Condition Guide
Hip Pain
Hip pain can develop gradually or start suddenly after an injury. It may be felt in the groin, outside of the hip, buttock, thigh or even the lower back. Because several different structures can cause similar symptoms, a thorough assessment is important.
Overview
Understanding Hip Pain
Hip pain may be felt in the groin, outside hip, buttock, thigh or around the lower back.
Symptoms can come from the hip joint, tendons, bursae, muscles or referred areas.
Assessment helps identify the likely pattern and whether medical review is needed.
At a Glance
- Common symptoms: Groin or outer hip pain, Pain walking, standing or climbing stairs, Pain lying on the side.
- Common contributors: Hip joint irritation, Tendon or bursa irritation, Osteoarthritis.
- Recovery varies by: severity, duration, irritability, general health and activity demands.
- Physiotherapy may help: when symptoms affect movement, function or confidence.
Common Symptoms
Groin or outer hip pain
Pain walking, standing or climbing stairs
Pain lying on the side
Stiffness after rest
Reduced hip movement
Difficulty running, squatting or getting in and out of a car
Why Does It Happen?
Several factors may contribute, and the most relevant factors vary between people.
Hip joint irritation
Tendon or bursa irritation
Osteoarthritis
Muscle strain or overload
Lower back referral
Training, work or walking-load changes
When Should I Seek Urgent Medical Attention?
Seek prompt medical assessment if symptoms are associated with:
- Hip pain after a fall or trauma
- Unable to weight-bear
- Hip or leg has changed shape
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Severe night pain or unexplained weight loss
- New numbness, weakness or bladder/bowel changes
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain
These symptoms do not automatically mean that a serious condition is present, but they should be assessed promptly by an appropriate medical professional.
Physiotherapy Assessment
Symptom history and walking tolerance
Hip and lower-back movement
Strength and balance
Functional tasks such as stairs or squatting
Gait and load tolerance
Screening for referral when needed
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Treatment is individualised and may include:
Education and activity modification
Hip strengthening
Mobility exercises
Balance and walking retraining
Manual therapy where appropriate
Return-to-activity planning
Recovery and What to Expect
Recovery varies according to the cause, irritability, strength, general health and daily load. Many hip problems improve with progressive rehabilitation and load management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hip pain always arthritis?
No. Hip pain can come from several structures or referred areas.
Can my back cause hip pain?
Yes. Lower back symptoms can refer around the hip or buttock.
Should I stop walking?
Usually walking is modified rather than stopped completely.
Can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy may help improve strength, movement and function.
Can I book via WhatsApp?
Yes.
Evidence Corner
Hip pain management commonly includes education, appropriate activity modification, exercise rehabilitation and referral for imaging or medical care when indicated.
Treatment recommendations should combine current evidence, clinical expertise and your individual assessment.
Marna’s Clinical Perspective
Hip pain needs careful location and movement assessment because groin pain, side-hip pain and buttock pain can behave very differently.
Marna’s Tip
Track which positions and activities aggravate the hip. That pattern often gives useful clues for treatment planning.
My aim is to identify the source of your symptoms and help you return to walking, work, exercise and daily life with greater comfort and confidence.
Related Services
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
Resource in development
Exercise Rehabilitation
Resource in development
Manual Therapy
Resource in development
Chronic Pain Management
Resource in development
Related Conditions
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Resource in development
Osteoarthritis
Resource in development
Related Resources
Exercise Library
Resource in development
Patient Guide
Resource in development
Video
Resource in development
Recovery Programme
Resource in development
Recommended Exercises
Exercises should be selected according to the individual assessment. Exercise links remain marked as Resource in development until approved by Marna Webb.
Hip mobility
Resource in development
Gluteal strengthening
Resource in development
Balance training
Resource in development
Walking progression
Resource in development
Sit-to-stand strength
Resource in development
Functional stairs practice
Resource in development
Need Help With Hip Pain?
Contact Marna Webb Physiotherapy for an individual assessment and treatment plan.