Hip Pain: Common Causes & How Physiotherapy Can Help

Hip pain is a common experience for many people, whether it is sudden after an injury or builds up gradually over time. It often affects how much you can walk, sit, exercise, and even how well you can sleep. Sometimes it feels like a constant ache, however, sometimes it can be sharp, frustrating pain. 

Because the hip plays such a central role in everyday movement, even mild discomfort can quickly affect your routine. Hip pain however, responds well to physiotherapy. 

Common Causes of Hip Pain 

The hip joint is one of the largest joints in the body. It helps support your weight and connects your upper and lower body. Because of this, any issue in the hip can affect other areas like your lower back, knees, and even your posture.

Ignoring hip pain can lead to compensation patterns, which means your body may start moving differently to compensate for your hip not working properly.  Hip pain can come from a variety of sources, and understanding the cause is important for effective treatment. 

Muscle Strain or Overuse 

This is the most common cause of hip pain. Overuse or strain in the muscles surrounding the hip. This can happen from: 

• Increased physical activity 
• Repetitive movements 
• Skipping warm-up or mobility exercises

You might feel sore or tight when moving, especially after exercise. 

Hip Flexor Tightness 

If you spend long periods of time sitting, your hip flexors, (the muscles at the front of your hip) can become tight. This can lead to 

• Pain in the front of the hip 
• Stiffness when standing up 
• Reduced range of motion

This is especially common for those working desk jobs. 

Bursitis

Bursae are small sacs of fluid that help reduce friction between your joints. When they become irritated, it can cause a condition known as bursitis. 

Symptoms often include 

• Pain on the outside of the hip 
• Tenderness when lying on one side 
• Pain that worsens with activity

Irritated Tendons 

Tendons connect your muscles to your bones. Repeated stress can cause them to become irritated or inflamed. This often results in pain during movement, weakness in the hips, and discomfort while walking or climbing stairs. 

Injuries from Sports or Accidents 

Hip pain can also result from injuries: 

• Falls 
• Sports-related impacts 
• Car accidents 

At Hayer Health, we commonly treat patients with hip pain that resulted from motor vehicle accidents or workplace injuries. These claims can be handled through ICBC or WorkSafe BC. 

When to see a Physiotherapist 

While some mild hip discomfort can subside on its own, it is recommended to get a professional opinion. You should consider physiotherapy if: 

• Your pain lasts more than a few days 
• It is not improving on its own 
• You feel reduced mobility 
• Walking or sitting becomes uncomfortable 
• You are recovering from an injury or accident

How Physiotherapy Can Help with Hip Pain 

Physiotherapy helps with pain management but also focuses on understanding what the root cause of the pain may be.  At Hayer Health, we ensure that treatment plans are tailored to your specific lifestyle, goals, and condition. 

A Detailed Assessment 

Your physiotherapist will begin by assessing how your hip moves, identifying areas of weakness, tightness, or imbalance. This helps pinpoint what is actually causing your pain.

Targeted Exercises 

You will be guided through exercises designed to:

• Improve strength 
• Increase flexibility 
• Restore proper movement 

These exercises are customized to your needs and progress as you improve.

Manual Therapy 

Manual therapy techniques such as swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, or fascial stretch therapy may be used to:

• Reduce stiffness 
• Relieve muscle tension 
• Improve mobility of the joint 

Posture and Movement Support 

Many cases of hip pain are linked to how we sit, stand, and move. Your physiotherapist will help you: 

• Adjust your posture 
• Improve movement patterns 
• Prevent future strain 

Injury Rehabilitation 

If your hip pain is related to a car accident or workplace injury, physiotherapy plays a key role in recovery. At Hayer Health, we support patients through ICBC and WorkSafeBC claims, ensuring you receive the care you need throughout your rehabilitation process.

Take the First Step 

Hip pain can be frustrating, especially when it starts affecting your daily routine. The sooner you address it, the easier it is to manage and treat. At Hayer Health, our team is here to help you understand your pain, recover effectively, and get back to doing what you enjoy.

If you are experiencing hip pain, book an appointment with Hayer Health today and take the first step toward treatment. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Can hip pain go away on its own? 

Some mild cases may improve with rest and activity modification, but if your pain persists or keeps coming back, it is best to seek professional help to address the underlying issue.

How many physiotherapy sessions will I need? 

This depends on your condition and goals. Some people feel better in a few sessions, while others may need ongoing treatment for more complex issues. Our physiotherapists at Hayer Health will recommend a treatment plan based on your specific situation and how you respond to treatment. 

Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist? 

No, you can book directly with a physiotherapist without a referral.

Is physiotherapy covered by extended health insurance? 

Yes, most extended health insurance plans in Canada cover physiotherapy services. Coverage amounts and the number of sessions included will vary depending on your provider and plan. It is always a good idea to check your specific policy or speak with your insurance provider to understand your benefits.

Does Hayer Health offer direct billing? 

Hayer Health offers direct billing to many major insurance providers, which means you may not have to pay the full amount upfront. Coverage depends on your specific plan, so it is best to confirm your eligibility with both your provider and the clinic.