County Physio | Haddington & East Lothian
Hip pain is extremely common — but knowing when to seek help is just as important as understanding what’s causing it.
Many people wait too long, hoping the pain will disappear on its own. Unfortunately, untreated hip problems can worsen over time, leading to stiffness, weakness and reduced mobility.
So how do you know when it’s time to see a physiotherapist?
Here are the key signs that your hip pain needs professional assessment.
1. Your Hip Pain Has Lasted More Than 1–2 Weeks
If your pain hasn’t improved within a week or two, it’s unlikely to resolve on its own.
Persistent pain is often caused by underlying issues such as:
- Muscle imbalance
- Joint stiffness
- Hip bursitis
- Early arthritis
- Overuse injuries
A physiotherapist can identify the root cause and create a personalised treatment plan.
2. Your Pain Is Affecting Walking or Sleep
If you:
- Limp when you walk
- Feel pain with each step
- Struggle with stairs
- Can’t sleep on your side
— then your hip joint or surrounding muscles are likely inflamed or weak.
Physiotherapy aims to reduce pain, restore normal movement and stop the problem from becoming chronic.
3. You Feel Clicking, Catching or Locking in the Hip
These mechanical symptoms may indicate:
- A labral tear
- Hip impingement
- Joint instability
- Tight surrounding muscles
These issues do not typically improve with rest.
A physiotherapist can assess your hip movement and determine whether the problem is structural or muscular.
4. You Have Hip Pain After a Fall, Twist or Sudden Injury
Even mild injuries can cause:
- Hip strain
- Tendon irritation
- Bursitis
- Soft tissue damage
Early treatment prevents the injury from worsening and speeds up recovery.
5. You Experience Referred Pain from the Lower Back
Did you know that hip pain can come from the spine?
Lower back issues such as nerve irritation, muscle tension or SIJ (sacroiliac joint) dysfunction can all produce hip symptoms.
A physiotherapist can test whether your hip pain is truly coming from the hip — or from the spine or pelvis.
6. You’ve Tried Resting, Stretching or Medication Without Improvement
If self-care hasn’t helped, it’s a strong sign you need targeted intervention.
A physiotherapist can provide:
- Hands-on treatment
- Personalised exercises
- Movement correction
- Muscle activation work
- Postural advice
- Load management guidance
These address the cause, not just the symptoms.
7. You Are Over 50 and Developing Gradual Hip Stiffness
Slow, progressive stiffness may indicate early osteoarthritis — a condition that responds extremely well to physiotherapy.
The earlier you start strengthening and mobility work, the better the long-term outcome.
What Happens During a Physiotherapy Assessment?
At County Physio, your first appointment includes:
- A detailed history of your symptoms
- Hip mobility and strength testing
- Gait and posture analysis
- Identification of underlying causes
- A personalised treatment plan
- Hands-on treatment during your first session
- Exercises tailored to your lifestyle and goals
Most people feel improvement immediately after the first few sessions.
Hip Pain Treatment at County Physio (Haddington & East Lothian)
We provide:
- Manual therapy
- Joint mobilisation
- Soft tissue treatment
- Targeted strengthening
- Hip mobility exercises
- Dry needling (if appropriate)
- Taping / laser / electrotherapy
- Long-term prevention strategies
Our approach is tailored, effective and designed to get you moving pain-free.
Book Your Hip Pain Assessment Today
If any of the signs above sound familiar, it’s time to take action.
