Hip pain is a master of disguise – it can show up in the groin, the outer hip, the buttock or even the knee, and it’s frequently confused with back problems. Getting the diagnosis right is the difference between treatment that works and months of frustration.
Does this sound familiar?
- “A deep ache in my groin when I walk or get out of the car”
- “Pain on the outside of my hip – worse lying on that side at night”
- “Buttock pain I can’t stretch out”
- “My hip catches, clicks or feels stiff putting shoes and socks on”
- “Nobody seems sure if it’s my hip or my back”
Where's it coming from?
Different patterns point to different causes:
- Groin pain and stiffness – often the hip joint itself, including hip osteoarthritis and impingement
- Outer hip pain, worse at night – usually gluteal tendinopathy or bursitis
- Buttock pain – can be the hip, the SI joint, or referred from the lower back (including sciatica)
- Pain after activity or a change in training – commonly tendon or muscle overload
Your first appointment is a detailed assessment of your hip, pelvis and lower back together – because they so often interact – ending with a clear diagnosis and plan.
How we treat hip pain
- Hands-on treatment to reduce pain and improve joint and soft-tissue mobility
- Progressive strengthening for the hip and glutes – the foundation of nearly all lasting hip recovery
- Activity and load modification that keeps you moving while things settle
- Post-operative rehab for hip replacements and hip surgery – a particular strength of Kirk Proto’s
- Onward referral for imaging or specialist opinion when genuinely indicated
Why choose The Health Hub
- Physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathy under one roof – hip pain often needs the back and pelvis treated too
- Specialist experience in post-op hip rehabilitation
- Recognised by the major UK private medical insurers
- Rated 5★ on Google from 250+ patients
→Book your hip assessment or call 01444 817851
FAQs
- How do I know if pain is from my hip or my back?
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True hip-joint pain is usually felt in the groin and front of the thigh; back-referred pain more often affects the buttock and back of the leg. Assessment of both – in the same appointment – settles it.
- Should I rest a painful hip?
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Complete rest usually stiffens and weakens the hip. Modified activity plus targeted strengthening is nearly always the better route.
- Do I need a scan?
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Most hip pain can be diagnosed and treated on clinical assessment. We’ll refer for imaging when the result would change your management.
- Can you help before and after a hip replacement?
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Yes – strengthening before surgery improves recovery, and structured post-op rehab is one of our physiotherapy team’s specialisms.