Physio for Hip Pain in Melbourne

Physio for Hip Pain

What Causes Hip Pain?

Hip pain can come from several different sources. Sometimes it begins after an injury or sudden movement. Other times, it develops slowly from everyday habits or age-related wear and tear. Some of the common causes we treat include:

  • Muscle or tendon strain
  • Joint stiffness or arthritis
  • Hip bursitis or inflammation
  • Nerve irritation in the lower back or pelvis
  • Outer hip pain from walking, running, or standing for long hours
  • Recovery from surgery or falls

Our physiotherapy Melbourne team sees many patients with hip pain that has built up over time. This often happens because nearby muscles aren’t working well or the joints aren’t moving as they should.

Signs You May Need Physiotherapy for Hip Pain

It’s not always easy to tell if you need help. But if you’re feeling any of the following signs, a physiotherapist can assess the issue and guide you through safe recovery:

Discomfort while walking, climbing stairs, or sitting

Pain that worsens with movement or gets better with rest

Sharp pain in the groin, thigh, or outer hip area

Tightness or stiffness around the hips or lower back

Pain when sleeping on one side

Outer hip pain is especially common in people who stand a lot at work or walk long distances. With the right support, most people see clear improvement in just a few sessions.

How Physiotherapy Helps With Hip Pain

Physiotherapy is a gentle, hands-on approach to treating hip problems without relying on medication or quick fixes. Our team focuses on improving how your muscles, joints, and nerves work together.
A typical physio hip pain session may include:
  • Manual therapy to release tight muscles
  • Targeted exercises to improve strength and flexibility
  • Posture and movement training to avoid future pain
  • Advice on daily habits and positions that reduce strain
  • Support with walking or mobility aids if needed
Every session is personalised. Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or long-term discomfort, we help your body move more freely again.
Physio for Hip Pain

Common Types of Hip Pain We Treat

At Go Run Go Physio, we regularly treat:
  • Outer hip pain caused by muscle imbalance or tendon irritation
  • Hip joint stiffness due to arthritis or ageing
  • Bursitis, a painful swelling of the fluid-filled sac near the joint
  • Hip flexor strain from sports, running, or cycling
  • Post-surgery recovery from hip replacement
  • Nerve-related hip pain from lower back issues
We take the time to explain your condition clearly and adjust your treatment as you progress. You’ll always know what’s being done and why.

Why Choose Go Run Go Physio?

Our focus is simple – helping you get back to doing what you love. With years of experience in physiotherapy Melbourne, our team works with you to create a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle. Here’s what makes us different:
  • Friendly and experienced physiotherapists
  • Flexible appointment times across Melbourne
  • In-clinic and at-home sessions available
  • Personalised care tailored to your needs
  • A clear plan focused on long-term results
  • Holistic approach that treats the root cause
We’re here to listen, support, and guide your recovery at a pace that suits you.

Understanding Hip Pain: Why Addressing It Early Matters

Hip pain is more than a minor discomfort; it’s a signal that something in your musculoskeletal system may not be functioning as it should. Whether you’re an athlete, a tradie on your feet all day, or someone navigating the natural effects of ageing, pain in or around the hip joint can disrupt even the most basic daily activities.

Ignoring early signs can lead to worsening mobility, chronic discomfort, and compensation injuries in the knees or lower back. Identifying the source of the pain promptly allows for targeted intervention, preventing long-term issues and promoting better overall movement.

Many people wait until the pain becomes debilitating before seeking help, but early physiotherapy input offers a proactive approach, often avoiding the need for more invasive treatment later.

The Mechanics of the Hip Joint: A Quick Overview

The hip is one of the largest and most stable joints in the human body. It functions as a ball-and-socket joint, where the head of the femur fits securely into the pelvis. Its stability and wide range of motion are essential for:

Walking and running

Sitting and standing

Climbing stairs

Lifting and twisting

This joint is supported by a network of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. When any of these structures are stressed or injured, it can result in hip pain or reduced range of movement.
Disruptions in muscle balance, poor alignment, or limited joint control often contribute to recurring discomfort in this area. In particular, those experiencing outer hip pain may be dealing with overuse or irritation of structures like the iliotibial band, gluteal tendons, or bursae.

Common Daily Habits That May Contribute to Hip Pain

Even without a noticeable injury, many people develop hip pain from daily movements and postures. Several lifestyle-related habits can silently contribute to ongoing issues:

Prolonged sitting at a desk or in a vehicle

Sleeping on one side without adequate support

Lack of stretching or warm-up before exercising

Wearing unsupportive footwear during long periods of walking

Standing with uneven weight distribution, especially if carrying bags or holding a child

While these may seem harmless, they can cumulatively lead to muscle imbalances, poor pelvic alignment, or tension in surrounding tissues. Over time, the hip joint compensates, leading to discomfort or restricted movement.

Movement Restrictions You Might Not Realise Are Linked to Hip Pain

Not all signs of hip pain appear in the hip itself. Due to the joint’s role in stabilising the entire lower body, issues can show up in seemingly unrelated areas, such as:
  • Lower back tightness
  • Knee pain when walking or squatting
  • Foot arch strain from altered walking patterns
  • Reduced stride length
  • Difficulty with turning or pivoting movements
These symptoms often result from the body adjusting to avoid painful hip movements, which can unintentionally place strain on nearby joints and muscles.

Hidden Causes of Hip Pain in Active Individuals

People who are physically active or play sports often assume hip pain is due to muscle soreness or a minor strain. However, some less obvious culprits include:
  • Pelvic instability from weak core or gluteal muscles
  • Overtraining without adequate rest or recovery
  • Asymmetrical movement patterns, such as favouring one leg
  • Poor running gait or technique
  • Inadequate rehabilitation from old injuries
For example, runners with weak hip stabilisers often experience outer hip pain , especially when increasing training load. This discomfort may feel mild at first but can lead to more significant tendon irritation if left unaddressed.

Preventing Recurrence: Long-Term Strategies That Work

To reduce the likelihood of hip pain returning after treatment, it’s essential to implement strategies that address the underlying causes, not just the symptoms. Effective long-term management includes:
  • Strengthening stabilising muscles, such as gluteus medius and deep core muscles
  • Correcting posture and alignment during walking, sitting, and sleeping
  • Improving flexibility through targeted stretches for the hip flexors and hamstrings
  • Incorporating rest and recovery periods into training schedules
  • Practising movement control, especially during activities like squats or lunges
Establishing these habits not only eases existing discomfort but can improve overall joint health and movement efficiency.

Understanding Lateral Hip Pain: Why the Outer Hip Is Often Affected

Outer hip pain is especially common in people who walk, run, or stand for extended periods. This pain is often felt near the outside of the thigh, just below the waistline, and may worsen at night or when lying on the affected side.
Common contributors include:
  • Gluteal tendinopathy, where the tendons near the hip become irritated
  • Trochanteric bursitis, involving inflammation of fluid-filled sacs
  • Weak lateral stabilisers, which fail to absorb impact during movement
  • Imbalances in leg strength or foot mechanics

Understanding the root of outer hip pain helps guide more precise treatment strategies, often involving physiotherapy techniques aimed at neuromuscular control, load management, and strength training.

When Hip Pain Affects Sleep and Daily Comfort

Many people with hip pain report that it interferes with their sleep, particularly if they lie on their side. This is often due to pressure over irritated bursae or tight surrounding muscles.
Simple changes that can help include:
  • Ensuring balanced muscle activation during the day
  • Using a softer mattress topper to reduce hip pressure
  • Avoiding long periods of sitting before sleep
  • Placing a pillow between the knees for alignment
  • Practising gentle stretching before bed
Persistent sleep disruption from hip pain should be addressed early, as poor sleep can slow tissue recovery and worsen pain perception.

What Sets Go Run Go Physio Apart for Hip Pain Treatment

At Go Run Go Physio, the approach to hip pain involves more than symptom management. Physiotherapists here are trained to analyse biomechanics, load patterns, and neural control to understand why discomfort has developed in the first place.

Their process often includes:
  • A biomechanical movement assessment
  • Muscle activation and strength testing
  • Personalised exercise prescription
  • Manual therapy, where appropriate
  • Education on movement strategies to reduce strain

For individuals experiencing outer hip pain, targeted interventions are designed to restore balance and control to the hip joint and surrounding muscles.

If you’re seeking physio for hip pain in Melbourne, this evidence-based and personalised model of care provides not just relief but ongoing resilience against re-injury.

Take the Next Step Towards Pain-Free Movement

If you’ve been living with hip pain that won’t settle on its own or keeps coming back, now is the time to act. Whether it’s discomfort from daily activities, exercise, or even sleep disruptions, addressing the cause early prevents long-term issues and helps you move better, faster.

Book a consultation with Go Run Go Physio to assess your condition and get a tailored plan that works. You don’t need a referral, just the motivation to get back to doing what you love, pain-free.

Faqs

Hip pain can be caused by muscle strain, joint stiffness, poor posture, injuries, or overuse. Outer hip pain often comes from standing or walking too much without enough support or balance in the body.
Yes, physio hip pain treatment is designed to reduce pain, improve movement, and prevent the issue from returning. It uses a mix of hands-on care and specific exercises.
We assess your movement, check your pain areas, and create a tailored plan. Treatment may include massage, stretching, strengthening exercises, and posture advice.
Some people feel relief within a few sessions, while others need more time depending on how long the pain has been present and what’s causing it.
Outer hip pain is common and treatable, especially when it’s caused by muscle or tendon problems. If ignored, it can affect how you walk or sleep, so early treatment is best.
No, you can book directly with us. We’ll assess your condition and get started with your physiotherapy Melbourne plan right away.
Yes. If you prefer, we offer home visits across Melbourne. This is ideal if you’re in too much pain to travel or need support in a familiar environment.
Wear comfortable clothes that allow movement, especially around the hips and lower body.
Yes, physiotherapy is important after hip replacement or other surgeries. It helps you regain strength, balance, and mobility in a safe way.
You can call us or book online. We’ll help you find a time that suits you and start your recovery plan right away.

    Book a Physio Session for Hip Pain Today

    You don’t have to put up with hip pain. With the right care, you can move more freely, feel stronger, and enjoy life without discomfort.
    If you’ve been searching for physiotherapy Melbourne or looking to treat outer hip pain with expert support, our team is ready to help.
    Contact Go Run Go Physio today to book your session and take the first step toward a more comfortable, active life.