Hip pain can be caused from an acute muscle tear or strain during an activity, gradually overusing a tendon, an irritation to a bony deformity on the ball or socket, or general degeneration of the joint during the ageing process.
Symptoms relating to different hip conditions will vary depending on the underlying cause. You may experience pain in your lower back, deep in the front of the hip and groin or into the buttock that may radiate down your thigh.
The most common conditions we treat are Osteoarthritis, Femoroacetabular Impingement, Hip Tendinopathies, and Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome. More information on each of these conditions is below:
Osteoarthritis is the most common hip condition in adults over 50. It is the breakdown of cartilage and joint space over time causing inflammation and pain. There are various causes of this such as, age, family history, a previous injury, overuse and obesity. Imaging may be required to help understand the extent of the injury and to help plan the treatment options. Anti-inflammatory medication may be taken in the initial stage to help relieve pain and physio can help to build muscle strength to help improve the function of the hip joint.
Femoroacetabular Impingement refers to when either the ball or the socket of the hip joint isn’t shaped properly causing them to rub together. Over time this can then cause breakdown of the cartilage in the joint and lead to arthritis. There is no exact cause, and some will have bony deformities and no symptoms. An MRI can help confirm this diagnosis and most will improve with physio to strengthen the surrounding muscles and help improve joint mobility.
Hip Tendinopathies relate to the Hip Flexor and Adductor tendons that run over the front and inside of the hip joint. A tendon connects muscle to bone and can become irritated or inflammed with overuse during an activity. Symptoms will usually present after the activity or the following day. They usually will not improve with rest alone, and it’s important to get a specific strengthening programme to help increase the tendons loading capacity to perform the chosen activity.
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome is an umbrella term describing pain over the lateral aspect of the hip joint. This usually is as a result of inflammation to the Bursae or Glute Medius tendon. A bursa is a small sac filled of fluid that helps stop the joint’s tissues frictioning over each other. This can become inflammed due to repetitively overloading or repeated pressure on the side of the hip.
For hip and groin pain, we would recommend booking in with one of our Physiotherapists to get a full assessment and diagnosis. Many patients also find that Sports Massage helps with the pain.
Book OnlineOur Physiotherapists at Synergy can clinically diagnose these conditions by asking relevant questions and assessing your movements and strength.
Based on these clinical findings, the Physiotherapist will provide a tailored health exercise programme alongside manual therapy techniques to help strengthen the muscles around the hip, reduce pain and improve function. They may also suggest changes to your lifestyle and the use of assistive devices.
Depending on the condition, referral to a consultant for injections may take place. The consultant may suggest surgery, such as an Arthroscopy or Hip Replacement. These will be only be recommended as a last point of call if symptoms are dramatically impacting quality of life.
Whether it’s pain caused by injury, tight/sprained muscles or recovery from surgery, we can get you back to full health.
