Hip and Groin Pain

Hip pain is often felt in the groin region. The pain can be quite sharp especially whilst walking, getting out of the car, and sitting. Groin pain can be a symptom of hip joint problems. There are other injuries and problems that cause groin pain and we can also exclude those through a thorough examination.

Over the past ten years groin pain has become more specific in diagnosis and there is more that can be offered to patients beyond a hip replacement. Hip pain can also come and go over periods of time and often we leave it for quite a while before seeking help.

There can be many causes of hip/groin pain including Osteo-arthritis (OA), Labral tears (tears of the cartilage around the hip), Femoral Acetabular Impingement Syndrome, Adductor Tendinopathy, Osteitis Pubis and hip flexor Tendinopathy. Other things can be hernias, abdominal muscle strain and prostate problems.

Often physiotherapy management of hip pain is poor but at JYphysiotherapy we excel in the treatment of hips.

We have worked with patients following hip Arthoscopy since this surgery started over the past 7-8 years. We have seen how, post operatively, rehabilitation of hip Arthroscopy has changed and we are able to manage both surgical and non-surgical management of all hip problems.

Sporting hip pain in young people is a growing problem.   JYphysiotherapy are experts in effectively providing best management and treatment for young athletes. JYphysiotherapy works closely with Surbiton Hockey Club where we see a number of hip related problems.

Femoral Acetabular Impingement is a diagnosis that is defined by MR imaging to show changes in the head of the femur and surrounding acetabulum. These changes cause a level of abutting at certain positions of the joint. It has been implied that without changing these adaptations long term damage can occur within the joint.

Symptoms of Femoral Acetabular Impingement are varied but patients will often present with groin pain on weight bearing, rotations (ie. getting in and out of car).

MRI findings of Femoral Acetabular Impingement of the hip joint show 3 types of lesions, pincer, CAM or mixed lesions.

Current management of Femoral Acetabular Impingement of the hip following diagnosis can be conservative, injection therapy (which can also be used for diagnostic) and finally surgery.

Often severity of symptoms may guide this decision rather than MRI findings, though MRI findings are also measured.

To date there is has been very little research exploring the impact of rehabilitation in the conservative management of Femoral Acetabular Impingement. At JYphysiotherapy we specialise in providing strength programmes that strengthen around the hip and core and, if possible, can help reduce the symptoms and the need for surgical intervention. We work closely with top hip specialist Dr Cath Spencer-Smith http://www.sportdoclondon.co.uk/hip-and-groin/

Labral tears of the hip are often caused by a fall or a twisting of the hip, they can also be in conjunction with OA. Isolated labral tears often present with younger population and can cause a pinching sensation in the groin, the symptoms maybe transient but occasionally if it becomes inflamed can be painful for a few days. A labral tear of the hip joint can be quite a simple procedure if operated by a surgeon specialising in young hips.

Some tears can be managed non-surgically by the right group of exercises.

Exercises are aimed at opening out the front of the hip, stretching the quads and strengthening around the gluteals.

It’s always advised to get an individual programme for rehabilitation so that you know that you are performing the exercises correctly, and that you can work more efficiently.

It is important to gain a definitive diagnosis with hip pain and then appropriate treatment can be planned. This may include an MRI scan or assessment from a Sports Doctor if things do not resume quickly.

Osteoarthritis in the hip can be problematic as early as in your 50’s. Sometimes you can have early childhood problems with the hip such as hip dysplasia and this may lead to early onset of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis typically presents as pain in the groin and stiffness around the hip especially turning the leg outwards (getting out the car and bending to put shoes on). Surgery is often recommended when patients have not improved with specific exercises.

General guidelines suggest that general exercise as well as specific exercises can help with pain and function with Osteoarthritis. At JYphysiotherapy we can offer you an exercise regime to help maintain your hip, as well as showing you pre-hab exercises which will help you recuperate from your surgery quicker.