Hip and groin injuries can sideline even the most active individuals, from weekend warriors to elite athletes. These injuries cause pain and restrict your ability to train, play sports, and enjoy daily activities. If you’re searching for a hip physio Brisbane, look no further than Sports & Exercise Physiotherapy. Our clinic is home to one of Australia’s few Specialist Sports Physiotherapists. We also boast one of Brisbane’s largest rehabilitation gyms on-site. We pride ourselves on providing effective hip and groin pain physiotherapy to help you recover faster and get back to the activities you love.
Below are some of the most common hip and groin injuries we treat, along with a basic explanation of each and their common causes:
A hip labral tear is a tear in the ring of cartilage (labrum) that surrounds the hip socket. Due to trauma (such as a fall or collision) or structural issues in the joint.
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), a bony pinching of the hip joint, is one of the most frequent causes of labral tears. Simalarily, repetitive twisting motions in sports (like soccer, hockey, or dance) can also lead to labral damage over time.
Hip impingement, or femoroacetabular impingement, occurs when extra bone growth or an irregular bone shape in the hip joint causes the femoral head (ball) and acetabulum (socket) to abnormally rub against each other. There are cam-type and pincer-type impingements. This contact can cause pain and labrum damage. FAI often develops in young, active people and can lead to groin pain and stiffness with deep hip movements.
Adductor tendinopathy refers to injury or overuse of the adductor muscle tendons on the inner thigh, a common cause of groin pain in athletes. It often results from repetitive stress such as kicking, sudden direction changes, or inadequate warm-ups. In kicking athletes, adductor tendinopathy is one of the most frequent causes of persistent groin pain. Symptoms include pain at the upper groin, especially when squeezing the legs together or sprinting.
aka Groin Strain: A groin strain is an acute injury to the inner thigh muscles (adductors), typically caused by overstretching or sudden forceful movements. It’s common in sports that involve sprinting, cutting, or kicking – such as football, soccer, and hockey. Symptoms often include a sudden sharp pain in the groin, difficulty walking or running, and tenderness in the inner thigh. Early diagnosis and rehabilitation are crucial to avoid recurrent injuries.
Osteitis pubis (now referred to as pubic related pain) is an overuse injury causing inflammation at the pubic symphysis (the joint at the front of the pelvis). It is a common source of chronic groin pain, especially in running and kicking sports. Symptoms often include sharp groin pain and tenderness at the center of the pelvis. Chronic cases often benefit from an MRI to assess the health of the joint and bone.
Gluteal tendinopathy is a degeneration or irritation of the gluteus medius and/or minimus tendons, which attach at the side of the hip. It often goes hand-in-hand with trochanteric bursitis as part of Greater Trochenteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS). Those affected may feel pain when lying on the affected side, climbing stairs, or with prolonged walking.
Hip bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa on the outer side of the hip (near the greater trochanter). This condition, also known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), is typically due to irritation of the soft tissues around the outer hip from overuse or local muscle weakness. Normally Gluteal Tendinopathy is the cause, and successful management requires exercises to address the tendons that rub on the bursa. Short term solutions include manual treatments and use of anti-inflammatories.
Hip osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition where the cartilage in the hip joint gradually wears down over time. This leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, especially during walking, bending, or prolonged sitting. It’s more common in older adults but can also affect younger individuals with a history of hip injuries or structural abnormalities such as FAI. Symptoms often include groin or buttock pain, morning stiffness, and a grinding or clicking sensation in the joint. Physiotherapy can be highly effective in improving strength, mobility, and function to delay or avoid the need for surgery
A hip flexor strain is an injury to the muscles at the front of the hip, which help flex the hip bring the leg forwards. This strain can range from minor stretching of the muscle fibers to partial tears. It typically occurs due to overuse or abrupt, forceful movements involving sprinting, kicking, or jumping. Common signs include sudden front-hip pain, and difficulty with swinging the leg or lifting the leg to go upstairs or get into the car.
Don’t ignore hip or groin pain. Prompt physiotherapy treatment can significantly speed up your recovery and prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. When injuries are addressed early, you can avoid further damage to the tissues and get back to your activity sooner.
Early intervention through hip and groin physiotherapy offers several benefits:
Faster Pain Relief: Techniques such as manual therapy, dry needling, and therapeutic exercises can quickly reduce pain and inflammation in the acute stages of injury.
Improved Mobility: Starting groin pain physiotherapy early helps restore range of motion in the hip joint and pelvis before stiffness sets in.
Strength and Stability: An early rehab program includes activation and strengthening of key muscle groups (glutes, core, adductors) to support the injured area. This improves joint stability and offloads stress from the injured tissues.
Optimized Healing: By guiding you on proper rest vs. activity, your physio ensures optimal healing conditions. We’ll advise on modifications to your training or daily activities so that you heal without completely losing fitness.
Avoiding Surgery: Many hip and groin injuries, even labral tears and impingements, can be managed successfully with conservative treatment. Addressing muscle imbalances and movement patterns early might help you avoid surgery in the long run. If surgery is required completing physiotherapy beforehand can improve post-surgery outcomes.
By seeking help early, you set yourself up for a more efficient recovery. Our Brisbane hip physio experts will tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs and goals, ensuring you’re on the quickest path to pain-free function.
Our physiotherapists have extensive knowledge and specialised training in diagnosing and treating sports-related injuries. We understand the different demands required for athletes, and manage every-day injuries and sports injuries differently.
Every injury has individual contributing factors. Because of this standard treatment plans often don’t work for everyone.
We understand how build individualised management plans that work around your goals and budget.
Our clinic utilises the latest evidence-based treatment techniques and modalities to optimise your recovery. From manual therapy, dry needling, and therapeutic exercises to specialised taping and advanced rehabilitation equipment. We employ a wide range of tools and strategies to accelerate your healing process.
In addition to treating your current injury, we are passionate about equipping you with the knowledge and tools to prevent future issues.
Our physiotherapists will provide you with knowledge and exercises to help reduce the risk of future injuries, so you only need to do rehab once.
Take the first step toward overcoming your injury and achieving your goals. Contact us now to schedule your initial consultation and discover how our expert physiotherapy services can support your recovery journey.
If you suffer a hip or groin injury, the first steps are similar to other acute injuries. Stop the activity to avoid further damage. Use the RICE protocol in the first 24-48 hours: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (if possible) to manage pain and swelling.
Avoid pushing through severe pain. It’s wise to get an evaluation from a physiotherapist or doctor as soon as you can. Especially if you have significant pain, swelling, or difficulty walking. Early assessment will determine the extent of the injury and the appropriate management.
You should see a physiotherapist if your hip or groin pain persists more than a few days, is affecting your movement, or is severe from the start. Minor muscle soreness can often be managed with rest and self-care, but sharp or lingering pain may indicate an injury that needs treatment. Also, if you experience recurring pain or stiffness in the hip/groin (for example, a groin ache that returns every time you play soccer), it’s important to get it checked. A physio can diagnose the issue and start you on a rehab program to prevent it from worsening.
In most cases, it’s best to modify or temporarily halt high-impact activities until you’ve been assessed. Continuing to play through a hip or groin injury can make it worse. That said, your physiotherapist will help identify what activities are safe to continue and which to avoid. Often, you can do alternative exercises that don’t aggravate the injury. For example, if running causes pain due to a hip stress injury, you might switch to swimming or cycling while you recover. Always listen to your body, if an activity significantly increases your pain, get a professional opinion to reduce the risk of long term damage.
Physiotherapy is highly beneficial for conditions like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and hip labral tears. A physio will first work on reducing your pain and improving hip joint mobility. Techniques like joint mobilisations, soft tissue massage, and specific stretching can relieve the pinching sensations associated with FAI.
Strengthening the muscles around the hip and pelvis is crucial, by improving gluteal, core, and hip flexor strength, we can better support the joint and reduce impingement forces.
Many people with FAI or small labral tears can manage their symptoms and return to sports without surgery, thanks to targeted physio and exercise therapy.
Recovery time varies widely depending on the type and severity of the injury. Minor muscle strains (like a mild hip flexor or adductor strain) might heal in 2–4 weeks with consistent treatment. Moderate injuries, such as a muscle tear or moderate osteitis pubis, could take 6–8 weeks. More severe injuries – for example, a large labral tear, a serious groin tear, or post-surgical hip rehab – may require 3–6 months of rehabilitation. Every individual heals at a different pace, so timelines are not exact. Your physiotherapist will give you a clearer idea of recovery after your assessment. They’ll also set short-term goals (like improving range of motion or walking without pain) to mark progress along the way. Patience and adherence to your rehab program will ensure the best outcome.
In Australia, you do not need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist, you can book directly. In many cases, an experienced physio can assess and diagnose your hip/groin injury without requiring immediate scans. We will perform specific tests during your exam to pinpoint the likely issue. If your physiotherapist feels that imaging (like an X-ray or MRI) is necessary. For instance, to confirm a suspected labral tear or rule out a fracture. They will discuss this with you and can liaise with your GP or a sports doctor to arrange it.
Generally, it’s wise to start with physio; we can often manage the injury conservatively, and only refer for scans if you’re not improving or if we suspect something needs medical intervention.
Prevention strategies are key, especially if you’ve had a hip or groin injury before. Warming up thoroughly before sports or workouts prepares your muscles and joints for activity, include dynamic stretches and light cardio to get blood flowing.
Strength training is one of the best preventative measures. For instance, strong glutes and adductors help stabilize the pelvis during dynamic movements, reducing strain on the groin. Incorporating exercises that improve your balance and agility can also help your body handle sudden changes in direction without injury. It’s important to gradually increase the intensity of your training. Avoid doing too much too soon, as overuse is a common cause of hip and groin issues.
Finally, listen to your body, if you notice persistent hip or groin tightness or mild pain, consider seeing a physio sooner rather than later. We can identify any risk factors and give you targeted exercises or treatments to nip potential problems in the bud.
A Specialist Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist is a physiotherapist who has attained the highest level of qualification and expertise in the field of sports and exercise physiotherapy. In Australia, this title is awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists after many years of additional study, examinations, and clinical practice at an expert level.
There are very few of these Specialists in the country, so having one involved in your care is a big advantage. It’s similar to seeing a “consultant” or expert in the physiotherapy world who has been recognized for their advanced skills in diagnosing and treating complex injuries.
At Sports & Exercise Physio, we’re proud to say that our clinic director, Dr. Myles Burfield, holds this specialist title. What does that mean for you as a patient with a foot or ankle injury? It means you have access to an exceptional level of expertise right here in our clinic. Dr. Burfield and our team can handle even the most complex or stubborn foot and ankle cases – whether you’re an elite athlete with a tricky injury or someone who’s tried other treatments and not had success yet.
If you have any other questions or concerns about yourhip or groin injury, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you feel confident and supported on your road to recovery. Remember, every hip and every person is different – we pride ourselves on giving personalised, specialist care to get you back to your best. Hopefully, these FAQs have answered some of your worries and shown that with the right care, hip injuries can heal, and you can get back to the activities you enjoy!
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