Harborne Physiotherapy explains common causes of hip pain in women and how physiotherapy can help
Hip pain is something we see very frequently in clinic, particularly in women.
It can come on gradually, feel difficult to pinpoint, and often does not seem to settle despite rest.
For some, it affects exercise.
For others, it impacts sleep, walking, or even sitting comfortably.
One of the most important things to understand is this.
Hip pain is not always coming directly from the hip joint itself.
In many cases, it is related to surrounding muscles, movement patterns, or how load is being managed through the body.
Common symptoms include:
Pain on the outside of the hip
Discomfort when lying on one side
Pain during walking, running, or stairs
Stiffness after sitting
Pain that spreads into the thigh or lower back
A very common cause we see is irritation of the structures on the outside of the hip, often referred to as gluteal tendinopathy.
This tends to occur when the muscles around the hip are overloaded, under-conditioned, or not working as effectively as they should.
It is particularly common in women due to differences in pelvic structure and how forces are distributed through the hips.
Hormonal changes can also play a role, particularly during pregnancy or around menopause, affecting how tissues tolerate load.
Another key factor is movement and strength.
Weakness or poor control around the hips and pelvis can place increased strain on certain structures, leading to pain over time.
We often see this in runners, gym-based exercise, or individuals who have increased their activity levels quickly.
At Harborne Physiotherapy, we take a structured approach to assessment.
This involves understanding your symptoms, identifying aggravating factors, and assessing how you move.
Treatment may include:
Targeted strengthening of the hip muscles
Improving movement control and technique
Gradual return to activity
Advice on modifying aggravating activities
Addressing contributing factors such as posture and load
The aim is not just to reduce pain, but to address the underlying cause and prevent it from returning.
Most people improve very well with the right programme.
If you are experiencing ongoing hip pain, it is worth getting it properly assessed rather than trying to push through it.
If you would like help with this, you can book an appointment here:
https://www.harbornephysio.co.uk
