Physio for hip pain: common causes and what helps

Where it hurts matters

The location of hip pain gives useful clues, although a physio will want to examine you before drawing conclusions.

• Outer hip: often tendon-related, such as gluteal tendinopathy. It is typically sore when lying on that side, climbing stairs or standing on one leg
• Groin or front of the hip: can be related to the hip joint itself, including osteoarthritis or impingement, or to muscles and tendons around it
• Buttock or back of the hip: may come from the hip, the lower back or the pelvis

Common causes

• Gluteal tendinopathy, an irritated tendon on the outside of the hip
• Hip osteoarthritis, which is more common as we age
• Femoroacetabular impingement, where the ball and socket do not move smoothly
• Muscle strains in the groin, hamstring or hip flexors
• Referred pain from the lower back or pelvis

If pain also travels down the leg, our guide to physio for sciatica may help.

How a physio can help

A physio will ask about your pain, activity and goals, then test hip movement, strength, balance and how you walk, squat and climb stairs. Treatment often includes:

• Education about what is going on and what to avoid, such as crossing your legs or sleeping on the sore side for tendon pain
• Strengthening exercises for the hip, thigh and trunk, progressed gradually
• Adjusting walking, running or work load rather than stopping everything
• Walking aids or activity changes for flare-ups
• Advice on weight, footwear and pacing where relevant
• Referral for imaging or an orthopaedic opinion if your hip is not improving

For hip osteoarthritis, exercise and education are widely recommended as first-line care and can help even when scans show changes in the joint.

How long does it take?

Tendon-related hip pain often takes weeks to months to settle and responds best to steady loading exercises. Osteoarthritis tends to be an ongoing condition that you manage rather than cure, with symptoms rising and falling over time.

When to see a doctor first

• Hip pain after a fall or injury, or you cannot put weight on the leg
• A hot, red or swollen hip, or fever
• Constant night pain or pain that is getting steadily worse
• Unexplained weight loss or feeling generally unwell
• A child or teenager with a limp or hip pain

If you have a fall and cannot get up, or your leg looks shortened or turned out, call 000.

Costs and funding

Fees vary by clinic and private health extras may pay a rebate. See our cost guide and Medicare guide.

Common questions

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or physio about your own situation.