The hip is a “ball and socket” joint covered in supportive connective tissue. While not always the case, issues affecting the hip joint itself can result in pain on the front of the hip or groin region. Pain on the outside or backside of your hip may be due to problems with the soft tissue structures that surround the hip (muscles, tendons, and ligaments). Sometimes hip pain can even be referred for your low back. Other causes of hip pain can include arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, muscle strains, labral tears, or fractures.
How can physical therapy help?
We will first conduct a comprehensive examination beginning with your health history. We will also want to know about what the pain feels like, how and when the pain began, what makes the pain better or worse, and what your daily activities consist of. Then we will assess your posture, range of motion, strength, gait (walking), and perhaps stair climbing or other functional tasks to help us determine any underlying movement impairments that may be causing your pain. Palpation of the involved region and special tests to help us determine the cause of your issues with increased confidence will also be performed. Finally, treatment will include targeted corrective exercises and hand on techniques. Overall rehab will be focused on decreasing pain or swelling, improving range of motion, building strength, enhancing balance, and getting you back to your normal activities! Before the end of your therapy episode you will also learn strategies to reduce the risk of recurrence of your pain.