Does Physical Therapy for Hip Pain Really Work
Yes, physical therapy for hip pain can be very effective, especially when the cause of the pain is related to muscle imbalance, joint dysfunction, tendonitis, bursitis, or early-stage osteoarthritis. The relief patients achieve through physical therapy depends on the cause of the pain, how long it has been present, and how consistently the patient follows the treatment plan.
How Physical Therapy for Hip Pain Works
Physical therapy achieves hip pain relief through a combination of mechanical, neurological, and biochemical mechanisms:
Restoration of Proper Biomechanics
Tight or weak muscles can pull the hip joint out of alignment, causing abnormal movement and wear. Therapy corrects this through strengthening and stretching. For example, if weak glutes or tight hip flexors alter gait, this increases pressure on the joint and causes pain. Correcting the issue with glues and hip flexors brings relief.
Neuromuscular Re-education
Physical therapists retrain muscles and nerves to coordinate better, which reduces strain on painful structures. For example, sometimes something as simple as learning proper walking mechanics or how to activate the glutes instead of compensating with the low back reduces pain.
Improved Circulation and Reduced Inflammation
Movement and manual therapy promote blood flow, which brings nutrients to the area and helps flush out inflammatory chemicals like cytokines.
Gate Control Theory of Pain
Gentle movement and manual techniques activate non-painful nerve signals that "close the gate" on pain signals in the spinal cord, lessening perceived pain.
Myofascial and Joint Mobilization
Releasing tight fascia and improving joint glide can restore normal motion, reducing mechanical irritation and pain.
Common Techniques and Exercises Used in Therapy for Hip Pain
At Balanced Body Physical Therapy, Harold and Kristina deploy an arsenal of techniques, exercises, and equipment to treat hip pain.
Manual Therapy
Therapists use their hands to massage tight muscles and move stiff joints. This can improve circulation, release tension, and help restore normal movement. This includes:
Soft tissue mobilization (trigger point release, massage)
Joint mobilization (grade I–IV glides to improve mobility and decrease pain)
Stretching
Tight muscles pull on the hip and create pain. A physical therapist will guide you through stretches for:
Hip flexors (iliopsoas)
Piriformis and gluteal muscles
Hamstrings and quadriceps
Strengthening
Weak muscles can cause your hip to work overtime. To fix that, therapists often focus on:
· Glutes: Help support and move the hip
· Core: Keeps your pelvis stable
· Hip abductors and adductors: Control side-to-side movement
Neuromuscular Re-training
Physical therapists also teach you how to move safely. You might work on:
Balance and single-leg stability
Proper walking form (gait training)
Functional moves like squats or step-downs
Modalities (supportive, not curative)
Sometimes, therapists use tools like heat, ice, or a TENS machine to manage inflammation and reduce pain signals. These tools help support your recovery but don’t replace movement-based therapy.
Heat or ice for inflammation
Electrical stimulation (TENS for pain modulation)
Ultrasound (limited evidence but still sometimes used)
Therapy for Hip Pain in Irvine, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach & Costa Mesa
Hip pain usually isn’t something you just have to live with. Physical therapy uses a mix of hands-on work, movement training, and specific exercises to get your body moving the right way again. The real magic comes from helping your muscles work together so your hip doesn’t have to do all the work alone.
Balanced Body Physical Therapy can help you with individualized therapy for hip pain. Call and schedule a consultation today.
