Hip Pain
Hip pain can sit in the groin, the outer hip or the buttock, and it can come from the joint, the tendons around it or even the low back. Physical therapy finds the source and treats it with hands-on care, strength and movement work. We treat hip pain at our Edgemere and Physicians clinics in El Paso, Texas.
Where it hurts says what it may be
The same word, hip pain, covers several different problems.
Outer hip pain and hip bursitis
Outer hip pain, especially hip pain lying on side at night, often comes from hip bursitis or irritated gluteal tendons. Treatment settles the tendon and builds the hip and glute muscles that take load off it.
Hip arthritis
Hip arthritis brings stiffness and aching in the groin or the front of the thigh. Strength, mobility and movement habits help you stay active. See Arthritis & Joint Pain.
Hip labral tear, hip impingement and FAI
A labral tear is damage to the cartilage rim of the socket, and hip impingement (femoroacetabular impingement, FAI) happens when the ball and socket pinch. Both can cause deep pain or clicking. We improve how the hip moves and strengthen the muscles around it.
Groin pain and hip flexor strain
Sharp or tight pain at the front of the hip is common in athletes and in anyone who sits a lot. Stretching, strengthening and hands-on techniques help. See Sports Injury Rehab.
Strength with less strain on the joint
Every program includes hip exercises for strength and flexibility: gentle stretching, resistance training, balance work and low-impact cardio. Your therapist teaches each exercise, checks your form and progresses it at a pace your hip tolerates.
When the load is the problem, the anti-gravity treadmill lets you walk or run with part of your body weight taken off, and our heated aquatic therapy pool at the Physicians clinic does the same with buoyancy. Musculoskeletal ultrasound helps us see soft tissue problems around the hip.
What treatment may include
After a detailed exam of your hip, back and walking, we make a plan to match your goals.
- Manual therapy and joint mobilization for stiff hips
- Hip and glute strengthening, with gait and balance training
- Dry needling for tight muscles around the hip
- Neuromuscular re-education, including neuromuscular stimulation when it fits
- Rehab after a hip replacement: motion, strength and a safe return to normal movement, covered on Post-Surgical Rehab
Hip questions
How do I know if my hip pain is really from my back?
Your therapist tests your back and hip movement and strength and sees which positions change the pain. Pain that stays in the groin and worsens with hip motion points to the joint. Pain with leg tingling points to the spine.
Do I need a referral?
In many cases no. Texas allows direct access to physical therapy, and we can help verify your insurance requirements. Most insurance coverage is accepted.
Hip care in El Paso, Texas
Call or request an appointment at our Edgemere or Physicians clinic. In many cases you do not need a referral, and we will help verify your insurance requirements.
We see patients at our Edgemere and Physicians clinics in El Paso, Texas.