Hips

Hip bursitis occurs when one of the bursae — small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint — becomes inflamed. It is often caused by repetitive motions, prolonged pressure, or imbalances in the muscles around the hip. Bursitis can cause sharp pain during movement or aching discomfort at rest. If not treated early, it can significantly limit hip motion and daily activities. Therapy focuses on reducing inflammation, correcting biomechanical faults, and strengthening the supporting muscles.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain on the outside of the hip
• Tenderness to touch over the hip
• Pain when lying on the affected side
• Pain that worsens with walking, climbing stairs, or standing from a seated position
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the hip socket and helps stabilize the joint. A labral tear can occur from trauma, repetitive twisting movements, or underlying structural abnormalities. Labral tears can cause mechanical symptoms like clicking, catching, or locking in the hip. Without treatment, tears may worsen and contribute to joint instability and arthritis. Therapy focuses on stabilizing the hip, reducing pain, and restoring proper joint mechanics.

Symptoms may include:

• Deep groin pain or discomfort
• Clicking or locking sensation in the hip
• Stiffness and limited hip motion
• Pain during twisting or pivoting movements
• Feeling of instability in the hip

Hip arthritis occurs when the cartilage protecting the hip joint wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced function. Osteoarthritis is the most common form, but inflammatory arthritis can also affect the hip. Symptoms usually progress slowly but can severely limit mobility if not addressed. Therapy focuses on preserving joint mobility, maintaining strength, and reducing pain to improve overall function.

Symptoms may include:

• Stiffness in the hip joint, especially in the morning
• Aching pain in the groin, thigh, or buttock
• Difficulty walking, bending, or climbing stairs
• Grinding or popping sensations with movement
• Reduced hip range of motion

A hip flexor strain involves stretching or tearing of the muscles at the front of the hip, often from sudden movements, sprinting, or kicking. Strains can vary from mild overstretching to complete tears. Without appropriate rehab, hip flexor injuries can lead to chronic weakness or recurring strains. Therapy emphasizes controlled healing, restoring flexibility, and rebuilding strength to protect the hip during activity.

Symptoms may include:

• Sharp pain at the front of the hip
• Pain when lifting the knee toward the chest
• Tenderness and swelling over the hip flexors
• Weakness when trying to walk or climb stairs
• Stiffness after periods of inactivity

Gluteal tendinopathy is a common cause of lateral hip pain, resulting from overuse or weakness of the gluteal muscles. It often affects runners, walkers, or individuals who stand for long periods. Without treatment, tendinopathy can worsen and limit activity levels. Therapy focuses on strengthening the hip stabilizers, correcting movement mechanics, and reducing stress on the affected tendons.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain on the outside of the hip
• Tenderness over the greater trochanter
• Pain when lying on the affected side
• Worsening pain with walking or climbing stairs
• Stiffness and reduced hip stability

Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttock, irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve. It can mimic sciatica but originates from the hip rather than the spine. Sitting for long periods or overuse can aggravate symptoms. Therapy focuses on stretching tight muscles, strengthening weak areas, and improving movement patterns to relieve nerve irritation. It's prevalence, and even its existence, is highly contested and seen as a misdiagnosed lumbar derangement (lumbar disc lesion).

Symptoms may include:

• Deep buttock pain
• Pain radiating down the back of the leg
• Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting
• Tenderness when pressing on the buttock

IT band syndrome involves inflammation or irritation of the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue that runs from the hip to the shin. It commonly affects runners and cyclists due to repetitive knee bending. Without addressing the underlying causes, IT band syndrome can lead to chronic hip or knee pain. Therapy focuses on stretching, strengthening, and improving lower body mechanics.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain on the outside of the hip or knee
• Tightness along the outer thigh
• Worsening pain with running or descending stairs
• Tenderness to touch along the IT band
• Snapping sensation near the hip

Snapping hip syndrome is characterized by a popping or snapping sensation in the hip during movement, often caused by tendons moving over bony structures. It can be painless or associated with discomfort if inflammation develops. Snapping hip is common in dancers, athletes, and individuals with hypermobility. Therapy focuses on stretching tight tissues, strengthening stabilizing muscles, and correcting abnormal movement patterns.

Symptoms may include:

• Snapping or popping sensation when moving the hip
• Pain at the front, side, or back of the hip
• Hip tightness or stiffness
• Swelling if irritation is present
• Pain that worsens with repetitive motion

Hip replacement surgery is often performed to relieve pain and restore function in cases of severe arthritis or joint damage. After surgery, proper rehabilitation is crucial to regain strength, flexibility, and balance. Physical therapy helps patients safely rebuild mobility, correct movement patterns, and maximize the long-term success of the new joint. Early therapy focuses on gentle movement and pain control, while later stages work on restoring full strength and endurance. A structured rehab plan ensures the best possible return to daily activities and an active lifestyle.

Post-hip replacement recovery challenges may include:

• Stiffness and limited hip mobility after surgery
• Weakness in the hip and leg muscles
• Pain or discomfort with walking or standing
• Swelling around the surgical site
• Difficulty performing daily activities initially