with red spot indicate pain

Postural or Muscle‑Related Pain

Tightness from imbalance between hip flexors, glutes, and core muscles.
Post‑Injury-or-Post‑Surgery-Pain with red spot indicate pain

Post‑Injury or Post‑Surgery Pain

Recovery challenges following trauma, fracture, or hip replacement surgery.

Each type requires careful diagnosis and a customised approach — professional physiotherapy ensures the underlying cause is correctly addressed rather than just the pain symptoms.

Common Causes and Contributing Factors

  • Overuse or repetitive strain from sport or exercise
  • Prolonged sitting or poor posture
  • Weak glutes and core muscles
  • Muscular imbalance or tight hip flexors
  • Previous injury or hip impingement
  • Stress or lifestyle factors increasing muscle tension
Often, hip pain develops from several small factors rather than one major event — poor posture, weakness, and movement habits can interact to overload the joint over time.

Symptoms and What They Mean

Neck pain symptoms can vary widely depending on the structures involved:

  • Dull, aching pain deep in the hip or groin
  • Sharp pain when walking, climbing stairs, or sitting
  • Stiffness after rest or first thing in the morning
  • Clicking or locking sensations in the hip joint
  • Pain lying on the affected side
  • Weakness or difficulty squatting, running, or lifting
A hip pain physiotherapist will identify your symptom pattern, rule out red flags, and then create a specific plan around your goals and mobility needs.

How Long Does Hip Pain Last?

Acute hip pain (less than 6 weeks) may settle quickly with physiotherapy, activity modification, and targeted exercises.

Sub‑acute pain (6–12 weeks) often requires a structured strengthening programme to restore function.

Chronic hip pain (12+ weeks) usually benefits from an integrated plan combining manual therapy, exercise, and movement retraining to reduce sensitivity and improve long‑term stability.

Getting help early prevents compensations that can lead to longer recovery times.

When Hip Pain Needs Urgent Attention (Red Flags)

Most hip pain is mechanical and responds well to physiotherapy, but urgent medical review is needed if you experience:

  • Sudden inability to walk or bear weight after trauma
  • Severe pain or swelling in the hip or thigh
  • Numbness or tingling around the groin or leg
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Unexplained fever, weight loss, or night pain
If in doubt, your physiotherapist can triage and refer you to the appropriate medical specialist promptly.

How Physiotherapists Diagnose Hip Pain

During your assessment, your hip pain physio will:
  • Take a detailed history of symptoms, lifestyle, and activity levels
  • Inspect posture and movement patterns
  • Test muscle strength, flexibility, and hip joint mobility
  • Identify whether symptoms come from the hip, spine, or pelvic joint
  • Use precise tests to rule out serious pathology
If imaging such as an X‑ray, ultrasound, or MRI is needed, your physiotherapist will coordinate with your GP or orthopaedic specialist to ensure continuity of care.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Hip Pain

Physiotherapy provides one of the most evidence‑based, effective approaches for managing hip pain.
Treatment may include:

Hands‑On Therapy

Joint mobilisation, trigger‑point release, and soft‑tissue work to ease pain and improve movement.

Exercise Therapy

Focused strengthening for glutes, hip stabilisers, and core muscles to restore balance.

Movement Retraining

Correction of posture, gait, and exercise form to prevent overload.

Rehabilitation Programmes

Personalised progression from mobility work to sport‑specific conditioning.
For persistent pain, advanced techniques like dry needling, shockwave therapy, or Pilates‑based rehab can accelerate results and improve long‑term outcomes.

How Physiotherapy Helps Long Term

The aim isn’t just short‑term pain relief — it’s lasting movement confidence. Professional physiotherapy helps to:
  • Restore joint range of motion and muscle balance
  • Reduce inflammation and stiffness
  • Improve posture and walking mechanics
  • Support safe return to exercise, sport, or daily activity
  • Prevent recurrence through education and movement trainin

Your hip pain physiotherapist will also teach you how to self‑manage symptoms and maintain strength, building resilience for the long term

When to See a Physio

See a physiotherapist if:
  • Pain persists beyond a few days or recurs frequently
  • Sleep is disrupted by hip discomfort
  • Pain limits walking, gym training, or daily activities
  • You’re unsure whether exercise might worsen it
  • Over‑the‑counter medication isn’t providing lasting relief
Early assessment by a physiotherapist ensures you get the right diagnosis and treatment plan — preventing minor strains from developing into chronic hip pain.

Take the Next Step Toward Recovery

At One Body, our physiotherapists specialise in hip pain treatment — from simple muscle tightness to complex hip impingement or post‑surgical rehab. We combine advanced assessment techniques, hands‑on therapy, and tailored rehabilitation so you can move confidently again without pain holding you back.

Book an appointment with a Hip Pain Physiotherapist

Learn more about hip pain

Medically Reviewed and Trusted

This page has been medically reviewed by Rebecca Bossick, Lead Clinical Physiotherapist, HCPC & CSP Registered.