Hip pain is a common condition we treat in both sporting and non-sporting population groups.
The term hip pain could be used to describe pain at the front, side or back of the hip joint. It could be quite acute or instant in onset, or something that has been developing slowly over multiple months or years.
There are multiple different reasons for hip pain developing- degenerative change, genetics, hypermobility, trauma, referral from the lumbar spine, poor strength and control, overuse or sudden increases in training loads just to name a few.
Your physiotherapist will ask you questions about the location of your hip pain, when or how it may have started and any movements or positions that may aggravate or ease your pain.
After taking a thorough history and identifying the most likely reasons for your hip pain, your physio will then conduct a series of tests to confirm or deny these.
Hip tests could including every-day tasks such as walking, using stairs, squatting or standing on one leg. Your physio will then conduct some hip movement and strength tests on the treatment table for further information. This will likely be followed by palpation of the muscles and structures around the hip to identify painful regions.
Assessment of the hip within the treatment rooms usually requires you to change into a pair of shorts or undress down to your underwear for ease of movement. Your modesty is our priority so drape towels and privacy whilst changing are always offered.
The team at CSSM have developed years of experience with assessing and treating hip pain. When indicated we can conduct strength testing using a force gauge and gym equipment including a leg press, leg extension and a squat rack. We can analyse your walking technique on our modern treadmill video analysis system, or simply watch with our trained eye how you perform your daily movements such as squatting or walking up and down stairs.
We keep our assessments functional and individualised. Our main priority is identifying your needs and goals and keeping these at the forefront of our mind in every session.
We develop rehabilitation programs that align with our patients’ interests and lifestyle. Whether that be a home exercise program, gym based program or Clinical Pilates program we will offer you the different options and identify what suits you best.
Content for this page on hip injuries was prepared by Camberwell Sports and Spinal Medicine Physiotherapist, Kobi Phelan. Kobi has a clinical interest in hip injury and rehabilitation, particularly sporting injuries involving the hip, groin and pelvis.
Based on what your physiotherapist predicts is causing your hip pain, they may refer you for further imaging of the hip. If your physio believes the cause of your hip pain may result in the need for different treatment options beyond physiotherapy, it could be beneficial to use imaging to confirm or rule out certain conditions prior to directing you to the best treatment plan.
When considering imaging, our physiotherapists will always discuss with you the pros and cons of getting it done and how the information gained could help or change your treatment plan going forward. It is always an open conversation and the decision is ultimately up to the patient.
As physiotherapists we will always advocate to our patients to maintain their activity levels where they can, however, pushing through pain or higher levels of discomfort that results in a significant ache or worsening pain AFTER exercise is not recommended. Some awareness of mild discomfort during exercise or strength work is ok if this settles fairly instantly after activity is ceased. Some exercise such as running, deep squats or high impact gym classes may be restricted in the short term whilst the hip is recovering. Your physiotherapist can help identify lower impact options such as swimming and other non-provocative strength exercises that you can use as a substitute to keep the body moving in the meantime.
The use of anti-inflammatories has increasingly becoming debated. Our body’s natural healing properties use inflammation to facilitate recovery and the reliance on anti-inflammatory medication can be seen to interrupt this valuable healing property. However, if there is persistent swelling, osteoarthritic changes/pain within the joint itself, anti-inflammatories may provide relief from these conditions given their constant nature. In some cases, liaising with your GP in regards to the safe use of anti-inflammatories may be encouraged if there has been limited effect with other natural anti-inflammatory options such avoiding aggravating movements or positions, minimising the impact through the hip joint and icing.
To make an appointment for treatment of your hip you do not need a referral.
Appointments can be made with any of our team by calling the clinic directly. Alternatively you can make an appointment via our online portal at our website – www.cssm.com.au
(03) 9889 1078
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