Hip Pain
At East Devon Physical Therapy, we help people with hip pain reduce discomfort, restore movement and rebuild strength so they can walk, exercise, work and live more comfortably.
Hip pain can develop gradually over time or come on after a specific strain, overload or sporting injury. For some people it feels like a deep ache in the joint. For others it is pain on the outside of the hip, into the buttock, groin or upper thigh. It may affect walking, sleep, stairs, running or simply getting comfortable day to day.
We regularly help people with conditions such as greater trochanteric pain syndrome, gluteal tendinopathy, hip osteoarthritis, hip flexor strains and deep gluteal pain. Assessments are overseen by Paul Thawley, a Chartered Physiotherapist and MSK Sonographer with more than 28 years’ clinical experience, including time as a senior physiotherapist with the British Olympic Association at the Olympic Medical Institute. Our role is to assess properly, explain clearly and build a treatment plan that helps you make steady, meaningful progress.
Common Hip Problems We Treat
- General hip pain: Hip pain can come from a range of structures around the joint and surrounding muscles and tendons. A detailed assessment helps us understand what is driving your symptoms and what is most likely to help.
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome and gluteal tendinopathy: This often causes pain on the outside of the hip, especially when walking, climbing stairs, lying on that side or standing for longer periods.
- Hip osteoarthritis: Hip arthritis can cause stiffness, reduced movement, pain in the groin or thigh, and difficulty with walking, bending, stairs and daily activity.
- Hip flexor strain: Hip flexor problems can cause pain at the front of the hip, especially with lifting the knee, running, kicking, sprinting or sudden changes of direction.
- Piriformis and deep gluteal pain: Some people experience pain in the buttock or back of the hip that may be aggravated by sitting, walking or exercise. This type of pain can be complex, so careful assessment is important to understand the likely source of symptoms and guide the right rehabilitation approach.
Common Symptoms of Hip Pain
People with hip problems may experience:
- Pain in the groin, outer hip, buttock or upper thigh
- Stiffness when walking or getting up from sitting
- Pain with stairs, hills or longer walks
- Discomfort lying on one side
- Pain during running, gym work or sport
- Reduced confidence loading the leg
- Weakness around the hip or pelvis
- Symptoms that build with repeated activity
Not all hip pain is the same, which is why a detailed assessment is important.
Our Approach to Hip Pain Treatment
At East Devon Physical Therapy, we do not just focus on the painful area. We look at how the hip is moving, how well the tissues are tolerating load, how strength and control are being affected, and what needs to change to support recovery.
Your treatment plan may include:
- A detailed hip assessment, including diagnostic ultrasound scanning where clinically indicated
- Clear diagnosis and explanation
- Advice on activity modification and load management
- Manual therapy where appropriate
- Mobility work to improve movement
- Targeted exercises to improve strength, control and tolerance to load
- Rehabilitation for walking, running, work and sport
- Movement retraining where needed
- Advice on pacing and flare-up management where appropriate
- PBM laser therapy where clinically appropriate to help calm irritation and support recovery
Our aim is to reduce pain, improve function and help you move with more confidence again.
Why Hip Pain Can Linger
Hip pain often becomes persistent when the joint or surrounding tissues remain irritated, strength and control are reduced, or activity is either pushed too hard or avoided for too long.
Rest alone may help temporarily, but if the underlying movement, loading or rehabilitation issues are not addressed, symptoms often return when normal activity increases again. That is why effective treatment is not just about pain relief. It is about restoring strength, movement, confidence and resilience over time.
Why Choose East Devon Physical Therapy?
We combine expert clinical assessment with practical, evidence-based rehabilitation tailored to the individual. Some people need help settling pain and getting back to normal daily activity. Others need a more structured rehabilitation plan to return to walking, running, work or sport. We adapt treatment to the person in front of us rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Common Goals We Help With
People often come to us because they want to:
- Reduce hip pain
- Walk more comfortably
- Sleep with less discomfort
- Improve strength and stability
- Return to running, gym work or sport
- Reduce flare-ups and repeated setbacks
- Feel more confident loading the leg again
What Our Patient Say
“I’ve seen 3 different NHS physio’s for the same issue with no clear diagnosis or effective support. Guy and Gary were able to complete a comprehensive assessment in one appointment (which was way beyond the capabilities of an nhs service). Guy was confident in diagnosis and explained everything really clearly. Guy and Gary were professional, compassionate and knowledgeable. For the first time in year is experiencing hip pain I’m feeling hopeful that I can access effective treatment. Worth every penny and more.”
– Jenny, Axminster
What to Expect
Your first appointment gives us time to understand your symptoms, assess your hip properly and identify the key factors contributing to the problem. We will explain what we think is going on, what is likely to help and how to start moving things forward. You will leave with a clear plan, not vague advice or generic exercises.
Local Hip Pain Treatment Near You
Hip pain assessments take place at our Axminster clinic (Woodmead Road, EX13 5PQ), and we regularly help patients travelling from Seaton, Lyme Regis, Honiton, Sidmouth, Chard, Exeter and Bridport.
