Hip Pain Physiotherapy
Acute | Sub-Acute | Chronic | Post-Operative Hip Rehabilitation
Hip pain affects standing, walking, sitting, bending, and overall mobility. At
Spectrum Physio, we follow a biomechanics-based approach, addressing hip–pelvis–spine interaction, soft tissue imbalances, gait abnormalities, muscle
firing patterns, and functional movement.
Common Hip Conditions Treated
- Hip flexor strain
- Gluteus medius/minimus strain
- Piriformis tightness & compression
- Trochanteric bursitis
- Iliotibial (IT) band tightness
- Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI – CAM/Pincer)
- Hip labral tear
- Early & chronic osteoarthritis
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
- Hip pointer injuries
- Acute fall trauma
- Hamstring origin strain
- Trendelenburg gait / gluteal weakness
- Hip instability
- Sports hip injuries
Acute Hip Pain Treatment (0– 72 hours)
Common Causes
- Sudden muscle strain (hip flexors, glutes, hamstrings)
- Acute labral irritation
- Hip impingement flare-up
- Acute piriformis spasm
- Trochanteric bursa inflammation
- Fall/trauma injuries
- IT band acute tightness
- Ligament sprain
- Acute SI joint locking
Our Acute Treatment Approach
Immediate Pain & Inflammation Control
- Ice therapy / cryotherapy
- Electrotherapy (TENS/IFT/Ultrasound)
- Laser therapy for acute tissue healing
- Gentle compression if swelling exists
Biomechanics-Based Acute Assessment
- Pelvic tilts (anterior/posterior)
- Hip rotation abnormalities
- SI joint alignment
- Muscle guarding patterns
- Gait pattern changes
- Hip–knee–ankle chain mechanics
Soft Tissue & Fascia Treatment (Pain-Free)
- Gentle myofascial release
- Piriformis soft release
- Pain-free hip flexor/IT band relaxation
- Gluteal trigger point release
- Avoiding deep pressure in the first 48–72 hours
Acute Mobility Restoration
- Passive hip ROM
- Pain-free internal/external rotation
- Gentle joint distraction
- Pelvic tilt correction movements
Taping for Support
- Kinesio taping for
- Hip flexor spasm
- IT band irritation
- Trochanteric bursa unloading
- Rigid taping if ligament sprain
Acute Strength Conditioning (Very Gentle)
- Submaximal isometrics
- Gluteal activation (glute-med, glute-min)
- Core-bracing patterns
- Supported standing/walking training
Acute Red-Flag Screening
- Labral tear indicators
- Fracture signs after fall
- Severe impingement pain
- Radiating symptoms
Goal
Reduce pain, protect tissues, restore gentle hip motion, and prevent
compensatory patterns.
Sub-Acute Hip Pain Treatment (3 days – 6 weeks)
Common Causes
- Healing muscle strains
- Sub-acute hip impingement
- Piriformis tightness
- SI joint dysfunction
- Labral irritation (non-acute stage)
- Early osteoarthritis symptoms
- IT band overuse symptoms
- Trochanteric bursitis recovery stage
- Hip mobility restrictions
Our Sub-Acute Treatment Approach
Restore Hip–Pelvis Mechanics
- Pelvic alignment correction
- SI joint mobilization
- Hip capsule mobilizations (Grade I–III)
- Femoral head gliding/mechanical correction
- Gait retraining
Trigger Point & Fascia Release
- Piriformis deep release
- Hip flexor/iliacus MFR
- Glute medius & minimus trigger point therapy
- Hamstring origin tightness treatment
- IT band myofascial release
Improve Mobility
- Hip flexion/extension mobility
- Rotational ROM
- Capsule stretching
- Thomas stretch, piriformis stretch
- Foam rolling (as tolerated)
Sub-Acute Strengthening
- Glute medius/minimus strengthening
- Hip rotator control
- Core stabilization
- Closed-chain activation
- Pelvic stability exercises
- Beginning of dynamic balance training
Taping & Electrotherapy (as needed)
- Kinesio taping for glute activation
- Taping for bursa offloading
- Laser therapy for tissue healing
- IFT/US to reduce residual inflammation
Functional Activation
- Hip-hinge retraining
- Sit-to-stand mechanics
- Step-up and mini-squat training
- Low-load gait correction
Goal
Restore full mobility, eliminate tightness, activate gluteal stabilizers, and
correct pelvic mechanics.
Chronic Hip Pain Treatment (6+ weeks)
Common Causes
- Long-standing hip impingement (FAI)
- Labral tear (chronic)
- Early & moderate osteoarthritis
- Trochanteric bursitis (chronic)
- IT band tightness
- Gluteal weakness / Trendelenburg gait
- SI joint dysfunction
- Hip capsule stiffness
- Piriformis syndrome
- Chronic muscle imbalance
Our Chronic Treatment Approach
Complete Biomechanics Analysis
- Hip–pelvis–spine kinetic chain
- Leg length pattern
- Gait assessment
- Muscle firing sequencing
- Deep gluteal activation
- Trendelenburg gait correction
Advanced Manual Therapy
- Hip mobilizations (Grade III–V as indicated)
- Hip long-axis distraction
- Lateral gliding for impingement
- SI joint mobilization
- Deep MFR and trigger point therapy
- Piriformis and iliopsoas release
- IT band decompression techniques
Progressive Strengthening
- Glute med/min strengthening (key for bursitis, FAI, OA)
- Hip external rotator strengthening
- Core & pelvic control training
- Step-up/step-down mechanics
- Resistance band exercises
- Lower-limb kinetic chain strengthening
Functional Movement Training
- Balance & proprioception
- Squat mechanics
- Running mechanics (if athlete)
- Sports-specific retraining
- Lifting ergonomics
Pain Modulation
- Heat therapy
- Laser for chronic inflammation
- Ultrasound if required
- Intermittent electrotherapy
Goal
Build hip stability, restore joint mechanics, prevent recurrence, and return to
full activity/sport.
Post-Operative Hip Rehabilitation
Surgeries Covered
- Total Hip Replacement (THR)
- Hip arthroscopy
- Labrum repair
- FAI (CAM/Pincer) corrective surgery
- Bursitis surgery
- Fracture fixation
- Tendon repair
Phase-Wise Post-Op Treatment Approach
Phase 1: Immediate Post-Op (0–2 weeks)
- Pain & swelling control
- Cryotherapy
- Gentle mobility
- Assisted walking with aids
- Quadriceps & glute activation
- Breathing & circulation exercises
Phase 2: Early Strength Phase (2–6 weeks)
- Gradual ROM improvement
- Hip flexor/glute activation
- Weight-bearing progression
- Pelvic stability training
- Gait correction
- Gentle manual therapy
Phase 3: Intermediate Strength Phase (6–12 weeks
- Hip abductor strengthening
- Closed-chain training
- Balance & proprioception
- Step-up/down mechanics
- Functional movement retraining
Phase 4: Advanced Functional Training (3–6 months)
- Running/walking retraining
- Advanced strength & endurance
- Lunges, squats, hip hinge retraining
- Sport-specific training
- Return-to-work guidance
Goal of Post-Op Rehab
Restore joint function, build stability, regain full mobility, and achieve safe
return to daily life or sports.
