top of page

Hip Pain

Hip pain can affect walking, sitting, exercise and everyday movement. For some people, symptoms develop gradually over time, while others notice discomfort after changes in activity, prolonged sitting or increased physical demand.

At Telford Osteopaths, our GOsC-registered osteopaths regularly assess people experiencing hip pain and stiffness. Symptoms are often influenced by how the hip, lower back and pelvis are working together, particularly when movement patterns, strength or daily activity levels have changed over time.

Why hip pain can become persistent:

​

The hip plays an important role in both movement and stability. It helps transfer load during walking, climbing stairs, sitting down and standing up. Because several joints and muscle groups work together around the hip and pelvis, discomfort is not always caused by a single structure.

Hip pain may be influenced by:

  • Reduced movement around the hip or pelvis

  • Prolonged sitting

  • Changes in activity or exercise levels

  • Muscle tension or weakness

  • Altered movement patterns

  • Previous injuries

  • Reduced tolerance to repeated loading

For some people, symptoms fluctuate depending on activity levels, sitting time or recovery between exercise sessions.

What’s happening when the hip feels stiff or painful?

​

Hip discomfort can sometimes develop when joints and surrounding muscles become less tolerant to movement or repeated load. This may affect how comfortably the hip moves during everyday tasks.

People often describe symptoms such as:

  • Pain around the groin, buttock or outer hip

  • Stiffness after sitting

  • Discomfort during walking

  • Pain when climbing stairs

  • Difficulty getting up from chairs

  • Reduced confidence with exercise or movement

Because the lower back, pelvis and hip work closely together, symptoms may also feel spread across more than one area.

Why symptoms sometimes continue:

​

Persistent hip pain is often linked to ongoing contributing factors rather than a single isolated issue.

For example, someone who sits for long periods at work may gradually notice increasing stiffness through the hips and lower back. Another person may experience discomfort after increasing running mileage or returning to the gym after a break.

In some cases, people reduce movement because the hip feels uncomfortable. Over time, this can contribute to reduced strength, stiffness and lower movement tolerance, which may then continue the cycle of irritation.

What may help with hip pain management?

​

Management usually focuses on understanding what may be contributing to symptoms and improving how the hip and surrounding areas are functioning.

Depending on the individual assessment, this may include:

  • Improving movement around the hip and pelvis

  • Addressing muscle tension

  • Supporting strength and movement control

  • Gradually increasing activity tolerance

  • Adjusting movement habits or sitting positions

  • Supporting confidence with movement again

Osteopathic treatment is commonly used alongside movement advice and rehabilitation approaches to support hip function and comfort.

Common hip pain situations

​

“Why does my hip hurt more after sitting for long periods?”

​

Sustained sitting keeps the hip in a flexed position for long periods and may contribute to stiffness or discomfort, particularly if movement has already become restricted.

​

“Why does walking sometimes ease it, but too much makes it worse?”

​

Gentle movement may help reduce stiffness for some people. However, if the hip is irritated or movement patterns have changed, longer periods of walking or activity may increase symptoms temporarily.

​

“Why does the pain spread into my groin or buttock?”

​

The hip shares movement and muscular connections with the pelvis and lower back. Because of this, discomfort is not always felt in one exact location and may spread into nearby areas.

​

​

FAQ

​

What causes hip pain?

​

Hip pain may be linked to factors such as joint stiffness, muscle tension, altered movement patterns, prolonged sitting, changes in activity levels or reduced strength around the hip and pelvis.

​

Can hip pain improve without treatment?

​

Some episodes of hip pain may settle over time, especially if related to temporary irritation or activity changes. Persistent or recurring symptoms may continue if contributing factors are not addressed.

​

Is hip pain always caused by arthritis?

​

No. Hip discomfort can have several musculoskeletal causes, including muscle-related irritation, reduced movement, tendon irritation or loading changes. An assessment helps identify what may be contributing.

When to consider assessment:

​

While many cases of hip pain are musculoskeletal, medical assessment is important if symptoms include:

  • Sudden severe pain

  • Inability to weight bear

  • Pain following significant trauma

  • Sudden swelling or redness

  • Progressive weakness

  • Symptoms that are rapidly worsening

Many people seek osteopathic assessment when symptoms persist, mobility feels restricted, or discomfort is affecting walking, exercise or daily activity.

At Telford Osteopaths, assessments include a detailed history, physical examination and explanation of findings before treatment is discussed.

If you’d like to find out whether osteopathy could help, book online or call 07480699221.

bottom of page