Hip pain can be deceptively complex. The hip joint itself may be the source, or the pain may originate from surrounding structures (muscles, bursa, tendons, or nerves), or be referred from the lumbar spine. Getting the diagnosis right is essential because treatment for a hip joint impingement is very different from treatment for a hip flexor strain or a disc referral pattern. Our low back pain page covers the lumbar spine referral patterns that often mimic hip pain.
Common Causes of Hip Pain
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
A structural problem where the ball and socket of the hip joint do not move freely, causing pinching of the labrum and cartilage. Common in active individuals and desk workers alike. Presents as groin, hip, or buttock pain, often reproduced when sitting for long periods or performing deep hip flexion.
Hip Flexor Strain and Tightness
The iliopsoas and rectus femoris are commonly strained in sprinting, kicking, or high-intensity activities. Chronic tightness from prolonged sitting contributes to anterior pelvic tilt, low back pain, and hip impingement. Our practitioners have experience managing hip and lower limb complaints across a broad range of patients, from desk workers to high-performance athletes. Meet the team.
Gluteal Tendinopathy
CHRONIC OVERLOAD of the gluteus medius or minimus tendons at their attachment on the greater trochanter. Causes lateral hip pain aggravated by compression (lying on the side, crossing the legs) and repetitive loading. Often misdiagnosed as trochanteric bursitis.
Iliotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome
Friction or compression at the lateral hip or knee as the ITB moves over the greater trochanter or lateral femoral condyle. Common in runners and cyclists. Presents as sharp lateral hip or knee pain, especially during repetitive bending movements.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac (SI) joints at the base of the spine can refer pain into the buttock, posterior hip, and thigh. SI joint dysfunction is particularly common in pregnancy, following a fall or twisting injury, or with leg-length asymmetries.
Referred Pain from the Lumbar Spine
Disc, facet, or nerve root problems in the lower lumbar spine can refer pain into the hip and buttock region. Read more about lumbar referral patterns on our low back pain page and our sciatica page.
Treatment
- Joint mobilisation and manipulation of the hip, pelvis, and lumbar spine to restore movement and reduce irritation.
- Targeted soft tissue therapy and dry needling for hip flexor, glute, piriformis, and ITB tension.
- Progressive loading exercise programmes, particularly for gluteal tendinopathy and FAI.
- Biomechanical assessment of gait, running technique, and sport-specific movement patterns.
- Advice on activity modification and load management to allow healing without deconditioning.
How Waterloo Chiropractic Can Help
Hip pain is one of those conditions where the diagnostic process is just as important as the treatment. Getting the source wrong leads to months of treatment directed at the wrong structure. At Waterloo Chiropractic, we invest in a thorough assessment on your first visit, combining orthopaedic and neurological testing to distinguish hip joint pathology from lumbar referral, soft tissue injury, or nerve involvement.
Our practitioners have experience managing hip presentations across a broad range of patients: from active individuals dealing with FAI or ITB syndrome to those with age-related gluteal tendinopathy or sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Treatment is hands-on and evidence-based, combining joint mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, dry needling, and progressive loading exercises designed for your specific presentation.
Where imaging is needed to clarify the diagnosis, we can assist with arranging appropriate referrals. Find out what to expect on your first visit, or call us to discuss your situation before booking.
Hip pain that is limiting your daily activity deserves a proper assessment. Book online or call (02) 9690 0911. Shop 265, 8 Lachlan St, Waterloo NSW 2017.