Hip pain can present in different ways depending on the structures involved. Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the hip, groin, buttock or upper thigh

• Stiffness when walking

• Discomfort when sitting or lying

• Reduced movement around the hip

• Pain during exercise or after activity

• Difficulty with daily activities such as walking, stairs or getting up from sitting

Symptoms may vary over time and can be influenced by activity levels, posture and how the hip is being loaded.

Hip pain often develops due to a combination of factors rather than a single cause.

Common influences include:

• Muscle imbalance

• Joint stiffness

• Increased activity

• Prolonged sitting

• Reduced movement over time

• Changes in strength or coordination around the hip and pelvis

These factors can increase strain on the hip joint and surrounding tissues, leading to irritation, stiffness or reduced movement. Because the hip works closely with the lower back and pelvis, symptoms may involve more than one area.

These are some of the most common patterns people experience:

Why does hip pain get worse when sitting?
Prolonged sitting can place the hip in a sustained position and may increase stiffness or discomfort, especially if movement is already restricted.

Why does hip pain affect walking?
Walking places repeated load through the hip joint and surrounding muscles. If the area is irritated or not moving well, symptoms may become more noticeable.

Why does hip pain spread into the groin or buttock?
The hip works closely with surrounding muscles and joints, so discomfort can sometimes be felt in the groin, buttock or upper thigh rather than only in one exact spot.

Why does hip pain keep coming back?
Recurring hip pain is often linked to ongoing factors such as strength, movement patterns, sitting habits or activity levels that have not been fully addressed.

Some cases of hip pain improve over time, particularly if they are related to temporary changes in activity.

However, recurring or persistent symptoms are common if contributing factors such as movement patterns, strength or activity levels are not addressed.

Staying active within tolerance is usually more helpful than prolonged inactivity, which can increase stiffness and reduce function.

At your first appointment, you will receive a structured assessment to understand what may be contributing to your hip pain. This typically includes:

• Assessment of hip movement and strength

• Examination of the lower back and pelvis

• Observation of walking pattern and activity factors

• Discussion of symptoms, daily activity and any changes in movement or exercise

You will be given a clear explanation of findings and a plan tailored to your situation.

Where appropriate, management may include hands-on techniques, movement advice and a simple exercise plan to support recovery and improve function.

The hip doesn't work in isolation — it functions as part of a system that includes the lower back, pelvis and knee. Osteopaths assess this whole chain to identify not just where the pain is, but what movement, strength or coordination factors may be driving the problem.

Treatment is hands-on and tailored to your assessment findings. It may include:

• Joint mobilisation to improve movement in the hip, pelvis and lower back

• Soft tissue techniques to reduce tension in the hip muscles and surrounding structures

• Specific exercises to improve hip strength, stability and movement control

• Postural and movement advice, particularly for prolonged sitting or exercise

• Guidance on activity modification to support recovery

The aim is to restore comfortable movement, address the underlying contributing factors and reduce the likelihood of symptoms returning.

While most hip pain is not serious, medical advice should be sought if you experience:

• Sudden severe pain

• Inability to weight bear

• Pain after trauma

• Symptoms that are worsening rather than improving

• Sudden loss of movement

• Ongoing pain that significantly affects walking or daily activity

Many people choose to seek an osteopathic assessment when pain has become persistent, mobility feels reduced, daily activity is becoming more difficult, or the problem keeps returning. An assessment can help identify what is contributing and provide a clear plan to move forward.

What causes hip pain?
Hip pain is commonly linked to factors such as muscle imbalance, joint stiffness, prolonged sitting, increased activity, or changes in strength and movement around the hip and pelvis.

Can hip pain go away on its own?
Some cases improve over time, especially if symptoms are linked to temporary changes in activity. However, persistent symptoms may continue if contributing factors are not addressed.

When should I see an osteopath for hip pain?
You may consider an assessment if pain persists, worsens, affects walking or sitting, or begins to interfere with daily activity.

Can an osteopath help with hip arthritis?

Osteopaths can assess and manage hip pain associated with arthritis. While osteopathy cannot reverse arthritic changes, treatment can help improve movement, reduce surrounding muscle tension and support function. Your osteopath will advise on what is realistic based on your assessment.

Do I need a GP referral to see an osteopath for hip pain?

No. You can self-refer directly to Coventry Osteopathic & Sports Injury Clinic without a GP referral. Book online or call 02476 501923.

If you would like to understand what may be contributing to your hip pain and how to manage it, you can book an appointment online or contact the clinic directly.

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An assessment can help identify contributing factors and provide a clear plan to move forward. You can view the full range of conditions we assess and manage here.

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You can also explore related conditions such as back pain, foot and ankle pain and movement-related issues to better understand how different factors may be connected.

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This page has been written and reviewed by our GOsC-registered osteopaths at Coventry Osteopathic & Sports Injury Clinic.