Hip Pain
Hip pain is frequently misattributed. Pain felt over the outside of the hip often comes from the tendons and bursa there rather than the joint itself, while true hip joint pain is more commonly felt in the groin. Getting that distinction right shapes the whole treatment plan.
How hip pain presents
- Pain over the outside of the hip
- Pain at the front of the hip or in the groin
- Pain at the back of the hip and into the buttock
- A deep, dull ache within the hip
- Pain referring down the leg
- Stiffness getting out of a chair or a car
What we commonly see
Sacroiliac joint pain. Arising from the joint between the sacrum and the pelvis, typically felt low and to one side of the back and into the buttock.
Groin strain. Injury to the adductor muscles on the inside of the thigh, common in sports involving changes of direction.
Referred pain from the lumbar spine also accounts for a proportion of what patients describe as hip pain, which is why the lower back is examined as part of any hip assessment.
Chiropractic and physiotherapy for hip pain
Both disciplines are used here. Chiropractic covers joint pains including hip pain associated with osteoarthritis, along with mechanical restriction through the pelvis and lumbar spine. Physiotherapy addresses the strength and control of the glutes and surrounding musculature, which is generally where lasting improvement comes from with hip problems.
Assessment covers hip range of movement in all directions, the sacroiliac joints, the lumbar spine, and functional testing such as single leg stance and squatting where appropriate. Because hip control influences what happens further down the chain, your knee may be assessed at the same time.
When to seek other help
Attend A&E if you cannot bear weight following a fall, if the hip is visibly deformed, or if you have a hot, swollen hip with fever. Speak to your GP about unexplained night pain or pain accompanied by weight loss.
Practitioners
Qualifications, registration numbers and clinical interests are set out on each team member’s profile.
Fees
Your first assessment is £99 for 45 minutes with a chiropractor or physiotherapist. If acupuncture or massage is recommended as part of your treatment plan, you can book a separate session with the relevant therapist. These sessions last one hour. Please see our fees page for follow-up appointment rates and treatment packages.
Questions About Hip Pain
Is my hip pain arthritis?
Not necessarily. Hip pain at any age has many possible sources, and assessment is designed to distinguish between them. Where osteoarthritis is present, exercise and manual therapy still have a well-established role.
Why is my hip pain worse when I sit?
Prolonged sitting shortens the hip flexors and loads the structures at the back of the hip. If sitting reliably provokes your symptoms, that is useful diagnostic information to bring to your assessment.
Could my hip pain actually be coming from my back?
Often, yes. This is one of the most common patterns we see, and it is why the lumbar spine is examined as standard.
