Hip Pain Treatment

Hip pain is a frequent complaint across all age groups. It may be caused by joint degeneration (hip osteoarthritis), inflammation of the bursa (a fluid filled sack that prevents friction at a joint or tendon), sports‑related impingement, labral tears, tendon overuse or nerve irritation. Such pain can limit walking, running, work and even sleep. At Wilston Physiotherapy & Massage we take a comprehensive approach to hip pain.

Your physiotherapists will identify the source of your pain, evaluate your movement patterns and techniques, test your strength and flexibility as well as looking to identify any contributing factors to your condition. Sometimes pain may be referrrd from areas such as your lower back, and other times they may be caused by compensation from old injuries or certain habbits.

Remedial massage and acupuncture/dry-needling can also be efective in helping reduce muscular discomfort tightness and help you to restore movement to the joint.

If you are unsure about the cause of your hip pain, our physiotherapists can assess your condition and help diagnose it. Based on the findings, your therapist will develop a treatment plan that may include:

• Physiotherapy: Hands‑on manual therapy such as long‑axis hip distraction, hip mobilisation with movement and soft‑tissue techniques are used to increase joint mobility and reduce pain. Targeted exercises focus on strengthening gluteal and hip‑stabiliser muscles, improving core stability, correcting gait mechanics and enhancing flexibility. Evidence shows that exercise therapy yields small but meaningful improvements in pain and function for hip osteoarthritis and that further trials are unlikely to change this conclusion. Progressive strengthening is superior to aerobic exercise for improving function and pain.

• Massage therapy: Remedial massage relieves muscle tension and improves circulation. A randomised trial demonstrated that moderate‑pressure massage results in immediate and sustained reductions in hip pain and sleep disturbances compared with a wait‑list control. Massage also complements exercise therapy by preparing tissues for strengthening and enhancing recovery.

• Dry needling / acupuncture: Dry needling targets myofascial trigger points to reduce pain and improve range of motion. The 2025 guidelines recommend dry needling to treat trigger points in hip muscles for short‑term improvements in pain and function. A systematic review found that dry needling may be safe and effective for relieving hip pain, outperforming several control interventions. Our physiotherapists have additional training in dry needling and will discuss whether this technique is suitable for you.

• Education and self‑management: We provide advice on posture, ergonomics, weight management, activity modification and progression of home exercises. The 2025 guidelines highlight the importance of patient education and weight management as part of hip osteoarthritis management

Contemporary hip pain management follows a conservative multifacet approach. This involves combining active/manual therapies, education, progressive strengthening and, where appropriate, adjunct modalities such as dry needling and massage. The 2025 hip osteoarthritis guidelines recommend manual therapy, individualised exercise programmes, dry needling and patient education for optimal outcomes. A cumulative meta‑analysis confirms that exercise therapy provides modest but significant improvements in pain and function. Systematic reviews suggest that manual therapy can yield greater pain relief than exercise alone. Meanwhile, dry needling appears safe and may be more effective than several control interventions, and moderate‑pressure massage produces immediate and sustained reductions in hip pain (reference).

Early assessment and intervention can prevent chronic problems and delay the need for surgery. Our therapists emphasise education, self‑management and progressive loading to help you regain confidence and resume your daily activities.

• Experienced practitioners: Our physiotherapists, massage therapists and acupuncturists are registered with AHPRA and continue to update their knowledge through professional development. We have extensive experience treating hip pain and related conditions.

• Integrated care: We combine physiotherapy, manual therapy, exercise therapy, massage and dry needling to address hip pain from multiple angles. Evidence‑based guidelines emphasise using manual therapy alongside exercise and recommend dry needling for short‑term improvements.

• Personalised programmes: Treatment plans are tailored to your goals and lifestyle. We consider your sport, work, daily activities and underlying health conditions. Home exercise programmes help you continue progress between sessions.

• Evidence‑based practice: Our therapies are grounded in research. Exercise therapy has a beneficial effect on hip osteoarthritis pain and function. Manual therapy may offer additional improvements over exercise alone. Dry needling and massage provide short‑term pain relief and functional gains. We monitor your response and adjust your programme accordingly.

• Friendly, local service: Our clinic serves the Wilston, Grange and surrounding suburbs. We offer flexible appointment times and a welcoming environment where you feel supported.

Massage and dry needling enhance the effects of physiotherapy. Moderate‑pressure massage has been shown to decrease hip pain and improve sleep quality, with benefits lasting at least one month after treatment. Dry needling targets myofascial trigger points and may relieve hip pain and improve function, outperforming sham or no treatment. These interventions are offered by therapists with appropriate training and can be incorporated into your personalised rehabilitation programme.

If hip pain is affecting your mobility or quality of life, contact us today. Early intervention can prevent further deterioration and help you return to the activities you enjoy. Book online or call our friendly reception team to schedule an appointment at our Wilston clinic. We look forward to helping you move better and feel better.