Hip and groin pain can make everyday movements—like walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of a car, or exercising—difficult and uncomfortable. Whether your pain developed gradually over time or started after a sports injury or fall, it can significantly affect your mobility and quality of life.

The good news is that many hip and groin conditions respond well to conservative treatment. Physiotherapy is an evidence-based approach that can help reduce pain, improve strength and mobility, and get you back to the activities you enjoy without relying solely on medication or invasive procedures.

If you're wondering whether physiotherapy can help your hip or groin pain, here's what you need to know.

What Causes Hip and Groin Pain?

The hip is one of the body's largest and strongest joints, supporting your weight while allowing you to walk, run, squat, and change direction. The groin region contains several muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other structures that work closely with the hip, making it common for pain to be felt in both areas. Hip and groin pain can result from a variety of conditions, including:

• Muscle strains

• Hip osteoarthritis

• Gluteal tendinopathy

• Hip flexor tendinopathy

• Hip bursitis

• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)

• Labral injuries

• Groin strains

• Sports-related injuries

• Overuse injuries

• Following hip surgery

Pain in the hip or groin may also be referred from the lower back or pelvis, which is why a comprehensive physiotherapy assessment is essential to determine the source of your symptoms.

Physiotherapists commonly assess and treat these conditions, and treatment is individualized based on your symptoms, diagnosis, and personal goals.

Common Symptoms of Hip and Groin Pain

Symptoms can vary depending on the underlying condition. You may experience:

• Pain in the front, side, or back of the hip

• Pain in the groin during walking or exercise

• Stiffness when getting out of bed or after sitting

• Pain climbing stairs or standing from a chair

• Difficulty squatting or lunging

• Reduced range of motion

• Clicking or catching in the hip

• Pain when running or changing direction

• Tenderness around the hip or groin

Some people notice that their symptoms worsen after prolonged sitting, while others experience discomfort during higher-impact activities such as running or sports.

How Can Physiotherapy Help Hip and Groin Pain?

Physiotherapy focuses on identifying and treating the underlying cause of your pain rather than simply masking the symptoms. After a comprehensive assessment, I will develop a treatment plan tailored to your condition, goals, and activity level.

1. Reduce Pain and Improve Mobility

Hands-on treatment techniques, including joint mobilization and soft tissue therapy, may help reduce pain, improve hip mobility, and decrease muscle tension. Combined with targeted exercise, these treatments can help restore comfortable movement and improve function.

2. Restore Strength and Stability

Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for many hip and groin conditions. You may be given exercises to improve:

• Hip strength

• Gluteal muscle function

• Core stability

• Hip flexibility

• Balance

• Walking and movement mechanics

As your symptoms improve, your exercise program will be progressed to help you safely return to work, sport, and recreational activities.

3. Improve Movement Patterns

Hip and groin pain is often influenced by how you move during daily activities or exercise. I may assess walking, squatting, running, stair climbing, and other functional movements to identify patterns that may be contributing to your pain. Improving movement efficiency can reduce stress on the hip and groin while supporting long-term recovery.

4. Prevent Future Flare-Ups

Many hip and groin problems recur when underlying weakness, stiffness, or movement limitations aren't addressed. Physiotherapy focuses on improving strength, flexibility, mobility, and movement control to help reduce your risk of future injuries and keep you active.

Should You Keep Moving If Your Hip Hurts?

Many people worry that movement will make their hip pain worse. While some activities may need to be temporarily modified, completely avoiding movement can lead to increased stiffness, muscle weakness, and a slower recovery. Current evidence supports staying as active as possible within your comfort level. I can help you determine which activities are appropriate and design an exercise program that promotes healing while minimizing irritation.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

Consider booking a physiotherapy assessment if:

• Your hip or groin pain lasts longer than a few days

• Pain is affecting your walking or daily activities

• You have difficulty exercising or playing sports

• Your symptoms are gradually worsening

• The pain keeps returning

• You're looking for a long-term solution rather than temporary pain relief

• You want to return safely to work or recreational activities

Early treatment often leads to faster recovery and better long-term outcomes.

When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention?

Although most hip and groin pain is not serious, seek prompt medical care if you experience:

• Severe pain following a fall or traumatic injury

• Inability to bear weight on your leg

• An obvious deformity around the hip

• Significant swelling or bruising

• Fever, redness, or warmth around the hip

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the leg

These symptoms may indicate a fracture, infection, or another condition that requires urgent medical evaluation.

Take the First Step Toward Hip and Groin Pain Relief

Hip and groin pain can limit your ability to stay active, work comfortably, and enjoy the activities you love—but it doesn't have to become a long-term problem. With a personalized assessment, evidence-based treatment, and a progressive exercise program, physiotherapy can help reduce pain, restore strength and mobility, and improve your confidence in movement. Whether you're recovering from a sports injury, managing arthritis, or dealing with persistent hip or groin pain, early assessment and treatment can make a meaningful difference in your recovery. If you're experiencing hip or groin pain, book an assessment today and take the first step toward lasting relief, improved mobility, and getting back to doing what you love.