Physio for Hip Pain in Brisbane CBD
Hip pain has a way of shrinking your world. The riverwalk run you love turns into a shuffle. The hop-on and off the CityCat stings. After long meetings, that first step toward Queen Street feels jammed – deep in the groin, sharp at the front, or aching on the outside of the thigh. Left on its own, hip pain steals confidence in the basics: walking pace, sleep positions, stair speed, and the workouts that keep you sane.
At AHF Physiotherapy in Brisbane CBD, we cut the noise and get specific. We’ll find what’s driving your pain and map a plan you can start today – simple load tweaks, targeted strength, and movement changes that fit your commute, your desk, and your training. We’ll provide clear steps grounded in current guidelines for hip conditions.
Understanding the Anatomy of your hip
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that allows for both stability and a wide range of movement. It supports much of your body weight during walking, standing, and running.
Key components of hip anatomy include:
- Bones: The femur (thigh bone) and acetabulum (hip socket) form the joint.
- Cartilage: Covers the ends of bones, allowing smooth, pain-free movement.
- Labrum: A ring of cartilage that helps stabilize the joint and keep the femoral head in place.
- Ligaments and Capsule: Provide stability and limit excessive movement.
- Muscles and Tendons: The glutes, hip flexors, adductors, and rotators work together to move and support the joint.
Recognising the symptoms of hip pain (and when to see a physio)
Hip pain can present in different ways depending on which structures are involved. Some common symptoms we hear from clients include:
- Deep ache in the front of the hip or groin
- Pain on the outer hip or side of the thigh
- Stiffness after sitting or first thing in the morning
- Clicking, catching or locking sensations
- Pain when walking, running, or climbing stairs
- Difficulty with movements like squatting or lunging
- Discomfort lying on the affected side
If your hip pain has lasted >7–10 days, limits stairs/squats/runs, keeps returning after desk time, or you’ve had a sudden training spike (more hills/speed/volume) then it might be time to see a Brisbane City physiotherapist. If you want a safe plan to keep moving while you recover, this is exactly what we do at AHF Physiotherapy.
Same-day and before/after-work appointments available in the CBD. Book online or call and we’ll triage you quickly.
Common causes of hip pain
Hip pain can come from joint irritation, muscle imbalances, overuse, or injury. Some of the most common causes include:
- Hip Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of the joint cartilage, often leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion.
- Labral Tears: Damage to the cartilage ring around the socket, often causing sharp pain or clicking.
- Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): Abnormal bone shapes cause the joint to pinch with certain movements.
- Gluteal Tendinopathy: Irritation of the tendons on the outside of the hip, often causing lateral hip pain, especially with walking or lying on that side.
- Hip Flexor Strain: Common in runners or people who sit for long periods.
- Referred Pain from the Lower Back or SI Joint: Pain may mimic hip pain even when the hip joint itself is not the source.
The good news? Most cases respond very well to targeted physiotherapy.
Hip Pain Treatment at AHF Physiotherapy Brisbane CBD
At AHF Physiotherapy, we know that every hip is different. We provide a personalised, evidence-based approach to help reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore strength and confidence in your movement. In line with current international guidelines, we put education and structured exercise at the centre of care for most hip presentations. When appropriate, we also deliver GLA:D aligned education and neuromuscular exercise for hip/knee osteoarthritis – an approach with published evaluations showing improvements in pain and function.
What this means for you? A clear assessment, a simple, doable plan you can start today, progressive exercise and movement coaching that fits your workday and training, plus short-term supports only if they help while we build long-term capacity.
Your recovery begins with a comprehensive assessment to identify the root cause of your pain. Your treatment plan may include:
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to reduce joint or soft tissue restrictions and improve mobility.
- Targeted Exercise Therapy: Strengthening weak muscles, improving flexibility, and correcting movement patterns to support the hip and prevent reinjury.
- Neuromuscular Retraining: Teaching your body how to move more efficiently and avoid compensations.
- Education and Lifestyle Advice: Tips for movement modification, sleep positions, and activity pacing to manage pain and promote recovery.
- Taping or Support Strategies: As needed, to improve comfort and offload irritated tissues during activity.
- Dry needling: As needed, to target stubborn trigger points that are more challenging to release via manual therapy and exercise alone.
Hip conditions we treat
Our Brisbane physiotherapists offer same-day appointments and effective treatment for hip injuries and conditions such as:
- Hip Osteoarthritis
- Labral Tears
- Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
- Gluteal Tendinopathy
- Hip Flexor Strain
- Referred Pain from Lower Back or SI Joint
Do you need physio for hip pain?
At AHF Physiotherapy, we help clients manage hip pain with personalised care grounded in evidence. Whether your pain is related to arthritis, an injury, or a chronic overuse issue, we’re here to help you move better and feel stronger.
We don’t just treat the symptoms – we work with you to understand the cause, guide your recovery, and prevent future issues.
QUICK LINKS
CLINIC HOURS
Mon: 8am – 6pm
Tue: 8am – 6pm
Wed: 8am – 6pm
Thu: 8am – 6pm
Fri: 8am – 6pm