Hip Pain

Hip pain can affect people of all ages and activity levels, from active individuals and athletes to those with more sedentary lifestyles. It may present as stiffness, aching, sharp pain, or limited movement that interferes with walking, exercise, work, and daily activities. Conservative, non-invasive care such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy can effectively reduce pain, improve mobility, and address the underlying cause of hip pain.

What Is Hip Pain?

Hip pain refers to discomfort or dysfunction affecting the hip joint itself or the surrounding muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Pain may be felt at the front of the hip or groin, along the side of the hip, in the buttock, or radiating into the thigh.

Hip pain can develop suddenly following an injury, or gradually over time due to overuse, poor biomechanics, or degenerative changes. It commonly affects runners, gym-goers, manual workers, office workers, and older adults alike.

Hip pain may be:

Acute: Sudden onset, often following injury or strain
Chronic: Lasting longer than 3 months
Mechanical: Related to movement, posture, or load
Degenerative: Associated with joint wear or arthritis

Common Hip Pain Symptoms

Symptoms can vary depending on the cause and severity, and may include:

Pain or stiffness in the hip joint
Pain that radiates to the groin, buttocks, or thigh
Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or bearing weight
Reduced range of motion or feeling “stuck” in certain movements
Swelling or tenderness around the hip
Pain radiating into the hips, buttocks, or legs

Causes of Hip Pain

Hip pain often results from a combination of physical, biomechanical, and lifestyle factors, including:

Poor posture or prolonged sitting
Repetitive strain or overuse
Poor movement mechanics or posture
Sports or exercise-related injuries
Falls or traumatic injuries
Hip joint irritation or labral injury
Osteoarthritis or other degenerative conditions
Muscle imbalances or reduced hip stability

Common Hip Pain Diagnoses

Hip pain can stem from several specific conditions affecting the joint, surrounding soft tissues, or nearby nerves. Some of the most commonly searched and diagnosed causes include:

Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed, often due to lower back or pelvic issues. Pain may be felt in the hip or buttock and radiate down the leg, sometimes accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Hip Osteoarthritis
A degenerative joint condition caused by cartilage wear within the hip joint. Symptoms include stiffness, reduced range of motion, groin pain, and discomfort that worsens with activity or prolonged standing.

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (Hip Bursitis)
Often referred to as hip bursitis, this condition involves irritation of the bursa or tendons on the outer hip. It commonly causes lateral hip pain, tenderness, and pain when lying on the affected side.

Hip Flexor Strain
A strain or overload of the hip flexor muscles, frequently seen in runners, athletes, and gym-goers. Pain is usually felt at the front of the hip or groin and may worsen with lifting the knee or walking uphill.

Labral Tear
Damage to the cartilage ring (labrum) surrounding the hip socket. This may cause deep hip or groin pain, clicking, catching, or a feeling of instability during movement.

Piriformis Syndrome
Occurs when the piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve, leading to buttock and hip pain that can radiate down the leg. Symptoms often worsen with sitting or prolonged activity.

Hip Impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement – FAI)
A structural condition where abnormal bone shape causes pinching within the hip joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited movement, particularly during squatting or prolonged sitting.

Referred Pain from the Lower Back
Hip pain can sometimes originate from the lumbar spine due to disc irritation, joint dysfunction, or nerve involvement, even when the hip joint itself is healthy.

Hip Pain Treatment

Physiotherapy plays a key role in recovery and may include:

Detailed movement and functional assessment
Individualized exercise-based rehabilitation
Improving hip mobility, strength, and stability
Movement retraining for walking, running, and sport
Education on load management and self-care strategies

Chiropractic care can help address hip pain with:

Comprehensive joint and biomechanical assessment
Hip, pelvis, and spine mobilization or manipulation
Improving joint mechanics and movement efficiency
Postural and movement pattern correction
Guidance on activity modification and ergonomics

Massage therapy supports recovery with:

Reduction of muscle tension and trigger points
Improved circulation to surrounding tissues
Pain relief and relaxation
Support recovery alongside physiotherapy or chiropractic care

When Should You Seek Treatment?

You should consider seeking treatment if you experience:

Hip pain lasting longer than 1–2 weeks
Pain that limits walking, exercise, or daily activities
Worsening or recurring symptoms
Pain following a fall, injury, or accident
Night pain or difficulty sleeping due to hip discomfort

Frequently asked questions

Can hip pain go away on its own?

Some mild cases may resolve with rest, but persistent or recurring hip pain often benefits from professional care to address the root cause.

Is treatment painful?

Treatment is tailored to your comfort level. Some techniques may cause mild soreness, but care is always adjusted to ensure safety and tolerance.

Can I continue exercising?

In most cases, yes. We help guide safe activity and modify movements or exercises to support healing rather than aggravate symptoms.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is required to receive physiotherapy, chiropractic, or massage therapy services at Pursuit Physiotherapy.