Hip Pain Treatment in Southampton

Hip pain can affect walking, sitting, sleeping and sport, and it often responds well to physiotherapy without the need for injections or surgery. At Optimal Physical Therapy in Southampton, we work out whether your pain is coming from the hip joint itself, the surrounding muscles and tendons, or the lower back, and then treat the cause. Start with a free 15-minute injury assessment.

What causes hip pain?

Common causes include gluteal tendinopathy and pain on the outside of the hip, hip joint osteoarthritis, hip flexor and groin strains, and bursitis. Because the hip and lower back are closely linked, pain felt around the hip and buttock sometimes comes from the spine. Getting this distinction right is central to effective treatment, which is why we assess both areas.

If your symptoms sit more in the back or spread down the leg, our page on back pain treatment in Southampton is relevant. Because the hip strongly influences the knee, hip problems and knee pain treatment in Southampton often go together.

Symptoms we commonly see

Hip pain can be felt in the groin, the outside of the hip, or the buttock. Typical patterns include pain lying on your side at night, stiffness after sitting, pain with walking or stairs, and aching after activity. Deep groin pain with stiffness is more typical of the joint, while pain on the outer hip often involves the tendons.

When to seek urgent help

Seek prompt medical care if hip pain follows a fall and you cannot bear weight or the leg looks shortened or turned out, which may suggest a fracture, especially in older adults. Get urgent help if the hip is hot, swollen and you feel unwell with a fever, or if you have sudden severe pain with no ability to move the leg. This page is general information and does not replace an individual assessment.

How we treat hip pain at our Southampton clinic

We assess how your hip, back and knee move together and identify what is driving your symptoms. Our physiotherapy in Southampton combines hands-on treatment with a progressive strengthening programme for the hip and gluteal muscles, which is the most effective approach for tendon-related hip pain and hip osteoarthritis. For muscle tightness around the hip and pelvis, sports massage in Southampton can support your rehab.

If you run or train, our strength and conditioning programmes build the hip capacity that protects the whole leg and reduces the risk of further problems.

What to expect from recovery

Tendon-related hip pain often improves over several weeks of steady, progressive loading, though it rewards patience and consistency. Hip osteoarthritis responds well to strengthening and activity, which can reduce pain and keep you mobile. We will set clear milestones so you can see your progress.

Self-care and prevention

Avoid long spells of complete rest, keep the hip moving within comfort, and build gluteal strength gradually. If lying on your side is painful, small changes to your sleeping position can help while the tendons settle.

Medically reviewed by our clinical team

Care is led by Rares Bradeanu, a musculoskeletal clinician with a first-class degree in Sports and Exercise Therapy from Solent University who also works within the NHS, with Robin White, a Senior MSK Physiotherapist with 17 years of experience. Meet the team here. Guidance here is consistent with NHS advice on hip pain. Last reviewed: July 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is my hip pain coming from my hip or my back?

Both are possible. Hip joint pain is usually felt in the groin, while buttock and outer-hip pain can come from the back or the tendons. We assess both areas to be sure.

Can physiotherapy help hip osteoarthritis?

Yes. Strengthening, activity and advice are recommended first-line treatments for hip osteoarthritis and can reduce pain and improve mobility for many people.

Why does my hip hurt when I lie on it at night?

Night pain on the outer hip is often gluteal tendinopathy, where the tendons are compressed against the bone. It usually improves with the right loading programme and small changes to your sleeping position.

Should I rest a painful hip?

Short-term relative rest can help a flare-up, but complete rest tends to slow recovery. Guided, progressive exercise is more effective for most hip pain.

Do you offer a free hip assessment in Southampton?

Yes. Our free 15-minute injury assessment is a good first step to understand your options.

Book your hip pain assessment in Southampton

To move more comfortably, book online, call 07474 114811, or use our contact page. We are at The Gym Group Southampton Central, 176-178 High Street, SO14 2BY.

Sources: NHS (Hip pain in adults), NICE guideline NG226 (Osteoarthritis), Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.