Hip Pain
Osteopathic Management for Hip Pain — Melbourne & Caroline Springs
Hip pain can affect walking, sitting, exercise, and everyday movement. It may develop gradually or occur after injury, and it often involves more than just the hip joint itself.
At Live Well Health Centre, osteopaths help assess and manage hip pain by evaluating how the hip, pelvis, lower back, and surrounding muscles work together.
Our approach focuses on improving movement, supporting load tolerance, and helping manage factors that may contribute to ongoing symptoms.
What is hip pain?
Hip pain refers to discomfort felt around the hip joint or surrounding tissues.
It may be felt in:
- the outer hip
- the groin
- the buttock
- the upper thigh
Because the hip is closely connected to the lower back and pelvis, pain in this region may sometimes be referred from nearby structures.
Hip pain can involve joints, muscles, tendons, bursae, or surrounding connective tissue.
Common symptoms
Hip pain may involve:
- discomfort when walking or standing
- pain when sitting for long periods
- stiffness or reduced range of movement
- groin or outer hip pain
- difficulty climbing stairs
- pain during exercise
- tenderness around the hip
Some people may also notice pain spreading into the lower back or thigh.
What causes hip pain?
Hip pain is often influenced by mechanical and functional factors.
Common contributors include:
- muscle overload or imbalance
- reduced hip joint mobility
- tendon irritation or overload
- bursitis
- movement pattern changes
- prolonged sitting
- sudden increases in activity
- previous injury
Common clinical presentations associated with hip pain include:
- gluteal tendinopathy
- greater trochanteric pain syndrome
- hip joint stiffness
- muscle strain
- movement-related hip pain
Hip symptoms are often influenced by how the pelvis and lower back move and share load.
Who is most likely to experience hip pain?
Hip pain can occur at any age but is commonly seen in:
- runners and active individuals
- people who sit for prolonged periods
- individuals with lower back problems
- people with reduced mobility or strength
- those recovering from injury
- middle-aged and older adults
How is hip pain assessed?
Osteopathic assessment typically includes:
- detailed symptom history
- hip movement testing
- muscle and joint examination
- pelvis and lower back assessment
- functional movement evaluation
Because hip pain may have multiple contributing factors, assessment aims to identify mechanical and functional influences.
Imaging may be recommended if clinically indicated.
Referral to a GP or specialist may be advised where appropriate.
How osteopathy may help manage hip pain
Osteopaths help manage hip pain by addressing factors that influence joint movement, muscle function, and load distribution.
Management may involve:
- improving hip joint mobility
- reducing muscle tension
- supporting movement coordination
- guiding activity modification
- providing rehabilitation and strengthening strategies
Care is individualised and often considers how the hip interacts with the pelvis, spine, and lower limb.
Techniques that may be used
Based on assessment findings, management may include:
- joint mobilisation or articulation
- soft tissue techniques
- muscle energy technique (MET)
- movement retraining
- strengthening and rehabilitation exercises
- clinical Pilates
- load management strategies
Technique selection depends on clinical reasoning and individual presentation.
Evidence and research
Clinical guidelines support conservative management as the first approach for many hip-related musculoskeletal conditions.
Evidence supports:
- exercise-based rehabilitation
- progressive loading programs
- manual therapy as part of multimodal care
- education and activity modification
These approaches are widely recommended in musculoskeletal practice.
Key guideline and research sources
International clinical guidelines for tendinopathy management
Support progressive loading and rehabilitation as central components of care.
Systematic reviews of conservative management for hip-related pain
Support multimodal care including exercise and manual therapy.
Best practice musculoskeletal management frameworks
Recommend movement-based rehabilitation and education.
Clinical interpretation
Management approaches that address movement, muscle function, and load tolerance are widely supported for hip-related musculoskeletal pain.
What to expect from management
Recovery experiences vary depending on:
- underlying cause
- symptom duration
- activity demands
- tissue load tolerance
Some hip problems improve gradually with rehabilitation and movement retraining.
Active participation in strengthening and mobility exercises is often an important part of management.
Self-management and lifestyle support
Education and movement are key components of hip pain management.
Your osteopath may guide:
- activity modification
- strengthening programs
- mobility exercises
- load management
- posture and movement strategies
Gradual return to activity is commonly recommended.
When to seek medical review
Medical assessment is recommended if hip pain involves:
- significant trauma
- inability to bear weight
- progressive weakness
- severe or persistent night pain
- unexplained swelling or systemic symptoms
If unsure, seek professional advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is hip pain always caused by arthritis?
No. Many cases involve muscles, tendons, or movement-related factors.
Should I rest if my hip hurts?
Prolonged rest is usually not recommended. Guided movement is often beneficial.
Can lower back problems cause hip pain?
Yes. The hip and lower back work closely together and may influence each other.
Do I need imaging?
Imaging is not always required and depends on clinical findings.
Related conditions
- Lower back pain
- Gluteal tendinopathy
- Knee pain
- Running injuries
Not sure what is causing your hip pain?
If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, an osteopathic assessment can help identify contributing factors and guide appropriate management.
Book an appointment to discuss your symptoms.