Hip Pain Treatment in Chelmsford

Helping You Understand Your Hip Pain and Get Back to the Activities You Enjoy

Hip pain can affect almost every part of your day. Walking the dog, climbing stairs, getting out of the car, putting on your shoes or enjoying your favourite sport may suddenly become uncomfortable or difficult.

For some people, hip pain develops gradually over months. For others, it starts after an increase in activity, a sporting injury or an awkward movement. Whatever the cause, persistent hip pain can be frustrating and may leave you wondering whether you’ve developed arthritis or caused permanent damage.

At Chelmsford Osteopathy Clinic, as a ThreeBestRated osteopath in Chelmsford, I understand that hip pain is rarely the same from one person to another. Pain may arise from the hip joint itself, the muscles and tendons around the hip, the lower back or even other nearby structures. A careful assessment helps me understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and guides the most appropriate management.

My aim is to explain your condition clearly, answer your questions honestly and help you return to the activities that matter most to you.

What Is Hip Pain?

The hip is one of the largest and strongest joints in the body. It supports your weight when standing, walking and running while allowing a wide range of movement.

Because so many muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints work together around the hip, pain can develop for several different reasons. Some of the more common causes include:

Osteoarthritis
Gluteal tendinopathy
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (often called lateral hip pain)
Muscle strains
Hip bursae becoming irritated
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
Labral injuries
Pain referred from the lower back or pelvis

Many people are surprised to learn that pain felt around the hip isn’t always coming from the hip joint itself.

Where Is Your Pain?

The location of your symptoms often provides useful clues during your assessment.

Pain in the Groin Pain deep in the groin may be associated with the hip joint itself, although other conditions can also cause discomfort in this area.

Pain on the Outside of the Hip Pain over the bony point on the outside of the hip is commonly related to the muscles and tendons that help stabilise the pelvis during walking. This type of pain may be worse when:

Lying on the affected side
Walking for longer distances
Climbing stairs
Standing on one leg
Crossing your legs

Pain in the Buttock Pain in the buttock can sometimes arise from the hip, but it may also be referred from the lower back, sacroiliac joint or surrounding muscles. Because different conditions can produce similar symptoms, understanding the full picture is more important than relying on the location of pain alone.

Common Symptoms

Hip pain affects everyone differently. You may experience:

Pain walking
Stiffness after sitting
Difficulty putting on socks or shoes
Pain climbing stairs
Discomfort lying on one side
Groin pain
Pain after running or exercising
Reduced flexibility
A limp
Clicking or catching sensations

Some people describe a dull ache, while others experience sharp pain during particular movements.

Why Does Hip Pain Develop?

Hip pain often develops because several factors combine together rather than one single event.

Changes in Activity Increasing walking, running, gardening or gym training more quickly than your body has adapted to can overload muscles and tendons around the hip.

Age-Related Changes As we get older, the hip joint and surrounding tissues naturally change. These changes are common and don’t always cause pain, but they may contribute alongside other factors.

Muscle Weakness The muscles around the hip help control movement and support the pelvis. Weakness or reduced conditioning may increase the demands placed on other structures.

Previous Injury A previous hip, back or pelvic injury may alter movement patterns and contribute to ongoing symptoms.

Referred Pain Sometimes the hip itself is healthy, but pain is being referred from the lower back or pelvis. This is one reason why I assess more than just the painful area.

Myths & Misconceptions

“Hip pain always means arthritis” — hip pain can arise from muscles, tendons, bursae, the lower back or the hip joint itself. Arthritis is only one possible cause
“My X-ray explains all my pain” — many people have age-related changes on X-rays without any symptoms, while others experience significant pain despite relatively minor imaging findings
“I should stop walking until my hip feels better” — for many people, gentle activity is beneficial. Completely avoiding movement may contribute to increased stiffness and reduced confidence
“Pain on the outside of my hip is always bursitis” — pain over the outside of the hip is often related to gluteal tendinopathy or Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome rather than inflammation of a bursa alone
“If my hip clicks, something must be damaged” — clicking or snapping sensations are often harmless, particularly if they occur without pain or instability. Persistent painful clicking should be assessed
“Hip pain in older adults always means a hip replacement is needed” — most hip pain, including arthritis-related pain, can be effectively managed through exercise, treatment and activity modification without surgery
“Hip pain in younger or active people isn’t serious” — while often related to manageable causes like tendon irritation, it shouldn’t be ignored, as untreated issues can become more persistent over time

Is It Arthritis?

Many people assume that hip pain automatically means arthritis. In reality, arthritis is only one of several possible causes. Hip pain can also arise from tendons, muscles, bursae, the lower back or other nearby structures.

Even when arthritis is present, it doesn’t always explain the symptoms you’re experiencing. Many people have changes visible on X-rays but experience little or no pain. My assessment aims to identify the factors that are most likely to be contributing to your symptoms rather than relying on imaging findings alone.

Gluteal Tendinopathy and Lateral Hip Pain

Pain on the outside of the hip is one of the most common hip problems I see. This is often related to the tendons of the gluteal muscles, which help stabilise the pelvis when walking and standing on one leg. This condition is commonly known as gluteal tendinopathy and is often included under the term Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS).

Typical symptoms include:

Pain over the outside of the hip
Pain when lying on the affected side
Discomfort climbing stairs
Pain after longer walks
Tenderness over the bony point on the side of the hip

Many people improve with a combination of education, activity modification and a progressive strengthening programme.

Hip Arthritis — What Does It Really Mean?

Being told you have arthritis can sound alarming, but it doesn’t necessarily explain all of your symptoms. Many people have arthritic changes visible on X-rays without experiencing pain, while others have significant pain despite only mild changes on imaging.

Current understanding suggests that symptoms are influenced by a combination of joint changes, muscle strength, activity levels, sleep, general health and many other factors. Understanding this can be reassuring because it means there are often several ways to help improve symptoms and function.

Could It Be Coming From Somewhere Else?

Hip pain doesn’t always originate in the hip joint itself. The lower back can refer pain into the hip and buttock area, and in some cases what feels like “hip pain” is actually related to the spine. Similarly, hip issues can sometimes contribute to compensatory knee pain. A thorough assessment looks at the hip in the context of the whole lower body, not in isolation.

How I Assess Hip Pain

Every appointment begins with listening. I’ll ask about:

When your symptoms started
Where you feel the pain
Activities that make it better or worse
Your work, hobbies and sporting activities
Previous injuries or medical conditions
Your goals for recovery

Your examination may include:

Assessment of hip movement
Strength testing
Walking and balance assessment
Examination of your lower back and pelvis where appropriate
Functional movements such as squatting, stepping or standing on one leg
Special tests when clinically indicated

I’ll explain my findings in plain English, answer your questions and discuss the options available to you before recommending any treatment.

How May Osteopathy Help?

No two people experience hip pain in exactly the same way. The most appropriate approach depends on the cause of your symptoms, your general health, your lifestyle and the activities that are important to you.

Treatment always begins with a detailed assessment. I’ll take the time to understand your symptoms, examine the way your hip, pelvis and lower back move, and discuss what may be contributing to your pain.

If osteopathic care is appropriate, your personalised management plan may include:

Gentle hands-on treatment where appropriate
Soft tissue techniques to improve comfort and movement
Individual rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and confidence
Advice on walking, work, sport and everyday activities
Education to help you understand your condition
Practical strategies to reduce the likelihood of future flare-ups

My aim is not simply to reduce pain during an appointment but to help you move more confidently, understand your condition and return to the activities that matter most to you.

Should I Have an X-ray or MRI?

Not everyone with hip pain needs imaging. For many people, a detailed history and physical examination provide enough information to guide management.

Imaging may be appropriate if:

A fracture or serious injury is suspected
Symptoms suggest an inflammatory or less common medical condition
Surgery is being considered
Symptoms are not improving as expected and imaging is likely to influence management
Your GP or specialist recommends further investigation

It’s worth remembering that scans often show age-related changes that may not be responsible for your pain.

Staying Active and Helping Your Recovery

Although every hip problem is different, many people benefit from remaining as active as their symptoms allow. Helpful strategies may include:

Regular walking within comfortable limits
Gradually increasing activity rather than doing too much too soon
Individual strengthening exercises
Taking regular movement breaks if sitting for long periods
Managing training loads if you participate in sport
Maintaining a healthy body weight where appropriate

Recovery is rarely perfectly linear. Some days will feel better than others, and temporary flare-ups don’t necessarily mean you’ve caused further damage.

When Should I Seek Urgent Medical Advice?

Most hip pain is not caused by a serious condition, but prompt medical assessment is recommended if you experience:

Severe pain after a fall or significant injury
Inability to bear weight following trauma
A hip that appears shortened or rotated
Fever, redness or marked swelling around the hip
Unexplained weight loss together with persistent pain
Sudden severe pain associated with feeling generally unwell

If you experience these symptoms, seek advice from your GP, NHS 111 or emergency services as appropriate.

Evidence at a Glance

Research and current musculoskeletal guidance indicate that:

Many common hip conditions respond well to education, exercise and gradual return to activity
Remaining active within comfortable limits is generally more beneficial than prolonged rest
Imaging is not routinely required for every episode of hip pain
Exercise therapy plays an important role in managing many tendon and joint conditions
Hands-on treatment may be helpful for some people when combined with education and rehabilitation

Every person’s recovery is different, so management should always be tailored to the individual.

Current Clinical Guidance

Current UK guidance encourages a personalised approach to hip pain based on a thorough assessment rather than relying solely on imaging findings. For many common musculoskeletal conditions, treatment focuses on understanding the problem, staying as active as symptoms allow, building strength and confidence, and using imaging only when it is likely to change management. Advice, education and shared decision-making are recognised as important parts of high-quality care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all hip pain arthritis? No. Hip pain can arise from muscles, tendons, bursae, the lower back, the hip joint itself and several other structures.

Can pain on the outside of my hip be bursitis? Sometimes, but many people previously diagnosed with “hip bursitis” actually have gluteal tendinopathy or Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome. A thorough assessment helps identify the most likely cause.

Is walking good for hip pain? For many people, yes. Gentle walking is often beneficial, although the amount that’s appropriate varies depending on the underlying condition.

Will I need a hip replacement? Not necessarily. Many people with hip pain improve with education, exercise and appropriate management. If your symptoms suggest that an orthopaedic opinion would be beneficial, I’ll discuss this with you.

Can hip pain come from my back? Yes. The lower back can refer pain into the buttock, groin or side of the hip, which is why I assess both areas where appropriate. Read more about Back Pain →

Can hip pain affect my knee? Yes. The hip and knee work closely together, and problems in one area can sometimes lead to compensatory issues in the other. Read more about Knee Pain →

How long does hip pain take to improve? This depends on the underlying cause, but many people notice improvement over several weeks with consistent treatment and exercise.

What is gluteal tendinopathy? A common condition involving irritation of the tendons of the gluteal muscles on the outside of the hip, often mistakenly called bursitis. It typically responds well to a progressive strengthening programme.

Related Conditions

You may also find these pages helpful:

Back Pain → — lower back problems can sometimes refer pain into the hip or buttock
Sciatica → — nerve irritation from the lower back can occasionally mimic hip pain
Knee Pain → — hip and knee mechanics are closely linked, and problems in one area may influence the other
Sports Injuries → — tendon injuries, muscle strains and returning safely to activity
Arthritis → — for more detail on osteoarthritis and its management
Services → — find out what to expect from an osteopathic assessment

Further Reading

For additional information, you may find these trusted resources helpful:

A Note from John

One of the most rewarding aspects of treating hip pain is seeing people regain confidence in everyday movements that they had begun to avoid.

Many patients arrive worried that they’re “wearing their hip out” or that surgery is inevitable. In reality, hip pain has many possible causes, and understanding what’s contributing to your symptoms is often the first step towards feeling more positive about recovery.

My aim is always to explain your assessment in plain English, answer your questions honestly and work with you to develop a realistic plan that fits your lifestyle and goals. Whether your priority is getting back to walking, gardening, playing golf or simply sleeping more comfortably, I’ll focus on helping you move with greater confidence and understanding.

If you are suffering from hip pain, or know anybody who is, please do not hesitate to contact me at info@chelmsfordosteopathyclinic.co.uk or call 07440 498109 to book an appointment.

Book an Appointment →

Written by John Dods John Dods holds a Masters of Osteopathy (M.Ost) from the University College of Osteopathy and is registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).

Last reviewed: July 2026 | Next review: July 2027

This information is intended for general educational purposes and should not replace an individual assessment by a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop severe pain after an injury, are unable to bear weight, or experience symptoms that concern you, seek prompt medical advice.