MUSCULOSKELETAL CARE

HIP AND GROIN PAIN

Pain or dysfunction in the hip or groin are common in women, particularly in the child bearing or menopausal years. Female hips generally have more range of motion than male hips, and the hormonal changes occurring in this life stages are thought o contribute to the loss of support and  altered biomechanics leading to pain.

The hip joint is a ball and socket joint, with muscles and ligaments crossing from both inside and outside of the pelvis, so the biomechanics can be a little complex. Many people don’t realise that in fact the pelvic floor connects directly with the hip and as such is a common source of unidentified hip pain.

SPECIFIC CONDITIONS OF THE HIP

Our physiotherapists will use an entire body assessment approach to identify what is actually driving your hip or groin pain. This will include a full body biomechanics screen, hip, pelvic, low back and groin testing, pelvic floor screen and assessment, and in some cases medical imaging such as MRI may be recommended.

Once we have a good understanding of your body and your injury, we will provide a detailed treatment plan, as every individual with hip and groin, so the treatment and rehabilitation program will vary.  

Our treatment approach will usually entail, one or all of the following: We employ a variety of treatment techniques at Women in Focus such as:

• Muscle energy techniques

• Connect therapy/ Integrated Systems approach

• Soft tissue massage, Dry Needling and Joint mobilisation techniques

• Internal release work if required to overactive deep pelvic floor muscles that cross the hip

• Exercise rehabilitation including;

  • Addressing deep abdominal, core and pelvic floor muscle control

  • Specific strength and endurance for local hip musculature

  • Lumbopelvic stability

  • Proprioception and balance training

  • Functional integration

• Analysis and correction of contributing lower limb biomechanics

• Supportive taping and strapping

SYMPTOMS

• Pain on the inside of the leg or groin area

• Pain on the outside of the hip wrapping around to the buttock

• Sharp pain or dull ache

• Stiffness or tightness when moving the hip

• Difficulty weight bearing – standing, walking, running

• Discomfort when sitting – particularly cross legged

• Difficulty sleeping, or pain when lying on your affected side

• Clicking or catching sensations in the hip

• Tightness and pain within the pelvic floor