When every step sends a jolt through your hip, daily life quickly becomes a challenge. Whether it’s a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain, hip discomfort can limit your movement, interrupt your sleep, and impact your overall well-being.
But finding relief isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about getting the right help from the right expert.
With so many specialists out there—orthopaedists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and pain management doctors—it can be overwhelming to know who to turn to first. Each professional plays a unique role in diagnosing and treating hip pain, but not every option is ideal for every condition.
Key healthcare professionals who treat hip pain
Many healthcare professionals are involved in treating hip pain, often working together in a team to provide comprehensive care. The specific professional you see may depend on the cause and severity of your hip pain.
1. Physiotherapists
These professionals are often the first point of contact for non-surgical treatment of hip pain. They are experts in movement and function and can diagnose, treat, and prevent a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. A physiotherapist will create a personalised exercise program to improve your hip’s flexibility, strength, and mobility. They may also use manual therapies and pain management techniques and provide education on proper movement patterns to reduce strain.
2. Osteopaths
Osteopaths take a holistic approach, looking at how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, and connective tissues function as a unit. They use a variety of manual therapies, exercise programs, and lifestyle advice to improve function and reduce hip pain. For example it may be that a restriction or problem elsewhere in the body is creating a compensation that is responsible for the hip pain.
3. Remedial massage therapists
The hip pain you are suffering may be caused by tight muscles around the hip, lower back or even the ankles. A remedial massage therapist will identify tight muscles and release them with a range of techniques including dry needling, stretching, massage and trigger point therapy.
3. Occupational therapists
If your hip pain is affecting your ability to perform daily activities, an occupational therapist can help. They focus on adapting your home or work environment and teaching you new techniques to reduce joint strain and improve function. They may recommend assistive devices or home modifications to help you maintain independence.
4. A General Practitioner
GP’s are useful when seeking referral to specialists or for different imaging options. They may also be able to offer symptomatic relief with medication or delve into a problem to identify causes that may not be of a musculoskeletal origin.
5. Sports medicine specialists
A physician specialising in sports and exercise-related injuries. They are particularly skilled in diagnosing and treating hip pain resulting from athletic activities and can offer a range of non-surgical and surgical recommendations. They can also offer a range of injection therapies such as PRP or cortisone.
6. Rheumatologists
If your hip pain is caused by an inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis, a rheumatologist is the appropriate specialist. They diagnose and manage disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, often through medication or injections.
7. Orthopaedic surgeons
An orthopaedic surgeon is a specialist in the musculoskeletal system, focusing on bones, joints, and related structures. You would typically be referred to one if your hip pain is severe, affects your daily life, and hasn’t improved with conservative treatments. Orthopaedic surgeons can diagnose and manage a wide range of hip conditions, such as arthritis, injuries, and structural deformities.
They also offer advanced treatment options, including surgical procedures like total hip replacements, hip arthroscopy, and revision hip surgeries.
In addition to these professionals, other specialists may be part of your care team, including:
- A pain management specialist for severe pain.
- A dietitian for conditions like arthritis, which can be a cause of hip pain.
- A podiatrist if your hip pain is related to issues with your feet or ankles.
- An orthotist/prosthetist: If your hip pain requires external support, an orthotist can design and fit custom orthotic devices, such as braces or splints, to stabilise the joint and provide support.
It’s important to consult with your GP or a hip pain professional to get an accurate diagnosis and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Final thoughts
Hip pain can have a serious impact on your quality of life, making everyday activities feel difficult or even impossible.
The key is to start with an accurate diagnosis and then work with the right professionals based on the severity and underlying cause of your pain. Whether it’s through exercise, manual therapy, lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery, there is support available at every stage.
By making informed choices and building the right care team, you’re giving yourself the best chance at lasting relief, improved mobility, and a better quality of life.
Book an appointment with an Allied Health professional at Point Cook Physical for a multi-disciplinary approach to a healthy mind and body.
