Hip Pain
Hip discomfort can develop from many different issues, especially in individuals who lead active lifestyles. Injuries from sports or high-demand activities are common, and conditions like arthritis can create persistent joint inflammation and stiffness. Pain felt in the groin may indicate problems such as a labral tear or irritation of the surrounding tendons. We also work with many women experiencing postpartum changes, where shifts in pelvic alignment or muscle imbalance contribute to ongoing hip symptoms.
What is Hip Pain?
At THRIVE Physical Therapy + Wellness, hip pain is one of the most frequent concerns we evaluate. The source is often more complex than it appears. Some patients have discomfort rooted in the hip joint itself, while others have symptoms that originate from neighboring areas such as the lower back, sacroiliac joint, or groin.
Muscle tightness or weakness around the hip is a major contributor. Over time, imbalances in the surrounding muscles can alter the way you move, placing extra stress on the joint and leading to persistent irritation. Referred pain from the lumbar spine or pelvis can also feel exactly like hip pain, making a thorough assessment essential for identifying the true cause.
What are the symptoms of Hip Pain?
Hip pain can present as stiffness, sharp discomfort, a deep aching sensation, or a noticeable limitation in movement. Weakness in the hip and pelvic muscles may cause instability, making weight-bearing activities harder than usual. Many people find simple tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, or bending to pick something up increasingly difficult.
These symptoms can restrict your daily life, from participating in social activities to enjoying your usual hobbies. Even basic actions like stepping into clothing or reaching down to put on socks can become a challenge. Over time, this loss of mobility can affect confidence and overall quality of life.
It’s common for individuals to try cycling, stretching, or general strengthening routines in hopes of easing the pain. While these activities may offer short-term relief, they don’t always correct the root problem. Similarly, medications, heat, massage, and injections can temporarily reduce symptoms, but many people find that their discomfort returns because the underlying cause hasn’t been addressed.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and there is a better, long-lasting approach.
What Is Our Approach To Fixing / Treating Hip Pain?
At THRIVE Physical Therapy + Wellness, we take a detailed and individualized approach to resolving hip pain. Instead of relying on standard exercise programs, we thoroughly evaluate how your hip, spine, pelvis, and surrounding soft tissues are functioning. This allows us to understand the specific factors contributing to your discomfort.
A significant part of our process involves examining the muscles around the hip to determine whether they are tight, weak, or working inefficiently. We also look for signs that the pain may be referred from nearby regions such as the lower back or sacroiliac joint. By broadening our assessment beyond the hip itself, we avoid missing key contributors that could be prolonging your symptoms.
Manual therapy is frequently incorporated to address stiffness, improve mobility, and reduce muscle tension. Once movement improves, we introduce targeted exercises designed to strengthen the hips, pelvis, and core so the joint is better supported during everyday activities.
We also consider how hip pain affects your life — whether you’re having trouble walking comfortably, bending forward, or completing routine tasks at home. Our goal is to help you move confidently again, return to the activities you enjoy, and prevent future flare-ups by giving you the right tools and strategies for long-term success.