Hip pain physiotherapy: arthritis and lateral hip pain

Hip osteoarthritis often causes groin or front-of-hip pain, stiffness (especially after rest), and reduced walking tolerance. Exercise and education are recommended first-line treatments.

Programs focus on strengthening the hip and leg muscles, maintaining joint mobility, building walking capacity and practical strategies for daily tasks. If symptoms progress, we can help you prepare for an orthopaedic opinion or a hip replacement.

Pain on the outside of the hip — often called 'hip bursitis' — is now usually described as greater trochanteric pain syndrome. In many people the gluteal tendons are the main source of pain. It is often worse lying on the affected side, crossing the legs, standing on one leg or climbing stairs.

Physiotherapy focuses on progressive strengthening of the gluteal muscles, avoiding positions that compress the tendons, and adjusting activity while the tendons adapt. Education and load management are key parts of care.

We assess where your pain is, hip movement and strength, walking and single-leg control, and the activities that provoke symptoms. We also consider whether the lower back may be contributing.