Our Philosophy on Treating Hip Pain

Hip pain isn't always caused by the structure where you feel the pain.

Sometimes the primary contributor is reduced hip mobility. Other times it's muscular weakness, poor movement mechanics, training errors, or reduced tolerance to physical activity.

Rather than relying on passive treatments alone, we focus on restoring the way your hip moves, improving strength throughout the lower body, and helping you build confidence in movement again.

Every treatment plan is individualized because no two hips, or patients are exactly alike.

Common Causes of Hip Pain

Hip pain can develop for many different reasons, including:

• Hip impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement or FAI)

• Hip labral tears

• Gluteal tendinopathy

• Hip osteoarthritis

• Greater trochanteric pain syndrome

• Hip flexor strains

• Adductor strains

• Hamstring tendinopathy

• Muscle strains

• Sports injuries

• Overuse injuries

Because several hip conditions produce similar symptoms, a thorough evaluation is essential to determine the true source of your pain.

Common Symptoms

Hip pain can present in many different ways depending on the underlying condition.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the front of the hip or groin

• Pain on the outside of the hip

• Pain deep in the buttock

• Hip stiffness

• Pain walking

• Pain climbing stairs

• Pain squatting or lunging

• Pain while running

• Clicking or catching sensations

• Difficulty sleeping on your side

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, which is why treatment should always begin with a comprehensive evaluation.

Why Hip Pain Can Be Difficult to Diagnose

The hip is located near the low back, pelvis, groin, and upper thigh, meaning pain isn't always felt directly over the hip joint.

Depending on the condition, symptoms may be felt:

• In the front of the hip or groin

• Along the outside of the hip

• Deep within the buttock

• Into the upper thigh

• Occasionally toward the knee

A detailed physical examination helps determine whether your symptoms are coming from the hip itself or another nearby structure.

Why Does My Hip Pain Keep Coming Back?

Many people notice their hip feels better after resting for a few days, only for symptoms to return once they become active again.

This often happens because the irritated tissue has temporarily calmed down, but the factors that overloaded it haven't changed.

These contributing factors may include:

• Limited hip mobility

• Weak gluteal muscles

• Poor balance

• Reduced single-leg stability

• Training errors

• Sudden increases in activity

• Running or lifting mechanics

• Reduced overall strength

Our goal is to identify these factors so you're not constantly managing flare ups but instead building long-term resilience.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Research supports physical therapy as an effective first-line treatment for many hip conditions.

Depending on your evaluation, treatment may include:

• Joint mobilization

• Soft tissue mobilization

• Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

• Hip mobility exercises

• Glute strengthening

• Core strengthening

• Balance and stability training

• Progressive resistance training

• Walking and running gait analysis

• Sport-specific rehabilitation

• Activity modification when appropriate

• Individualized home exercise program

Every treatment plan is tailored to your diagnosis, goals, activity level, and lifestyle.

Our Evaluation Process

Your first visit includes a comprehensive one-on-one assessment that may evaluate:

• Hip range of motion

• Joint mobility

• Muscle strength

• Glute function

• Balance

• Walking and running mechanics

• Squatting and single-leg control

• Functional movement patterns

• Activities that reproduce your symptoms

Understanding why your symptoms developed allows us to create a treatment plan focused on long-term recovery, not simply temporary pain relief.

Who We Help

Hip pain affects people of all ages and activity levels.

We commonly work with:

• Active adults

• Office professionals

• Recreational runners

• Weightlifters

• Golfers

• Pickleball and tennis players

• CrossFit athletes

• Weekend warriors

• Individuals with physically demanding jobs

Whether your goal is walking farther, exercising without pain, or returning to competitive athletics, your rehabilitation is built around what's important to you.

When Should You See a Physical Therapist?

Consider scheduling an evaluation if your hip pain:

• Lasts longer than one to two weeks

• Continues returning

• Limits work or daily activities

• Prevents you from exercising

• Causes persistent groin pain

• Makes walking uncomfortable

• Causes pain when sleeping on your side

• Prevents you from enjoying your favorite activities

Early treatment often leads to a quicker recovery and may reduce the likelihood of persistent symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I stop exercising if my hip hurts?

Not necessarily.

Many hip conditions improve with appropriate exercise rather than complete rest. The key is modifying activities based on your symptoms while gradually rebuilding strength and mobility.

Will I need surgery?

Not always.

Many hip conditions improve with conservative treatment. If your evaluation suggests additional medical consultation is appropriate, we'll discuss the next steps and coordinate with your physician when needed.

Can physical therapy help a hip labral tear?

Yes.

Many individuals with hip labral tears improve with individualized rehabilitation focused on improving hip mobility, strengthening the surrounding muscles, optimizing movement mechanics, and gradually returning to activity. Some cases may ultimately require surgical consultation depending on the severity of symptoms and functional limitations.

Is hip clicking or popping normal?

Clicking or popping without pain is often not a cause for concern. However, clicking accompanied by pain, catching, locking, or feelings of instability should be evaluated.

Can physical therapy help hip arthritis?

Yes.

Although physical therapy cannot reverse arthritis, it can improve strength, mobility, function, and quality of life while helping many individuals manage pain and stay active.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery depends on your diagnosis, severity of symptoms, activity level, and consistency with treatment. Some people improve within several weeks, while more persistent conditions require a longer rehabilitation program.

Why Choose Get Up Physical Therapy?

• One-on-one, uninterrupted sessions with a Doctor of Physical Therapy

• Personalized treatment plans based on your goals

• Evidence informed rehabilitation

• Hands-on care combined with individualized exercise programming

• Focus on treating the underlying cause, not simply masking symptoms

• Convenient location serving Park Ridge and the surrounding communities

Movement Is Medicine

At Get Up Physical Therapy, we believe movement is one of the most powerful tools for recovery.

That doesn't mean pushing through pain or ignoring symptoms. It means identifying the right movements, progressing them safely, and helping you regain confidence in your body.

Our goal isn't simply to reduce pain. It's to help you move better, become stronger, and return to the activities that matter most to you.

Schedule Your Evaluation

Hip pain doesn't have to keep you from doing the things you enjoy.

If you're looking for one-on-one physical therapy in Park Ridge that focuses on identifying the root cause of your symptoms and helping you return to work, exercise, sports, and everyday life, we'd love to help.

Schedule your evaluation today and take the first step toward moving with confidence again.