Hip pain affects how you walk, sit, sleep, and participate in the activities that matter to you. Whether you’re struggling to climb stairs, experiencing stiffness after sitting at your desk, or finding that your morning jog along the Bronte Creek trails has become uncomfortable, hip pain can significantly impact your quality of life. At Midas Physiotherapy in Oakville, our registered physiotherapists specialize in identifying the source of your hip pain and delivering targeted, evidence-based treatment to restore your mobility and function.
The hip is one of the body’s largest and most complex joints, designed to bear significant load while providing remarkable range of motion. This combination of mobility and stability makes the hip susceptible to various conditions—from osteoarthritis and labral tears to tendinopathies and muscle strains. Effective treatment requires accurate diagnosis, as hip pain can originate from the joint itself, surrounding soft tissues, or even be referred from the lumbar spine.
Research consistently shows that physiotherapy is highly effective for most hip conditions. Exercise-based rehabilitation produces outcomes comparable to surgery for many diagnoses, while avoiding surgical risks and recovery time. For conditions that do require surgical intervention, pre-operative physiotherapy improves post-surgical outcomes, and structured rehabilitation is essential for optimal recovery.
For Oakville residents dealing with hip pain—whether from sports, work, daily activities, or age-related changes—our Cornwall Road clinic offers comprehensive assessment and individualized treatment. We don’t just address your symptoms; we identify and treat the underlying causes to provide lasting relief and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Common Hip Conditions We Treat
Hip Osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis (OA) involves progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage lining the hip joint, along with changes to the underlying bone and surrounding structures. Symptoms typically include groin pain, stiffness (especially in the morning or after sitting), reduced range of motion, and difficulty with activities like putting on shoes or getting in and out of cars. Despite what imaging may show, physiotherapy produces significant improvements in pain and function for most people with hip OA (Bennell et al., 2014).
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
Femoroacetabular impingement occurs when abnormal contact between the femoral head and acetabulum causes pinching of the labrum and cartilage during hip movement. This may result from bony morphology variations (cam or pincer type) and typically causes groin pain with deep flexion, prolonged sitting, or pivoting movements. FAI is common in athletes and active individuals. Conservative management with physiotherapy is recommended as first-line treatment, with many patients achieving good outcomes without surgery (Griffin et al., 2018).
Hip Labral Tears
The labrum is a fibrocartilage ring that deepens the hip socket, provides stability, and distributes load. Labral tears—often associated with FAI—can cause groin pain, clicking or catching sensations, and giving way. While some tears require surgical repair, many respond well to conservative management focusing on hip stability, movement optimization, and load management.
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome—previously called “trochanteric bursitis”—causes pain over the outer hip that may radiate down the thigh. Current understanding recognizes this condition primarily involves gluteal tendinopathy (degeneration of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons) rather than bursal inflammation alone. GTPS is common in middle-aged women and responds well to load management and targeted strengthening of the gluteal muscles (Mellor et al., 2018).
Hip Flexor Tendinopathy and Strains
The hip flexor muscles (iliopsoas, rectus femoris) can develop tendinopathy from repetitive loading or acute strain from sudden forceful contraction. Pain is typically felt in the front of the hip or groin, worsening with activities involving hip flexion against resistance—running, kicking, climbing stairs, or rising from a chair. Treatment focuses on load modification, progressive strengthening, and addressing contributing biomechanical factors.
Adductor-Related Groin Pain
The adductor muscles on the inner thigh are commonly injured in sports involving rapid direction changes, kicking, and skating. Adductor strains and tendinopathies cause pain in the inner groin that worsens with resisted adduction or stretching. These injuries are prevalent in hockey, soccer, and other field sports. Rehabilitation emphasizes progressive loading of the adductor group and addressing any hip or pelvis dysfunction.
Referred Pain from the Lumbar Spine
Hip pain isn’t always from the hip. The lumbar spine can refer pain to the hip, buttock, groin, and thigh. Conditions like disc herniation, facet joint dysfunction, or nerve root irritation may present as hip pain. Thorough assessment differentiates true hip pathology from referred spinal pain—a critical distinction since treatment approaches differ significantly.
Common Symptoms Patients Experience
Hip pain presents differently depending on the underlying condition. Symptoms that commonly bring patients to our clinic include:
- Groin pain: Deep aching in the front of the hip, often indicating joint pathology (OA, FAI, labral tear)
- Lateral hip pain: Pain over the outer hip, typically associated with gluteal tendinopathy or GTPS
- Buttock pain: Posterior hip pain that may involve deep hip rotators, referred spinal pain, or sacroiliac dysfunction
- Stiffness: Difficulty moving the hip through full range, especially after periods of inactivity
- Clicking, catching, or locking: Mechanical symptoms that may indicate labral pathology or snapping hip syndrome
- Pain with weight-bearing: Discomfort with standing, walking, or running that worsens with activity duration
- Night pain: Pain that disturbs sleep, particularly when lying on the affected side (common in GTPS)
- Pain with sitting: Discomfort with prolonged sitting or when rising from seated position (common in FAI)
- Difficulty with specific activities: Trouble with stairs, getting in/out of cars, putting on shoes, or crossing legs
- Limp or altered gait: Changes to your walking pattern to avoid pain or due to weakness
The pattern of your symptoms—where you feel pain, what makes it worse or better, and how it behaves over time—provides valuable diagnostic information during your assessment.
Our Assessment and Treatment Process
Comprehensive Assessment
Your first visit includes detailed history-taking followed by systematic physical examination. We assess hip range of motion, strength, and special tests specific to various hip conditions. We also screen the lumbar spine and pelvis, as these regions commonly contribute to hip area pain. Observation of your walking pattern and functional movements provides additional diagnostic information.
Diagnosis and Explanation
We explain our findings and diagnosis in clear terms, discussing which structures are involved, why you’re experiencing your specific symptoms, and what the evidence says about your prognosis. If imaging is indicated, we’ll recommend appropriate studies; however, many hip conditions are diagnosed clinically and don’t require imaging to begin effective treatment.
Individualized Treatment Plan
Based on your diagnosis, assessment findings, and personal goals, we develop a treatment plan specific to your situation. This includes in-clinic treatment frequency, home exercise prescription, activity modifications, and expected timeline. We discuss treatment options and involve you in decisions about your care.
Progressive Rehabilitation
Treatment progresses systematically as your condition improves. We reassess regularly, adjust interventions based on your response, and advance your program when appropriate. Our goal is restoring full function—not just reducing pain—while building the strength and movement quality to prevent recurrence.
Evidence-Based Techniques We Use at Midas Physiotherapy
Our hip rehabilitation programs draw from current research and established clinical protocols:
- Hip strengthening protocols: Progressive resistance training for gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus—the muscles most commonly weak in hip pathology
- Tendon loading programs: Isometric, isotonic, and heavy slow resistance protocols for gluteal tendinopathy and hip flexor tendinopathy
- Manual therapy: Hip joint mobilization, soft tissue release, and mobilization with movement techniques
- Motor control training: Exercises targeting hip muscle activation patterns and lumbopelvic stability
- Shockwave therapy: For greater trochanteric pain syndrome and other tendinopathies when indicated
- Dry needling: Targeting myofascial trigger points in hip and gluteal muscles
- Gait retraining: Cueing and feedback to optimize walking and running mechanics
- Patient education: Pain neuroscience education, load management principles, and self-management strategies
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where exactly is hip pain felt?
True hip joint pain is typically felt in the groin or front of the hip. Pain over the outer hip usually indicates gluteal tendon or bursa problems. Buttock pain may involve deep hip rotators, referred pain from the spine, or sacroiliac dysfunction. Pain location is an important diagnostic clue, but thorough assessment is needed for accurate diagnosis.
- Do I need an X-ray or MRI for my hip pain?
Not necessarily. Many hip conditions are diagnosed clinically without imaging. Imaging may be recommended if your presentation suggests specific pathology that would change management, if symptoms don’t improve as expected, or if surgery is being considered. We’ll advise if imaging would be helpful for your situation and can refer you if needed.
- Can physiotherapy help hip arthritis, or do I need a hip replacement?
Physiotherapy is first-line treatment for hip osteoarthritis according to international guidelines. Research shows exercise therapy produces significant improvements in pain and function—comparable to the effects of hip replacement in some studies, without surgical risks. Many people manage effectively with conservative treatment for years. Surgery is typically reserved for those who don’t respond adequately to non-surgical management.
- What’s the difference between hip bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy?
What was traditionally called “trochanteric bursitis” is now understood to be primarily a tendon problem—gluteal tendinopathy. The bursa may be secondarily inflamed, but the main pathology involves the gluteus medius and minimus tendons. This distinction matters because effective treatment focuses on tendon rehabilitation through progressive loading, not just anti-inflammatory approaches.
- Why does my hip hurt at night?
Night pain with hip problems—especially when lying on the affected side—is common with greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Compression of the irritated tendons against the mattress provokes pain. Strategies include sleeping on the opposite side with a pillow between your knees, or on your back with a pillow under your knees. Treating the underlying tendinopathy resolves the night pain.
- Should I rest or exercise with hip pain?
Generally, appropriate exercise is beneficial—but the type and intensity matter. Complete rest often worsens hip conditions by causing muscle weakening and tissue deconditioning. Modified activity that avoids aggravating positions while maintaining movement and gradually building strength is usually the best approach. We’ll guide you on what activities are appropriate for your specific condition.
- How long does hip pain take to resolve?
Timeline varies considerably by condition. Acute muscle strains may improve significantly in 2–4 weeks. Tendinopathies typically require 12+ weeks of progressive loading for optimal outcomes. Hip osteoarthritis is managed rather than cured, with ongoing exercise maintaining improvements. After your assessment, we’ll provide realistic expectations for your specific situation.
- Can hip pain be coming from my back?
Yes. The lumbar spine commonly refers pain to the hip, buttock, groin, and thigh. Conditions like disc herniation, facet joint dysfunction, and nerve root irritation can all present as hip area pain. We screen the lumbar spine as part of every hip assessment to ensure we identify all contributing factors and provide appropriate treatment.
- Is it safe to run with hip pain?
It depends on your diagnosis and symptoms. For some conditions, modified running is acceptable; for others, a period of rest from running is needed. Key factors include whether pain increases during or after running, whether symptoms are worsening over time, and what structure is involved. We can help you determine when running is appropriate and how to return safely.
- Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist for hip pain?
No referral is required to see a physiotherapist in Ontario. You can book directly with our clinic. If we identify concerns requiring medical investigation or believe you’d benefit from specialist consultation, we’ll recommend appropriate follow-up.
- What exercises are best for hip pain?
The best exercises depend on your specific diagnosis and current capacity. However, gluteal strengthening—particularly for the gluteus medius—benefits most hip conditions. Exercises like bridges, side-lying leg raises, clamshells, and single-leg stance progressions are commonly prescribed. We’ll design a program targeting your specific deficits.
- Is hip pain covered by my insurance?
Physiotherapy for hip pain falls under your extended health benefits. Most insurance plans cover physiotherapy; coverage amounts vary by plan. We offer direct billing to most major providers. If your hip pain resulted from a motor vehicle accident or workplace injury, treatment may be covered through auto insurance or WSIB respectively.
Book Your Hip Pain Assessment
If hip pain is limiting your activities, affecting your sleep, or preventing you from doing what you love, comprehensive assessment is the first step toward effective treatment. Our physiotherapists will identify the source of your pain and develop a plan to get you moving comfortably again.
Midas Physiotherapy
2061 Cornwall Road, Unit 3
Oakville, Ontario
Website: midasphysiotherapy.ca
Direct billing available for most major insurance providers.
Related Services
- Low Back Pain Treatment
- Knee Pain Treatment
- Sports Physiotherapy
- Shockwave Therapy
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
