Whether it’s a dull ache when walking, a sharp pain getting out of bed or tightness after long periods of sitting, hip pain can interfere with everyday life. If you’re looking for long-term relief, you might wonder: does physio help with hip pain?
Yes, physiotherapy may be one of the most effective ways to help with hip pain. It addresses the root cause through hands-on techniques, targeted exercises and education. Whether your pain stems from overuse, arthritis, injury or posture issues, physiotherapy helps relieve discomfort, improve strength and restore mobility.
In this article, we’ll explore how physio helps with hip pain, what causes it and what you can expect during treatment.
Quick Overview: Does Physio Help with Hip Pain?
Physiotherapy may assist in managing hip pain by identifying contributing factors and applying evidence-informed techniques. Depending on the cause, such as muscle strain, joint stiffness or arthritis, treatment may involve targeted exercises, manual therapy and movement education.
These approaches aim to support joint function, improve mobility and strengthen surrounding muscles. If you’re dealing with ongoing hip discomfort, a physiotherapy assessment may help determine suitable strategies for relief and recovery.
Get Back to Pain-Free Movement with FlexiFit Physiotherapy
At FlexiFit Physiotherapy, we treat the source, not just the symptoms, of your hip pain. Our experienced team will assess your movement, identify the root issue and create a personalised plan to help you regain comfort and mobility.
Call us today on 02 8542 9507 or visit our Contact Us page to book your assessment.
Common Causes of Hip Pain
Hip pain can affect people of all ages and fitness levels. Some of the most common causes include:
- Hip bursitis – Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs near the joint
- Hip osteoarthritis – Wear-and-tear of cartilage causing stiffness and pain
- Labral tears – Damage to the cartilage rim of the hip socket
- Tendinopathy – Overuse injuries to hip tendons
- Referred pain – Pain stemming from the lower back or pelvis
- Postural imbalances – Muscle tightness, weakness or poor alignment
- Hip impingement (FAI) – Abnormal contact between hip bones during movement
Each condition requires a unique approach, which is why personalised physiotherapy is so effective.
How Physiotherapy Helps Hip Pain
Physiotherapy uses a combination of treatments that target the cause of your pain and support full recovery. Here’s how:
1. Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis
Your physio will perform a detailed assessment, including:
- Movement tests
- Palpation of the hip and surrounding muscles
- Posture and gait analysis
- Functional movement screening
This identifies not only where the pain is, but why it’s occurring.
2. Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques like joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage and stretching relieve stiffness, reduce muscle tension and increase mobility. These techniques can also help improve blood flow, promote relaxation and support the body’s natural healing processes. Manual therapy is often used alongside other physiotherapy approaches to enhance overall recovery.
3. Tailored Exercise Programs
Targeted strength and flexibility exercises are prescribed to:
- Activate and strengthen the glutes, core and stabilising muscles
- Improve hip joint range of motion
- Correct imbalances or faulty movement patterns
4. Postural and Biomechanical Correction
If your hip pain is caused or worsened by poor posture, your physio will work on correcting alignment through:
- Movement retraining
- Ergonomic advice
- Functional activity coaching
5. Education and Self-Management
You’ll receive guidance on:
- Activity modification
- Injury prevention
- When to rest and when to move
- At-home exercises to maintain progress
6. Pain Relief Strategies
Your physio may also use:
- Heat or cold therapy
- Dry needling
- Taping or support techniques
All tailored to your specific needs and condition.
Conditions Around the Hip That Physiotherapy Can Help With
Physio is highly effective in treating:
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Hip bursitis
- Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome
- Gluteal tendinopathy
- Snapping hip syndrome
- Hip impingement (FAI)
- Pre- and post-hip replacement rehab
- Referred pain from sacroiliac joints or lumbar spine
What to Expect at Your Physiotherapy Appointment
If you’re attending a physiotherapy appointment for vertigo, your session will typically follow a structured process designed to assess and address your specific symptoms:
- Initial Assessment: We’ll take your full history and assess pain, strength, flexibility and posture.
- Treatment Plan: Your physio will build a tailored plan based on your goals, whether it’s walking without pain, returning to sport or avoiding surgery.
- In-Session Therapy: Expect hands-on treatment, gentle stretching or activation work in your first visit.
- Home Program: You’ll be given exercises to support your progress between sessions.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Ignoring hip pain may lead to worsening symptoms, reduced mobility or compensations that strain other parts of your body. Early physio intervention:
- Reduces pain faster
- Prevents chronic dysfunction
- Supports quicker return to daily activities
- Minimises the need for pain medication or surgery
FAQs About Physio and Hip Pain
Can physio help with hip arthritis?
Yes. Physiotherapy reduces stiffness, strengthens muscles and improves mobility without the need for medication.
How long does it take to see results?
You may feel some relief after a few sessions, but lasting change comes with consistency over several weeks.
Is it safe to exercise with hip pain?
With guidance from a physio, gentle movement is usually beneficial and encouraged.
Final Thoughts
So, does physio help with hip pain? Absolutely. From early diagnosis to active recovery, physiotherapy is a safe, evidence-based approach to treating hip discomfort. With the right treatment plan, you can regain mobility, reduce pain and improve your quality of life, without relying on medication or surgery.
Book Your Hip Pain Assessment at FlexiFit Physiotherapy
Don’t let hip pain limit your movement or lifestyle. At FlexiFit Physiotherapy, we’re committed to helping you move better, feel stronger and live pain-free.Call us on 02 8542 9507 or visit our Contact Us page to book your session. Relief and recovery start here.