Hip Pain

Hip Pain

Understanding Hip Pain

The hip joints are the largest ball-and-socket joints in our body and are highly durable. It can withstand repetitive motions and a reasonable amount of wear and tear. When we use our hip for activities such as walking or running, there is a cushion of cartilage which helps prevent friction as the hip bone moves in its socket. There are also muscles around the hip joint which help stabilise the joint and control movements of the hip.

A physical therapist assisting a patient with an exercise on a treatment table in a clinic.

Symptoms, Treatments and Approach

Cartilage and bone within the hip joint can gradually degenerate due to ageing and/or prolonged use. Although mild to moderate degenerative changes in the hip joint does not necessarily relate with hip pain, severe degenerative changes shown on radiological scans is associated with a significantly higher likelihood of hip pain.

Additionally, the surrounding structures (e.g. muscles and tendons) may become strained or injured from repetitive motions or overuse. In more severe cases, such as accidents or falls, the bones of the hip can also suffer fractures or other traumatic injuries. Symptoms of hip pain depend on the condition causing it and can be felt: 

  • Inside the hip joint 

  • Onside of the hip joint

  • Groin area 

  • Buttocks 

  • Thigh

Pain from other areas of the body such as the back can also radiate to the hip. Hip pain can affect our range of motion which can significantly affect one’s quality of living due to limitation in daily activities such as sitting, walking, or even sleeping. 

Assessment and Diagnosis 

During the initial assessment, our physiotherapists perform a thorough physical examination to identify the root cause of your hip pain. This includes reviewing your medical history, assessing daily activities and movement patterns, and evaluating joint mobility, strength, and flexibility through targeted tests. 

Common Diagnosis for Hip Pain

  • Osteoarthritis: Degenerative changes of the hip joint that causes pain.

  • Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): Premature contact between the pelvis and the thigh bone.

  • Labral tear: Injury to the ring-like cartilage in the hip joint.

  • Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS): Pain on the outside of the hip/thigh that is often caused by irritation/inflammation of the tendon/bursa attached.

  • Hip Flexor or Adductor Tendinopathy: Injury / reactive changes of the tendon on the front or inner thigh due to overuse.

Treatment Sessions

Once the cause of the pain is determined, our physiotherapists will provide treatment to address the cause of the hip pain. 

The customised treatment methods may include: 

  • Manual manipulation & Myofascial release

  • Acupuncture & Dry needling 

  • Therapeutic Ultrasound & Shockwave therapy

  • Stretches & Rehabilitation exercises 

  • Lifestyle advice to help prevent the pain from returning

Contact Us

Meet the Team

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Insurance Partners

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AXA logo with white text on a blue background and a red diagonal line.
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Prohealth Asia Hong Kong’s clinics offers direct billing service for several insurance providers.

In case your insurance provider isn’t listed here, we’ll be able to provide a digital copy of your itemised bill via email so you will be able to submit it for reimbursement.