Hip Pain Physiotherapy in Joondanna and Moora
CLINICAL REVIEW DETAILS
Clinically reviewed by: Nick Nyman, Senior Musculoskeletal Physio
Last reviewed: August 2026
Profile link: Read Nick’s Bio
Understanding the cause and restoring movement
Hip pain can affect walking, sleeping, work, exercise and everyday activities. Because pain around the hip can have several possible causes, an accurate assessment is an important first step towards choosing the right treatment.
Where is hip pain felt?
Hip pain does not always feel as though it is coming directly from the hip joint. The location of your pain can provide useful information, although it does not confirm the cause by itself. Pain arising from the hip joint is commonly felt in the groin or front of the hip. Pain on the outside of the hip may involve the gluteal tendons, while pain from the lower back can sometimes be referred into the hip or buttock.
PAIN MAY BE FELT:
In the groin or front of the hip
On the outside of the hip
In the buttock
Down the thigh
Around the lower back or pelvis
What commonly causes hip pain?
The cause is not always obvious from the painful area alone. Your age, activity levels, recent changes in exercise and the way your symptoms began all help build a clearer picture.
COMMON CAUSES OF HIP PAIN INCLUDE
Hip osteoarthritis
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome or gluteal tendinopathy
Muscle strains and tendon injuries
Changes within the hip joint, including labral irritation
A sudden injury or fall
Pain referred from the lower back
Stress fractures or other bone injuries
Less commonly, inflammatory conditions or infection
Your physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms, general health, work, exercise and the activities that have become difficult. The aim is to identify the likely source of your symptoms, understand what is contributing to them and develop an appropriate plan.
What does a physiotherapy assessment involve?
YOUR ASSESSMENT MAY INCLUDE:
Watching how you walk and move
Checking hip and lower-back movement
Assessing strength around the hip, pelvis and legs
Testing movements such as squatting, stepping or standing on one leg
Looking at activities that reproduce your symptoms
Screening for signs that require medical review or further investigation
How is hip pain managed?
Treatment depends on the cause of your pain, how long it has been present and what you want to return to doing. For many hip conditions, gradually rebuilding strength and activity is an important part of recovery. The program should be matched to your current ability and progressed as your hip becomes more capable.
MANAGEMENT MAY INCLUDE:
Advice about temporarily adjusting painful activities
A gradual strengthening and exercise program
Improving hip movement and physical capacity
Guidance for returning to walking, work, sport or exercise
Hands-on treatment where it may help with pain or movement
Support with managing flare-ups
Referral to your GP or another health professional when appropriate
Is hip pain always arthritis?
No. Osteoarthritis is one possible cause of hip pain, particularly as people get older, but pain may also arise from muscles, tendons, the lower back or other structures around the hip. Even when osteoarthritis is present on an X-ray, the amount of change shown does not always match the amount of pain or difficulty a person experiences. An assessment considers your symptoms and function alongside any imaging results.
Imaging is not always required. Many causes of hip pain can be assessed using your history and a physical examination. Your physiotherapist can discuss whether medical review or imaging may be appropriate.
Do I need an X-ray or MRI?
AN X-RAY, MRI OR OTHER INVESTIGATION MAY BE RECOMMENDED WHEN:
Pain began after a significant injury or fall
A fracture or stress fracture is suspected
Symptoms are severe, unusual or getting worse
You cannot comfortably put weight through the leg
Symptoms are not improving as expected
The result is likely to change your treatment
When should you seek urgent medical care?
A hot, painful and swollen joint accompanied by fever may indicate an infection and requires urgent medical assessment.
SEEK PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION IF:
Your pain is sudden or severe
Your pain followed a significant injury or fall
The hip appears deformed
You cannot move your hip or put weight through the leg
You have significant swelling or bleeding
The joint is hot, red or swollen
You have a fever or feel generally unwell
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Often, yes. Exercise may need to be temporarily adjusted rather than stopped completely. The appropriate amount depends on the cause of your pain and how your symptoms respond during and after activity.
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Pain on the outside of the hip, particularly when lying on that side, climbing stairs or standing on one leg, can be associated with irritation of the gluteal tendons. An assessment can help distinguish this from pain arising elsewhere.
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Exercise can help improve strength, movement and your ability to complete everyday activities. Your program can be adapted to your symptoms, current fitness and goals.
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Recovery time varies. A recent muscle injury may settle relatively quickly, while tendon-related pain, osteoarthritis or long-standing symptoms may require several months of progressive rehabilitation.
Common Questions
Take the next step
If hip pain is affecting your movement, sleep, work or exercise, book an assessment at Wattle Physio in Joondanna and Moora.
