Hip and groin pain can make walking, climbing stairs, sitting, running, changing direction and exercising uncomfortable. Symptoms may develop after an injury, through repetitive loading, changes in activity or conditions affecting the hip joint and surrounding muscles and tissues.
At Sterling Physiotherapy & Wellness, we provide individualized physiotherapy for hip and groin pain in Calgary. Your assessment considers your symptoms, hip mobility, muscle strength, movement patterns, balance and the activities that may be contributing to your discomfort.
Your rehabilitation plan is tailored to your condition and may include manual therapy, mobility exercises, progressive strengthening, balance training, movement retraining and functional exercises.
Whether your symptoms are related to a sports injury, muscle or tendon irritation, joint-related changes, overuse or another musculoskeletal condition, physiotherapy can help address contributing factors and improve your physical capacity.
Our goal is to help you move more comfortably, rebuild strength and confidence, and progressively return to walking, work, exercise, sports and everyday activities.
If hip or groin pain is limiting your mobility or affecting your quality of life, Sterling Physiotherapy & Wellness can assess your condition and develop an individualized rehabilitation plan.
Causes
Hip and groin pain can develop from an injury, repetitive loading, changes in physical activity or conditions affecting the hip joint, muscles, tendons and surrounding tissues.
Common contributing factors include:
- Hip muscle strains
- Groin or adductor strains
- Tendon irritation
- Hip joint problems
- Hip osteoarthritis and other joint changes
- Hip flexor irritation
- Sports-related injuries
- Repetitive running or jumping
- Sudden increases in exercise
- Reduced hip mobility
- Muscle weakness
- Reduced core or pelvic stability
- Previous injuries
- Altered lower-limb movement mechanics
Hip and groin symptoms can sometimes be influenced by movement and strength limitations elsewhere in the lower body. A comprehensive assessment can help identify factors contributing to your symptoms.
Signs & Symptoms
Hip and groin problems can affect everyday activities as well as exercise and sport.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Hip pain
- Groin pain
- Pain at the front or side of the hip
- Stiffness
- Tenderness
- Reduced hip range of motion
- Pain with walking
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Pain when getting in or out of a car
- Discomfort after prolonged sitting
- Pain with squatting or lunging
- Pain during running or jumping
- Difficulty changing direction
- Hip weakness
- Reduced exercise tolerance
Severe pain following a significant injury, inability to bear weight, marked swelling or other concerning symptoms may require medical assessment.
Benefits
Physiotherapy can help improve hip and lower-limb function while building the physical capacity needed for daily activities, exercise and sport.
Potential benefits include:
- Improved hip mobility
- Increased hip and leg strength
- Better core and pelvic stability
- Improved balance and coordination
- Better movement mechanics
- Increased tolerance for walking and stairs
- Improved ability to squat and lunge
- Greater confidence with movement
- Progressive return to exercise
- Improved running and sport-specific capacity
- Reduced risk of recurring activity-related problems
The expected benefits depend on the underlying condition, severity of symptoms and individual rehabilitation goals.
Treatment Process
Step 1: Hip & Groin Assessment
Your physiotherapist reviews your symptoms, activity or injury history and functional limitations. The assessment may examine hip mobility, strength, balance, walking mechanics and lower-limb movement.
Step 2: Identify Contributing Factors
Your physiotherapist identifies factors that may be contributing to your symptoms, such as muscle weakness, restricted mobility, reduced pelvic stability, movement patterns or changes in physical activity.
Step 3: Mobility & Symptom Management
Treatment may include manual therapy, mobility exercises and movement strategies to help improve comfortable hip movement and manage activity-related symptoms.
Step 4: Strength & Stability Rehabilitation
Progressive strengthening exercises are introduced for the hip, groin, core and surrounding muscles to improve the capacity of the area to tolerate everyday and physical demands.
Step 5: Functional & Sport Rehabilitation
As strength, mobility and tolerance improve, rehabilitation progresses toward your specific goals, including work, exercise, running, sport, lifting and other daily activities.
Recovery Expectations
Recovery from hip or groin pain varies depending on the underlying condition, severity and duration of symptoms, activity demands, previous injuries and response to rehabilitation.
Some conditions improve with appropriate activity modification and progressive rehabilitation, while more complex or persistent symptoms may require longer-term management or additional medical assessment.
Early rehabilitation may focus on managing symptoms, maintaining appropriate movement and restoring mobility. As your capacity improves, strengthening, stability and functional activities can be progressively increased.
Your rehabilitation program should be adjusted according to your response and the physical demands you need to meet.
Persistent or worsening pain, significant difficulty walking, inability to bear weight or symptoms following a substantial injury may warrant further medical evaluation.
Therapeutic Features & Treatment Scope
- Hip & Groin Movement Assessment
- Manual Therapy
- Mobility Restoration
- Progressive Strengthening
- Core & Pelvic Stability Training
- Functional & Sport Rehabilitation
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes hip and groin pain?
Hip and groin pain can result from muscle or tendon injuries, sports-related injuries, overuse, joint problems, reduced mobility, muscle weakness or changes in movement and activity levels.
Can physiotherapy help with hip and groin pain?
Yes. Physiotherapy can help improve hip mobility, strength, stability and movement while addressing physical factors that may contribute to pain and reduced function.
What treatment is used for hip and groin pain?
Treatment may include manual therapy, mobility exercises, progressive strengthening, core and pelvic stability training, movement retraining and functional or sport-specific rehabilitation.
How long does hip or groin pain take to recover?
Recovery depends on the underlying cause, severity and duration of symptoms and your response to rehabilitation. Your physiotherapist can develop a progressive plan based on your condition and individual goals.
When should I see a physiotherapist for hip or groin pain?
Consider an assessment if pain, stiffness, weakness or reduced mobility is affecting walking, stairs, sitting, exercise, work or sport. Significant injuries, inability to bear weight or severe symptoms should receive appropriate medical assessment.
Areas We Serve
Proudly serving Calgary and nearby communities including Airdrie, Okotoks, Chestermere, Cochrane, Langdon, Strathmore, De Winton. Book your appointment today.