The hip is a large load-bearing joint of the body that connects our legs to our trunk. It is a joint that needs to be mobile and also stable to allow for maximised function in tasks such as walking and standing. Hip pain occurs in 30-40% of adults from 18-60 years who play regular sports and 12-15% in all adults 60+. Pain and injuries can occur to the joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves and cartilage structures through either overuse or a direct mechanism.

Some common causes of hip pain:

• Osteoarthritis

• Bursitis

• Tendinopathies

• Hip impingement

• Hip dislocation

• Generalised muscle tightness

Physiotherapy for hip pain

Initially a physiotherapy session will begin with an in-depth interview to understand the cause of pain, aggravating and easing factors, as well as behaviour of the pain. Next a detailed physical assessment of the hip will help to identify problematic areas and the cause of pain. This will then lead into a more detailed and targeted approach towards treatment which can include joint mobilisations, dry needling, soft tissue massage, muscle strengthening, muscle lengthening and nerve exercises.

Things to get started:

• Avoiding movements/activities that cause a large increase in pain both at the time of the movement and within 24 hours after the movement/activity

• Slow and gentle active movement at the hip within pain-free ranges

• Gentle stretching at the hip to relieve some muscle tension