What Causes Hip Pain?

Hip pain is common and spread across all age groups. The hip joint and its integration with your pelvis, SIJ and lumbar spine (lower back) make it a complex region to correctly assess.

Younger sports-related hip issues may come on after prolonged running, jumping or landing activities. Specific sporting hip conditions should be discussed and thoroughly assessed by your therapist at Physiohaus.

The successful treatment of your hip pain requires a thorough and accurate assessment of your:

- entire lower limb (foot, ankle, knee, hip, groin)
- lumbar spine
- pelvis and SIJ function and alignment
- deep hip muscle control and activation patterns
- middle and superficial hip muscle control, strength and function
- deep abdominal, core and pelvic floor muscle control
- upper thigh muscle length and strength (quadriceps, adductors, hamstrings, and iliotibial band)
- neural tissue extensibility (sciatic and femoral nerves)
- hip joint biomechanics.

The Older Hip

If you are in the older population group, you will be more vulnerable to age-related hip issues such as hip arthritis, trochanteric bursitis and GTPS (Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome). Functional limitations could include simply walking, sit to stand, single leg standing, stairs or even sleeping in severe cases.

Hip pain can also be associated with reduced balance. A thorough balance assessment may be required to predict a falls risk. Falls prevention exercises may be prescribed by your physiotherapist to address any individual deficits. They may even advise you to utilise a walking assistance device such as a walking stick, crutches or a walking frame.

Groin Pain

Groin pain is one of the most common symptoms associated with hip joint pathologies such as hip osteoarthritis and hip labral injury. There are also many other causes of groin pain that need to be excluded by a health professional. More info: Groin Pain.

Only after a thorough hip assessment will your hip pain be effectively rehabilitated to relieve your current hip pain and joint dysfunction, and prevent the return of any future hip pain.

Hip Pain Assessment

Your hip pain can and often is related to your whole lower limb biomechanics and function. Your assessment should include a functional assessment of your knee, foot and ankle joints. These joints all contribute to your hip function.

For specific advice regarding your hip pain, please seek the advice of your therapist at Physiohaus.