Hip Pain Physical Therapy at Home

Common causes of hip pain we treat

• Hip osteoarthritis
• Bursitis on the outside of the hip
• Tendon pain and muscle strains
• Weak hip muscles causing a limp
• Stiffness after a fall or fracture
• Hip pain linked to the lower back

Is this for you?

• Your hip hurts when you walk or stand for a while
• Putting on socks and shoes is difficult
• Getting in and out of the car is painful
• Lying on your side at night hurts
• You limp or lean to one side when walking
• You want to delay or avoid hip surgery

How physical therapy helps hip pain

The hip is a large weight-bearing joint supported by some of the strongest muscles in the body. When those muscles weaken or the joint stiffens, walking and balance change, and pain often follows. Physical therapy targets the cause: we strengthen the hip and core muscles, improve how the joint moves, and teach you easier ways to do the daily tasks that hurt. For hip arthritis, exercise-based therapy is a first-line treatment that helps many people move with less pain.

What treatment may include

• Hip and core strengthening
• Stretching for tight hip muscles
• Hands-on manual therapy
• Walking training to reduce limping
• Balance training to lower fall risk
• Tips for sleeping, sitting and getting in and out of the car

What to expect

1. Hip evaluation at home. We look at how you walk, sit, stand and move, and check strength and motion.
2. A plan for your hip. Goals built around the activities you want back.
3. Exercises you can keep doing. A simple home program to keep your hip strong after therapy ends.

Frequently asked questions

Can physical therapy help hip arthritis?
Yes. Strengthening and movement exercises help many people with hip osteoarthritis reduce pain, walk better and stay active.

Is hip pain always coming from the hip?
Not always. Pain in the buttock or down the leg can come from the lower back. Your evaluation helps tell the difference. See our lower back pain page.

When should I see a doctor first?
See a doctor right away if you can't bear weight after a fall, if your leg looks shortened or turned outward, or if hip pain comes with fever.

Already had a hip replacement?
See our hip and knee replacement rehab page.