Hip pain can come from the joint, tendons, muscles or your lower back
Hip pain is not always straightforward to interpret. Pain felt deep in the front of the hip or groin can behave very differently from pain on the outside of the hip, around the buttock or down the thigh. In some cases, a person may assume the hip joint is the problem when the lower back, pelvis or surrounding soft tissues are also contributing.
A detailed assessment may consider hip range of motion, walking pattern, pelvic movement, lower back mobility, gluteal strength and signs of tendon irritation. Dr Austin may also look at foot and knee mechanics, sitting habits, activity levels, training load and any symptoms that suggest medical review may be needed.
The aim is to understand the likely contributors before relying on random stretches, prolonged rest or exercises found online. Some hip problems respond better to mobility work, while others need strengthening, changes in load or temporary activity modification. In other situations, imaging or referral to another health professional may be the more appropriate next step.
Hip problems often occur alongside lower back issues, so we also offer back pain treatment in Sydney.
Common hip pain problems we assess and manage
Hip pain may appear gradually over time or begin after an injury. It can feel sharp, aching, stiff, catching, burning or deep and difficult to pinpoint. The pattern of symptoms can also vary considerably from one person to another.
Some people notice pain mainly when walking or climbing stairs. Others struggle when sitting for long periods, driving, lying on one side or returning to sport after a break. These differences can offer useful clues during assessment.
Osteopathic care may support musculoskeletal hip pain by improving movement, easing surrounding muscle tension and considering related areas that may influence how the hip is functioning. Treatment may also include guidance on how to build confidence in movement and return to normal activity gradually.
Common presentations Dr Austin may assess include:
- Hip osteoarthritis-related pain and stiffness
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome and outer hip pain
- Gluteal tendon irritation or tendinopathy
- Hip flexor or groin-related pain
- Buttock pain and pelvic-related discomfort
- Hip pain linked with lower back stiffness
- Pain with walking, stairs or getting out of a chair
- Pain when lying on the affected side
- Running or gym-related hip pain
- Postural or sitting-related hip stiffness
- Persistent hip pain after an old injury
Some hip symptoms need medical review rather than routine osteopathic care alone. Pain following a fall, inability to bear weight, significant swelling, fever, unexplained night pain, sudden severe pain, suspected fracture, numbness or weakness, or symptoms that are worsening quickly should be assessed appropriately. Medical advice is also sensible when hip pain is not improving with basic home care.
Pain that travels from the hip down the leg may be sciatica, which we assess and treat.
How osteopathy may help with hip pain
Osteopathic treatment for hip pain may involve hands-on care to the hip and surrounding areas, depending on what the assessment finds. This can include the lower back, pelvis, gluteal muscles, thigh, knee and ankle where they appear relevant to movement or load.
Treatment may include joint mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, stretching, movement advice, exercise progression and pain education. The aim is not simply to work on the painful spot, but to consider how the body is moving and what may be placing additional demand on the hip.
The hip does not function in isolation. Lower back mobility, pelvic control, gluteal strength, walking habits, sitting posture, training load, foot mechanics and overall activity levels can all influence symptoms. Dr Austin may help patients decide what movements they can continue, what should be modified temporarily and how to return to walking, exercise or sport in stages.
For arthritis-related hip pain, osteopathy does not reverse structural change or restore damaged joint surfaces. Care instead focuses on supporting mobility, strength, pacing, education and symptom management.
Active patients can also benefit from our sports injury rehabilitation program.
Groin pain, outer hip pain and buttock pain may need different plans
The location of hip pain can change the way it needs to be assessed. Deep groin pain may be associated with hip joint irritation, hip flexor problems or other causes. Pain over the outside of the hip may involve the gluteal tendons or greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Buttock pain can come from the hip, pelvis, lower back or nerve-related structures.
Outer hip pain, for example, may be aggravated by lying on one side, climbing stairs or walking uphill. Arthritis-related stiffness may be more noticeable after rest or first thing in the morning. Running-related symptoms may call for a review of training load and strength, while pain associated with prolonged sitting may involve the hip flexors, lower back or pelvic mechanics.
Persistent symptoms can require a broader approach. Alongside movement and physical findings, pacing, sleep, stress and changes in activity can all influence how pain behaves over time.
Dr Austin’s background in pain medicine is useful in these situations. Pain can be affected by tissue irritation and joint stiffness, but also by sensitivity, previous pain experiences, sleep, stress and fear of movement. Understanding these factors can make symptoms feel less unpredictable and give patients a clearer basis for making decisions about activity and recovery.
Why choose Dr Phil Austin for hip pain osteopathy in Sydney?
Dr Phil Austin is an AHPRA-registered osteopath with 30 years of clinical practice. He holds a PhD in Pain Medicine and an MSc in Pain Management, and combines evidence-informed manual therapy with patient education and practical management advice.
His clinical experience includes musculoskeletal conditions, sports-related problems and persistent pain. Hands-on treatment is used where appropriate, but the consultation also looks at movement, function, activity and the factors that may be contributing to symptoms.
The aim is to give patients a clearer understanding of their hip pain and a practical plan, rather than only treating the sore area and waiting to see what happens.
Dr Austin consults at St Luke’s Clinic in Potts Point, close to the Sydney CBD, Kings Cross, Darlinghurst, Edgecliff and the Eastern Suburbs. Eligible patients may also be able to access private health rebates, Medicare Chronic Disease Management referrals, DVA and WorkCover pathways.
Book a hip pain appointment in Potts Point
If hip pain is affecting walking, stairs, sleep, exercise, work, driving or confidence in movement, an assessment can help clarify what may be contributing and which options may be appropriate.
Patients can book online or call the clinic to arrange an appointment.
If hip pain is limiting how you move, sleep or stay active, book an appointment with Dr Phil Austin at Osteopath Sydney in Potts Point.