Hip Pain

Physiotherapy for hip pain: pain on the outside, front or groin of the hip, when walking or at rest.

Hip Pain
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What is it?

Physiotherapy for hip pain starts with mapping out exactly where the pain is coming from, because the hip is a complex joint where many structures come together. Pain on the outside of the hip, groin pain, or pain radiating to the buttock or thigh can have quite different underlying causes. At Physical Studio we regularly see hip complaints in both active athletes and people who sit or stand a lot for work.

The hip carries your body weight and is involved in almost every movement you make: walking, climbing stairs, standing up from a chair, sport. Complaints can build up gradually through overuse, or appear suddenly after an awkward movement. Wear of the hip joint (osteoarthritis) also occurs, especially in people over 50, and often presents a different pattern than, for example, an impingement in younger, sporty people.

Because the hip plays such a central role in your movement pattern, an accurate diagnosis matters. At Physical Studio we combine a thorough intake with movement analysis and, where clinically relevant, ultrasound to assess the structures around the joint.

Common causes

  • Hip impingement (FAI): bone contact between the femoral head and hip socket during certain movements
  • Hip osteoarthritis: wear of the cartilage in the hip joint
  • Bursitis: inflammation of the bursa on the outside of the hip
  • Overuse of hip muscles, for example from running or frequent stair climbing
  • Groin complaints from overuse of the hip muscle attachments
  • Labral injury: damage to the cartilage ring around the hip joint
  • Prolonged sitting leading to reduced hip mobility
  • Reduced muscle strength or stability around the pelvis and hip

How we diagnose

We start with an extensive intake where we ask about how your complaints began, exactly where the pain is located and when it occurs, for example when walking, sitting or during specific sports movements. This is followed by a movement analysis looking at your gait pattern, hip mobility and the strength of the surrounding muscles. Where clinically useful, we use ultrasound to assess structures such as bursae and tendon attachments around the hip. With VALD Force Decks we can also objectively measure the strength and load capacity of your leg. Based on these findings we put together a personal treatment plan.

Treatment approach

Treatment of hip complaints at Physical Studio focuses on reducing pain and restoring function, with exercise therapy as the foundation. Research shows that targeted exercise therapy can be effective for many forms of hip pain, including impingement and early-stage osteoarthritis. We build an exercise programme tailored to your load capacity, focused on mobility, strength and stability around the hip and pelvis. Manual therapy can be used to help reduce tension in the tissues around the joint and support mobility. Where needed we combine physiotherapy with personal training, so you can rebuild towards sport or daily activities under guidance. We also give practical advice on loading and movement habits that can contribute to your recovery.

Expected recovery

Recovery from hip complaints varies significantly from person to person and depends on the underlying cause, the nature and duration of your symptoms. Overuse complaints and bursitis often respond to targeted exercise therapy within a few weeks to several months for many patients. Hip impingement and mild osteoarthritis usually require a longer, gradual build-up, often over several months. With osteoarthritis, the goal is mainly to improve function and manage symptoms, not to restore the cartilage itself. Throughout treatment we discuss what is realistic for your specific situation.

When to seek help

Contact your GP if you have severe hip pain after a fall or accident, if you cannot bear weight on your leg, if there is fever combined with a painful, warm or swollen hip, or if the pain persists at night and does not ease with rest. It is also wise to consult your GP first if you experience sudden, unexplained hip pain with no clear cause. If in doubt, you are always welcome to come in for an intake first, with direct access and no referral needed, after which we'll together determine whether a referral is necessary.

Frequently asked questions

Where does pain on the outside or front of my hip come from?
Pain on the outside of the hip often comes from the bursa or the tendon attachments of the hip muscles. Pain at the front or in the groin more often points to impingement, a labral injury, or overuse of the hip flexors. A thorough intake and movement assessment usually clarify the exact cause.
Is it osteoarthritis or bursitis?
Osteoarthritis often causes a deeper, stiff pain in the groin that increases with load and after rest, while bursitis usually causes sharper pain on the outside of the hip, for example when lying on that side. The difference isn't always clear by feel alone, so we use clinical assessment and ultrasound where needed.
Can I keep exercising with hip pain?
In many cases you can keep moving or exercising in an adapted form. Complete rest usually isn't necessary and can sometimes even be counterproductive. We look together at what load fits your complaints and build a progressive plan aligned with your sporting goals.
When is hip surgery needed?
Surgery, such as a hip replacement, is considered when conservative treatment doesn't provide enough relief and the complaints significantly limit your daily functioning. This is always a decision made together with your GP and an orthopaedic specialist. Physiotherapy can support you both before and after any surgery.
What can I do myself about groin pain when walking?
Pay attention to how you build up your load, avoid sudden spikes in intensity, and gradually build strength and mobility around the hip. Targeted exercises can help reduce complaints, but the right approach depends on the underlying cause, which we're happy to help identify with you.
How long before I notice improvement?
This varies by person and by the cause of the complaint. Some patients notice relief within a few weeks, while other complaints, such as osteoarthritis, take longer. We evaluate progress regularly and adjust the treatment plan where needed.
Is physiotherapy for hip pain covered by my health insurance?
Physiotherapy is typically covered under supplementary insurance rather than the standard basisverzekering, with some exceptions for certain chronic conditions. Coverage depends on your individual policy, so always check your own policy or use the insurance checker on our site.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No, at Physical Studio you have direct access, without a referral from your GP. During your first appointment we screen whether physiotherapy is appropriate, and refer you onward if that turns out to be needed.

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Book an appointment+31 20 782 82 82