Hip Pain Treatment

Hip pain is one of the most searched-for pains online, it’s especially common as you age. If you’re struggling with it, we’re here to help. Keep reading to learn how to treat and relieve your pain.

IDENTIFYING Hip pain

So what is hip pain?

Hip pain is a common problem affecting people of all ages and walks of life. Whether caused by injury, overuse, or degenerative conditions such as arthritis, hip pain can significantly impair mobility and overall quality of life.

Physiotherapy offers an effective, non-invasive approach to treating hip pain by addressing the root causes and promoting long-term pain relief.

Here we aim to explore various hip pain treatment methods in physiotherapy, including assessment, manual therapy, exercise, and patient education.

hip pain treatment

What causes hip pain?

Hip pain can be caused by various factors, from acute injuries to chronic conditions and lifestyle factors. Some common causes of hip pain include Osteoarthritis, a normal ageing process that can cause loss of movement, stiffness and weakness and. (Greater) Trochanteric pain syndrome is a common problem which is a combination of gluteal tendinopathy and bursitis diagnoses and has a lot to do with gluteal muscle and tendon weakness as well as patterns of movement such as walking or running. Another cause can be ‘referred pain’ and this is pain felt in the hip but originates from another area of the body, commonly the lower back.

hip physio for hip pain

Initial Assessment and Diagnosis

The first step in hip pain treatment is a thorough evaluation by one of our qualified physiotherapists. This assessment typically involves:

01

Patient History

Taking a detailed patient history to understand the nature and onset of the pain

02

Physical Examination

Conducting a physical examination to assess hip mobility, muscle strength, patterns of movement and pain levels

03

Identifying Contributing Factors

Identifying contributing factors, such as poor posture, muscle imbalances, or previous injuries

04

Further Examination

Excluding other causes of hip pain by testing other structures

05

Treatment Plan

Developing a personalised treatment plan based on the findings

Hip Pain Treatment

Hip pain can be treated in different ways

Manual Therapy Techniques

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach used by our physios here at Plym Physio to treat hip pain. Our techniques include the following:

  • Joint mobilisation: Gentle movements are applied to the hip joint to improve mobility and decrease pain
  • Soft tissue mobilisation: Techniques such as massage and myofascial release to reduce muscle tension and  increase mobility
  • Acupuncture: A technique that reduces pain and influences the inflammatory process.
hip physio
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Therapeutic Exercise

A key component of hip pain treatment in physiotherapy is a tailored exercise program that targets your specific needs. These exercises may include:

  • Range of motion exercises to improve hip joint mobility
  • Strengthening exercises targeting the muscles around the hip, such as the gluteals, hip flexors, and adductors
  • Balance and proprioception exercises to enhance joint stability and prevent falls
  • Functional exercises that mimic daily activities to address faulty movement patterns, such as squatting or stair climbing