Hip pain can be debilitating, affecting mobility and quality of life. Understanding the different types of hip pain, their causes, and treatment options is crucial for effective management and relief. In this blog post, we'll explore various categories of hip pain, including adductor-associated pain, lateral hip pain (including Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome - GTPS) and joint-associated pain (including Femoroacetabular Impingement - FAI and Osteoarthritis - OA). We'll also delve into the role of physiotherapy in managing hip pain, busting myths and decoding jargon along the way.
Understanding the Types of Hip Pain:
- Adductor-associated groin Pain: This type of hip pain involves the muscles of the inner thigh (adductor muscles). Causes may include muscle strains, overuse injuries, or imbalances in muscle strength. Treatment typically involves rest, activity modification, and targetted strengthening exercises for the adductor muscles.
- Lateral Hip Pain (GTPS): Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) involves pain and tenderness on the outside of the hip. It can result from inflammation of the tendons or bursae in the hip region. Treatment may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and modifying activities that aggravate symptoms.
- Joint-associated Pain (FAI and OA): Hip joint pain can stem from conditions like Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) or Osteoarthritis (OA). FAI occurs when there is an incongruity within the ball (femur) and socket (acetabulum) hip joint, leading to pain. OA occurs when the articular cartilage in the joint becomes inflamed, painful, stiff and swollen over time.
- Other causes of hip Pain: There are a number of other causes of hip pain that can originate from the lower abdomen and the lower back. Additionally, there are a number of other non-musculoskeletal causes of pain in the vicinity of the hip, including hernias, as well as other more serious sinister causes. It is therefore crucial that a thorough assessment is undertaken in order to determine the cause of pain, and provide the appropriate management and treatment accordingly.
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The Role of Physiotherapy:
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing hip pain by assessing for an accurate cause and diagnosis, addressing underlying biomechanical issues, improving strength and flexibility, and promoting optimal movement and function. Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques, including manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education, to help individuals recover from hip injuries and alleviate pain.
Jargon Buster and Myth Buster:
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): FAI refers to abnormal contact between the bones (Femur and acetabulum) in the hip joint, often resulting in pain and limited range of motion.
Myth: FAI can only be treated surgically.
Fact: Physiotherapy and targeted exercises can help improve symptoms and delay or even prevent the need for surgery in some cases.
eMed MSK Physiotherapy Service:
Our eMed MSK service offers comprehensive physiotherapy, including digital-first consultations, face-to-face sessions, and personalized exercise management programs. Through innovative digital platforms, patients can access expert advice, exercise routines, and rehabilitation support from the comfort of their homes.
- National Health Service (NHS). (2020). Hip Pain. nhs.uk/conditions/hip-pain/
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). (2021). Physical Therapist's Guide to Hip Impingement. choosept.com/symptomsconditionsdetail/physical-therapy-guide-to-hip-impingemet
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Osteoarthritis. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351925
