Signs and Symptoms
Hip pain is common in both men and women and can occur due to a number of causes. Pain may occur either gradually over time, or suddenly due to a sports injury. Sports injuries of the hip & groin include muscle strains, tendon injuries and labral (cartilage) tears. Other conditions that may cause hip or groin pain include osteoarthritis, hip impingement, and Perthes disease (in children).
Pain may be felt in the groin, the side of the hip or the buttock. Other symptoms may include limping, difficulty walking or sitting for long periods, and stiffness. Structures that can cause pain in the hip include adductor muscles and tendons, bursae (fluid-filled sacs), the hip joint itself, labrum (cartilage), nerves or surrounding muscles.
Our Treatment & Expertise
Firstly, your physiotherapist will perform a detailed assessment to determine the cause of your pain. This may include assessment of gait, functional movements, biomechanics, and hip joint function including range of motion, muscle length and muscle strength. The assessment may also include an examination of the low back, to see if pain could be referred from this area.
Treatment will then be prescribed to target your individual problem and get you back to normal activities as soon as possible. This may include cryotherapy (heat/ice), manual therapy of the hip, acupuncture and electrotherapy. Exercise prescription is an important part in the treatment of hip and groin pain to address any muscle imbalances. Exercises may include strengthening of weak muscles and stretching of shortened muscles.
We also provide physiotherapy treatment following surgery of the hip, such as a total hip replacement. At Bray Physiotherapy, your physiotherapist will guide you through the post-operative rehabilitation programme outlined by your surgeon.