Hip pain can make everyday activities difficult, from walking and climbing stairs to exercising or sleeping comfortably. Whether you’re experiencing stiffness, a sports injury, or ongoing joint discomfort, identifying the source of the hip pain will allow for a course of action to be taken to alleviate that pain.
At Adelaide West Physiotherapy, our downtown Toronto physiotherapist will work with you to find out what is causing your hip pain so that you can regain your ability to move around and be active again.
Our physiotherapists treat a variety of hip injuries and conditions such as bursitis, tendinitis, osteoarthritis and after surgery rehabilitation.
Hip pain may result from a variety of different types of injuries. This includes repetitive strain (repetitive motion), athletic injury, chronic inflammation, or arthritic conditions such as bursitis, tendinopathy, or osteoarthritis which will cause discomfort when walking, performing everyday tasks and participating in physical activity.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, approximately 3.9 million Canadian adults were living with osteoarthritis in 2016–2017, a condition that can also affect the hips.
The first part of eliminating hip pain is identifying its source. A Physiotherapist will help improve your range of movement, build strength in your muscles and get you moving again.
Hip pain may result from a single event such as an injury that occurred over time due to repetitive pressure on the joint and/or soft tissue surrounding it.
Some of the most common causes include:
Sports-related injuries (e.g., running, jumping, twisting, quick direction changes) which can pull on muscle/tendons in the hips.
Repetitive motions (i.e., frequent walking, stair climbing, long periods of sitting) which can exacerbate pre-existing issues.
Osteoarthritis - Joint changes in the hip will lead to loss of flexibility/mobility/comfort/stability/pain.
Muscle imbalance - Weaknesses in muscles surrounding the hips/pelvic area can directly affect both range of motion and overall stability.
Abnormalities in joints - Differences in structural design (i.e. impingements) may be another source of discomfort.
Falls/Accidents - The direct trauma from falls or other accidents can damage; muscle, tendon, cartilage, bone.
Hip issues often have varying signs based upon which body parts are damaged.
Some people will report sharp pain as they move; other patients may report chronic stiffness/aching. Common complaints from those with hip problems include:
If symptoms persist, a physiotherapy assessment can help identify contributing factors and appropriate treatment options.
Our physiotherapists provide hip injury treatment and rehabilitation for several conditions affecting the hip joint, muscles, and surrounding tissues.
Hip impingement occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint do not move smoothly together. It can cause groin pain, stiffness, and discomfort during squatting, sitting, or twisting.
Physiotherapy focuses on improving hip mobility, strengthening surrounding muscles, and modifying movements that aggravate symptoms.
Gluteal bursitis involves irritation of a fluid-filled sac near the outside of the hip. Symptoms often include tenderness, pain when lying on your side, and discomfort during walking or stair climbing.
Hip bursitis rehabilitation may include strengthening exercises, manual therapy, and activity modifications to reduce irritation.
Gluteal tendinopathy affects the tendons connecting the gluteal muscles to the outer hip. Repetitive strain or sudden increases in activity can cause pain during walking, climbing stairs, or sleeping on the affected side.
Treatment focuses on progressive strengthening and improving the tendons’ ability to tolerate everyday movements.
Hamstring tendinopathy involves irritation of the tendons near the sitting bones. It’s common among runners and athletes involved in sprinting or jumping.
Symptoms include deep buttock pain, discomfort when sitting, and pain during running.
Physiotherapy uses progressive strengthening and activity modifications to support recovery.
A hip labral tear affects the cartilage surrounding the hip socket. It may cause groin pain, clicking, catching sensations, or reduced mobility.
Physiotherapy helps strengthen supporting muscles, improve movement control, and manage symptoms. Rehabilitation may also be recommended before or after surgery.
Hip osteoarthritis involves changes to the cartilage, bones, and surrounding joint tissues. Common symptoms include stiffness, aching pain, and difficulty walking or bending.
Hip osteoarthritis physio focuses on strengthening, mobility exercises, and activity modifications to help manage discomfort and maintain independence.
Piriformis syndrome involves irritation of the sciatic nerve near a muscle deep within the buttock. It can cause buttock pain, tingling, or discomfort extending down the leg.
Physiotherapy may include strengthening, stretching, manual therapy, and movement adjustments. An assessment can also help determine whether symptoms originate from lower back conditions.
A sports hernia, also called athletic pubalgia, involves injury to muscles or tendons around the lower abdomen and groin.
It commonly affects athletes participating in hockey, soccer, and other sports involving twisting or sprinting. Rehabilitation focuses on strengthening, movement control, and a gradual return to sports.
Hip replacement surgery involves replacing damaged joint surfaces with artificial components, often due to advanced osteoarthritis.
Physiotherapy supports recovery through strengthening exercises, walking and balance training, mobility exercises, and guidance on safely returning to everyday activities.
Physical therapy is focused on helping you with issues that have contributed to your current level of discomfort. The physios at Adelaide West Physiotherapy can develop a treatment program for you that includes:
Manual therapy (hands on) to assist in managing pain and increasing range of motion.
Strengthening exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip which will provide improved stability and function.
Mobility exercises to assist in maintaining flexibility in the hip and reducing stiffness in the area.
Balance and walking training to enhance your balance and confidence when standing/walking.
Activity modification: Recommendations from the physiotherapist to modify daily activities to minimize strain.
Development of home-based exercise programs for continued improvement in-between clinic visits.
Our physiotherapy services are tailored to your condition, symptoms, and recovery goals.
For sports-related injuries, sports physiotherapy can help you safely return to training and competition.
Your hip is an integral part of your movement and comfort in many areas such as walking, climbing stairs or even doing some form of exercise. The staff at Adelaide West Physiotherapy, will work with you to identify why your hip hurts and develop a personalized plan so that you may move more easily and go about your normal routine without pain.
Yes. Many hip conditions, including bursitis, tendinopathy, and osteoarthritis, can be managed with strengthening exercises, mobility training, and activity modifications.
Recovery depends on your condition and symptoms. Minor injuries may improve within weeks, while chronic conditions or surgical rehabilitation may take several months.
Bridges, resistance-band exercises, and gentle mobility movements may help. Your physiotherapist will recommend exercises based on your condition and abilities.
Hip pain doesn’t have to stop you from doing what you want to do. Our team of physiotherapists will work with you to get back to doing what matters most to you!
Our clinic is located in Downtown Toronto at 366 Adelaide St W, Suite 403.
Book your physiotherapy appointment now and begin your journey to a hip pain-free life.