Hip pain is extremely common and can originate from the joint, tendons, ligaments, or surrounding soft tissues. At North Shore Physiotherapy, we treat conditions such as hip osteoarthritis, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), hip dysplasia, tendinopathies, hamstring strains, and groin injuries. Research consistently shows physiotherapy improves pain, mobility, and function, often reducing the need for injections or surgery. With expertise in hip assessment and management, we provide individualised treatment plans combining manual therapy, targeted strengthening, and evidence-based rehabilitation to restore movement and improve quality of life.
The hip is the deepest and one of the most stable joints in the human body. Its ball-and-socket structure, reinforced by strong ligaments, a thick joint capsule, and extensive musculature, enables powerful movement while absorbing large loads during daily activities and sport.Despite this stability, hip pain is very common and can present in many different areas, including:The groin
The outer hip
The buttock
The front of the thigh
Occasionally the knee (referred pain)
Because so many structures work together to create hip function, getting an accurate diagnosis is essential. At North Shore Physiotherapy, our clinicians specialise in complex hip assessment and use research-driven rehabilitation strategies to help you return to the activities you love safely and confidently.
Hip pain can arise from both the joint itself and surrounding soft tissues. Below are the most common presentations we treat.
Hip osteoarthritis involves gradual wear of the joint cartilage leading to stiffness, reduced range of motion, pain during weight-bearing, and difficulty performing everyday tasks such as walking or climbing stairs.Symptoms often include:Groin or thigh pain
Morning stiffness
Pain with prolonged standing or walking
Difficulty putting on socks or shoes
Physiotherapy is strongly recommended as a first-line treatment and has been shown to significantly improve pain and mobility without relying on surgery.
FAI occurs when the ball and socket of the hip do not fit together perfectly, causing abnormal contact during movement. This can lead to:Groin pain
Clicking or catching sensations
Pain during hip flexion, rotation, or sport
Reduced mobility
FAI is common in active adolescents and young adults, especially those participating in sports requiring repeated hip flexion such as football, hockey, and dance. Research has suggested that 8 physiotherapy sessions over 12 weeks consisting of hip joint manual therapy, specific strengthening exercises targeted to the individual participant’s physical impairments had moderate to large effects at reducing pain and disability.
Hip dysplasia refers to a shallow hip socket that provides less coverage for the femoral head. This reduces joint stability and increases the load on cartilage and surrounding structures.Patients may experience:Deep groin ache
Hip instability
Pain with walking or running
Physiotherapy plays an important role in strengthening the hip muscles to provide additional stability and improve functional capacity.
One of the most common causes of outer hip pain, especially in women over 40. It typically affects the gluteus medius and minimus tendons.Symptoms include:Pain over the outer hip
Pain when lying on the side
Discomfort climbing stairs or walking uphill
Increased pain after prolonged sitting or standing
Research supports a graded strengthening programme for the gluteal muscles, which has been shown to lead to significantly lower pain and better long-term outcomes than corticosteroid injections or control groups at both 8 weeks and 1 year.
The iliopsoas is a deep hip flexor muscle that can become irritated from overuse, repetitive hip flexion, or rapid changes in training load.Patients often experience:Groin pain
Clicking or snapping sensations
Pain when lifting the knee, sprinting, or kicking
A combination of strengthening, load management, and mobility work is typically effective.
This condition causes pain at the top of the hamstring where it attaches to the pelvis. It is especially common in runners, field sport athletes, and individuals who sit for long periods.Symptoms include:Deep buttock pain
Pain when sitting
Discomfort accelerating, sprinting or fast walking/striding out
Tightness during bending or stretching
Targeted strengthening and gradual loading form the foundation of recovery.
Very common in football, rugby, hockey, and multi-directional sports. Caused by sudden changes in direction or overstretching.
Often occurring during sprinting, kicking, or rapid acceleration.Physiotherapy addresses the underlying strength deficits, movement patterns, and flexibility impairments that predispose athletes to injury.
Physiotherapy has been consistently proven to reduce pain, improve function, and enhance quality of life for patients with hip conditions.
Physiotherapy for hip osteoarthritis and FAI has shown moderate to large reductions in pain and disability, particularly when combining manual therapy with patient-specific strengthening.
One study suggests that eight sessions over 12 weeks including hip joint manual therapy and targeted strengthening led to meaningful improvements in pain and daily function.
For gluteal tendinopathy, a graded strengthening programme outperformed corticosteroid injections at 8 weeks and maintained superior results at 1 year.
At North Shore Physiotherapy, your treatment is fully individualised to your goals, diagnosis, and lifestyle.A typical programme may include:
Tailored exercises for the glutes, hip flexors, deep stabilisers, quads, hamstrings, and core.
Gradual loading programmes for tendinopathies.
Correcting compensations and improving walking, running, or sport-specific patterns.
Helping you understand your condition and how to manage flare-ups effectively.
To reduce stiffness and improve movement.
Progressive conditioning, agility, and strength testing to ensure safe return to activity.
Our physiotherapists have advanced experience in assessing and treating hip joint and soft tissue conditions.
We use the latest research to guide rehabilitation focusing on outcomes that matter to you.
No two hips are the same. Your plan is designed specifically for you.
We target the underlying causes, not just the symptoms.
Conveniently located for residents in Takapuna, Milford, Devonport and surrounding suburbs.
In addition to physiotherapy, we can make a referral to a specialist if required.
1. Do I need imaging for hip pain?
Not always. Most hip conditions can be diagnosed clinically. Imaging may be recommended if symptoms persist or if surgery is being considered.
2. Should I rest or exercise when my hip hurts?
Complete rest is rarely recommended. Guided strengthening and movement typically improve hip pain faster and more effectively.
3. Can physiotherapy help hip osteoarthritis?
Yes. Research shows physiotherapy significantly improves pain, mobility, and function, often delaying or avoiding the need for surgery.
4. How long does hip rehabilitation take?
Tendinopathy: 16+ weeks
Osteoarthritis: ongoing management for long-term improvement
Sports strains: 3–8 weeks depending on severity
5. Do you treat athletes?
Absolutely. We work with recreational and competitive athletes across a wide variety of sports.
6. When should I see a physiotherapist?
If hip pain affects your walking, sleep, work, or sport, or if it’s not improving within 1–2 weeks, an assessment is recommended.
