Hip & Groin Pain
Hip & Groin Pain
Relief from hip and groin pain in Papworth Everard, Cambridgeshire:
Hip and groin pain is a common yet often frustrating issue that can affect people of all ages. It may arise from injury, overuse, or underlying conditions, and can limit movement and interfere with everyday activities.
Understanding the root cause of your pain is essential for effective treatment and recovery. With the right approach, symptoms can be managed successfully, helping you restore mobility, reduce discomfort, and return to the activities you enjoy with confidence.
Below are just some of the hip and groin conditions our expert team treats. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you move confidently from pain to peak performance.
Hip Osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis is a common, progressive condition in which the protective cartilage within the joint gradually wears down. As this cartilage becomes thinner and less smooth, the bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, inflammation, and reduced mobility. It often develops due to ageing, previous injury, or increased load on the joint, including excess body weight. Symptoms typically include pain during movement, stiffness, especially after rest or in the morning, and difficulty with everyday activities such as walking, bending, or putting on shoes. Early assessment and appropriate management are key to staying active. With the right treatment approach, symptoms can be effectively controlled, mobility preserved, and long-term joint health supported, helping you move with greater comfort and confidence.
Hip Impingement / FAI
Hip impingement, or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), occurs when the bones of the hip joint do not move smoothly together. This abnormal contact creates friction and pinching within the joint, which can lead to irritation and damage over time. Common symptoms include: - Deep, aching pain in the groin or front of the thigh, often worse after exercise, twisting movements, or prolonged sitting. - A “pinching,” clicking, or popping sensation within the hip. - Stiffness that makes everyday activities, such as putting on shoes, more difficult. - A sensation of the joint catching or locking during movement. Physiotherapy is essential in managing FAI, helping to reduce pain, improve movement patterns, and strengthen the muscles around the hip to enhance stability and coordination, supporting a safe return to normal activity.
Labral Tears
A hip labral tear involves damage to the labrum, a ring of cartilage that lines the hip socket and helps cushion the joint while keeping the thigh bone securely in place. When this structure is compromised, it can lead to pain, instability, and reduced movement. Common symptoms include: - A deep, sharp pain in the front of the hip or groin, sometimes radiating to the buttock or thigh. - Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations during movement. - A feeling that the hip may “lock,” catch, or give way - Reduced range of motion, making activities like squatting or putting on shoes uncomfortable. While some labral tears may go unnoticed, symptomatic tears can significantly affect daily function and activity levels. Risk factors include trauma, structural variations in the hip, and repetitive strain from activities involving rotation or impact. Physiotherapy plays a key role in managing a labral tear, helping to reduce pain, improve joint control, strengthen surrounding muscles, and support a safe return to activity while minimising further irritation.
Inguinal Hernias
An inguinal hernia occurs when fatty tissue or part of the intestine pushes through a weakened area in the lower abdominal wall, creating a bulge in the groin. It develops within the inguinal canal and requires medical assessment, as hernias do not resolve on their own. Common symptoms include: - A visible lump in the groin or upper thigh. - Aching, burning, or a feeling of heaviness in the area. - Discomfort that worsens with bending, lifting, coughing, or exercise. - In men, the swelling may extend into the scrotum. Risk factors include repeated straining (such as heavy lifting or chronic coughing), strenuous physical activity, and natural weaknesses in the abdominal wall. If surgery is required, physiotherapy plays a vital role in recovery, helping to rebuild strength, restore mobility, and support a safe return to normal activity.
Adductor / Groin Strain
A groin strain occurs when the inner thigh muscles (adductors) are overstretched or torn, often due to sudden movements, overuse, or activities involving quick changes of direction or kicking. It is particularly common in sports and tasks that place high demands on the lower body. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the leg. You may also experience discomfort when bringing your legs together, lifting your knee, or even during actions like coughing or sneezing. Physiotherapy is essential for effective recovery, helping to reduce pain, restore strength and flexibility, and safely guide you back to full activity while minimising the risk of re-injury.
Greater Trochanteric Bursitis / Pain Syndrome
Trochanteric bursitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac, on the outer part of the hip, known as the greater trochanter. It is one of the most common causes of outer hip pain and can make everyday activities, such as walking or lying on your side, uncomfortable. Increasingly, this condition is referred to as Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS), as it often also involves irritation of the surrounding tendons. Common symptoms include: - Pain on the outer hip, thigh, or buttock. - Discomfort when lying on the affected side. - Pain when standing up, climbing stairs, or walking for longer periods. - Tenderness when pressing on the outside of the hip. Risk factors include repetitive activities such as running or cycling, muscle imbalances, direct impact, or prolonged pressure on the hip. Physiotherapy is essential for effective recovery, helping to reduce pain, modify aggravating activities, and strengthen the gluteal muscles and surrounding structures, supporting a safe return to comfortable movement and daily activities.
Referred Pain / Nerve Pain
Referred or nerve-related hip pain can present as sharp, shooting discomfort, tingling, or numbness in the hip and thigh. It is often caused by nerve irritation or compression, which may originate locally or from the lower back, pelvis, or surrounding muscles. This type of pain can significantly impact movement and daily activities, making accurate diagnosis essential. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in recovery, identifying the root cause, relieving nerve irritation, and restoring strength, mobility, and confidence in your movement.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy for hip and groin conditions focuses on relieving pain and restoring function through a combination of hands-on treatment and targeted rehabilitation. This may include joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, taping, acupuncture, and tailored exercise programmes.
Our physiotherapists will also empower you with practical strategies to support your recovery, such as specific stretches and strengthening exercises to prevent recurrence. We provide expert guidance on managing workload, incorporating effective breaks, and reducing strain during daily activities. Where appropriate, we can also advise on posture correction and recommend ergonomic solutions to support long-term hip and groin health.