Make your assessment practical
Note where you feel it.
Pain in the groin, on the side of the hip or in the buttock can point to different sources. Note where you feel it and which activities bring it on.
About hip pain
Hip pain may come from the hip joint, surrounding tendons and muscles, or be referred from the lower back. Common examples include hip osteoarthritis and pain on the outside of the hip, sometimes linked to the gluteal tendons.
What happens at your appointment
We discuss your symptoms, health history and goals, then assess hip and back movement, strength and walking. You will receive a plain-language explanation and a discussion of the options.
Care options we may discuss
- Strengthening and movement exercises.
- Advice on sleeping positions, sitting and activity.
- Hands-on treatment where appropriate and agreed.
- Walking aids or activity changes if helpful.
- Progress reviews.
When to seek medical help first
Seek urgent care if you cannot bear weight after a fall, the leg looks shortened or turned out, or the hip is hot and painful with fever.
Physiotherapy is not an emergency service. Call 000 or go to an emergency department for a serious injury, chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you feel very unwell. See your GP promptly if pain follows a fall or accident, keeps getting worse, wakes you every night, or comes with fever, unexplained weight loss or other new symptoms.
Your physiotherapy appointment.
See Jency Donda, physiotherapist, at our Elizabeth Park clinic – open Mondays 9:00am–5:00pm. No referral is needed for a private appointment. For a GP care plan, NDIS, DVA, Support at Home or WorkCover appointment, check the relevant referral and plan information and our fees and rebates page before booking.
Helpful questions.
Can physio help before a hip replacement?
Some people use physiotherapy before surgery to maintain strength and mobility. Discuss your situation with your surgeon and physiotherapist.
Do you see people after hip surgery?
Yes. See rehabilitation after surgery and bring your surgeon’s instructions.
Is this covered by DVA?
Eligible Veteran Card holders with a valid referral may access physiotherapy. See DVA physiotherapy.
More information: healthdirect: hip pain. This page is general information and is not a substitute for individual advice.
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