Hip Pain
Hip pain can show up in the groin, the outer hip or the buttock, and physical therapy helps by finding out which joint, tendon or muscle is actually the problem. Heights Physical Therapy treats hip pain for people in Gunnison, Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley, from hikers with a sore outer hip to skiers with a deep pinch in the front of the joint.
Where your hip pain is tells us where to look
Hip pain is a broad term. The spot where it hurts, and when, points to different causes.
Outer hip pain and hip pain lying on your side
Pain on the bony point of the outer hip, especially when you lie on that side at night or climb stairs, is often hip bursitis or a gluteal tendon problem. Together these are called greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
Groin pain and a pinch at the front of the hip
This pattern can come from a hip labral tear or hip impingement (also called FAI), where the ball and socket of the joint pinch against each other as you bend deeply, like in a ski tuck or a squat.
Hip pain when walking, and stiffness in the morning
Hip arthritis tends to make the joint stiff and achy, with pain that builds on longer walks or after sitting.
Sharp pain high on the thigh after a sprint or a kick
A hip flexor strain or a groin strain follows a sudden push or stretch and usually hurts when you lift your knee.
Hip arthritis in an active town
Hip arthritis does not always mean giving up hiking or skiing, and many people stay active with the right plan. Physical therapy can build strength in the muscles that carry the joint, improve how far it can move and help you pace your activity. Stronger hips and glutes can take load off a sore joint.
Your therapist will also talk through the surfaces, step heights and trail grades that feel best right now, so you can keep doing what you love. For related joint pain see arthritis.
What treatment for hip pain can include
Your plan is custom to your hip and your activities, with education and a home exercise program.
- A hands-on exam of the hip, low back and pelvis to see where the pain really starts
- Manual therapy and joint mobilization to ease stiffness and guarding around the hip
- Hip and glute strengthening, built up from gentle work to climbing, step-downs and single-leg control
- Gait training for people who limp, or who feel the hip hurt when walking or running
- Changes to positions and habits that irritate the hip, like crossing your legs or sleeping on the sore side
- A home exercise program you can do between visits
Hip pain that is really coming from your back
The hip and the low back share nerves and muscles, so a back problem can feel like hip or buttock pain. If your pain travels down the leg, read about sciatica. If it starts in the lower spine, see back pain. We check both so you are treated for the real source.
Before and after hip replacement
Getting ready for a hip replacement
Stronger hip and glute muscles, steadier walking and a plan for the first days at home, such as getting in and out of bed, a chair and the car, can make recovery smoother.
Rehab after a hip replacement
Bring your surgeon’s instructions, including any movement limits for the new hip, and we will follow them. The details are on our post-surgical rehab page.
When hip pain goes along with other problems
Hip trouble often goes along with knee pain, and athletes can read about sports injury rehab. If your pain is in the pelvis, the tailbone or deep in the groin with bladder or bowel symptoms, see pelvic pain.
Questions about hip pain
When should I see a doctor about my hip?
See a doctor first if you cannot put weight on the leg after a fall, if the hip looks deformed, or if you have fever or severe night pain that does not change with position. Otherwise our physical therapists can examine you and refer you on if needed.
Do I need a referral?
Call us and we will tell you what applies to your insurance, and whether you need anything from your doctor, before your first visit.
Find out where your hip pain starts
A hands-on exam can tell whether your pain comes from the hip, the back or the tissue around the joint. Heights Physical Therapy serves Gunnison, Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley. Call or request an appointment and we will find a time that works.
We see patients in Gunnison, Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley, Colorado.