Common Sources of Hip Pain (And What We Can Do About Them)
Have you noticed a persistent discomfort in your hip? Is impaired hip mobility making it difficult for you to handle day-to-day tasks? Hip pain isn’t something you have to live with. But to resolve your pain, you’ll need to identify why you’re experiencing pain in the first place.
At Albanese Physical Therapy, our team of musculoskeletal experts can help you determine the root cause of your hip pain. Whether it’s an underlying injury or a chronic condition like arthritis, we’ll get you the answers you need — and the relief you deserve!
Today, we want to explore some common causes of hip pain and give you some insight into how physical therapy can help. But if you’re currently dealing with hip pain, your best bet is to call us to schedule an initial consultation. Our team can give you personalized guidance to return to an active, healthy lifestyle!
Why Do My Hips Hurt? Common Hip Injuries and Conditions
Osteoarthritis (OA): If you’re an older adult, your hip pain might stem from osteoarthritis, which occurs when the cartilage in a joint starts to degenerate. The hips are one of the more common locations for OA. Symptoms include…
- Pain in the hip and/or groin
- Stiffness in the hip joint, especially after you haven’t moved it for a while
- A sense of weakness in your legs
Hip Impingement: Your hip is a ball-and-socket joint. When the ball part of the joint pinches up against the socket part, you can develop hip impingement. It’s most common in young, active people. Watch out for…
- Pain in the hip joint and discomfort elsewhere in the general area (groin, thighs, lower back)
- Sharp stabbing pain when using your hip (i.e., squatting, running, etc)
- Symptoms that gradually develop over time
Hip Labral Tear: Your labrum is a ring of cartilage that protects your hip socket. A labral tear occurs when that cartilage tears, often due to overuse or a hip impingement. Symptoms include…
- A persistent, dull ache that feels like it comes from deep inside your hip
- Sharp, stabbing pains when using your hip
- Clicking or popping sounds when using your hip
- A feeling of instability in the hip
Hip Strain: A hip strain occurs when the muscles or tendons that support your hip joint become damaged. Your exact symptoms will vary somewhat based on the severity of the strain, but in general, you can expect…
- Pain, especially when using the affected muscle
- Swelling
- Limited range of motion
- Muscle weakness
Hip sprains can also occur, but they tend to be rare. A sprain affects the ligaments in your hip (the tissue that connects the joint). Symptoms are similar to a strain, but you might also experience a sense of the joint buckling under your weight.
“I wish there were 10 stars to click! Helping with my recovery after hip replacement surgery, Rich brought me from a state of hobbling while walking to getting me back to work in just a few weeks. I felt invigorated after my sessions at Albanese Physical Therapy. The facility was spotless and well run, with no time wasted. If you need physical therapy, Rich Albanese is who you should call!”
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Questions for Rich
Do I need imaging (like X-rays or MRIs) before starting physical therapy?
Many conditions can be evaluated and treated without imaging. Your first session will consist of a comprehensive physical assessment, and we can let you know at that point if further imaging is needed. If it is, we’ll guide you through the process.
What We Can Do to Address Your Hip Pain
Of course, identifying the cause of your hip pain is only the first step in addressing it. Once we know why you’re experiencing pain, we can develop a personalized treatment plan for your needs.
If you’ve suffered a hip injury, we’ll guide you through rehabilitation. Sometimes, physical therapy alone is enough to resolve the injury; other times, you may need medical intervention. Either way, here’s what you can expect:
- Drug-free pain management techniques (such as manual therapy)
- Early mobility work to help improve your range of motion
- Exercises to restore strength and stability
- Targeted balance and gait training
- Activity-specific training (especially if you’re an athlete)
If you’ve developed osteoarthritis, we can help you manage your symptoms and delay the progression of your condition. OA doesn’t have a cure, but physical therapy is considered a frontline treatment to help you avoid a total hip replacement. Your treatment plan may include…
- Manual therapy to help reduce pain and improve mobility
- A personalized exercise program to help you stay active (regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage osteoarthritis)
- Balance and gait training to help reduce your fall risk
- Activity modifications and other strategies to help you manage discomfort throughout the day
No matter the reason for your hip pain, the Albanese Physical Therapy therapists will find a solution that works for you. Call us today to schedule an appointment to get started on your journey to hip pain relief!
Sources: https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-to-osteoarthritis-of-hip, https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-hip-impingement-femoroacetabular, https://www.physio-pedia.com/Hip_Labral_Disorders, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/hip-strains/
A Proud Moment: Alex and Madeline Graduate!
Rich and Dana are proud to announce and celebrate the graduation of their high school seniors.
Alex Albanese
Alex made the most of high school, staying active in sports, clubs, and his community. He was a four-year member of both the Golf and Track & Field teams, served as Golf Team Captain his senior year, and tied the school record for lowest golf score in a competitive round. He also qualified for WPIALs in both sports and joined the Hockey team as a senior.
In addition to Student Council and club involvement, Alex volunteered through his church, mentored young golfers, and helped out in the community. He received the Jane Leonard Scholarship from Indiana University and held jobs as a lifeguard, golf course starter, and candy maker. Alex will be attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the fall to major in Finance. He’s proud of what he’s accomplished and ready for what’s ahead!
Madeline Tabay
Madeline Tabay, a proud 2025 graduate of New Brighton High School, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. A four-year high honor student, she was inducted into the National Honor Society, a testament to her scholastic achievements and leadership potential.
Madeline’s dedication to service is evident through her extensive involvement in various organizations. She was an active member of the Interact Club, Student Council, Lioness Club, and the Youth Ambassador Program. Her impactful contributions were recognized with the Challenge Program Community Service Award during both her freshman and sophomore years. Beyond school clubs, Madeline dedicated her time to volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Beaver County and served as an elementary helper, showcasing her desire to support younger students.
In addition to her academic and service pursuits, Madeline made a splash in the athletic arena, earning a varsity letter as a freshman on the Beaver Falls/New Brighton Co-op Swim Team. She also showcased her artistic talents as a four-year member of the high school musical productions.
Looking ahead, Madeline will attend Pennsylvania State University, University Park, where she plans to major in Secondary Education and History, eager to continue her journey of learning and contributing to her community.
Pineapple Green Smoothie
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/3 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup frozen banana slices
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup or honey (optional)
Add almond milk and yogurt to a blender, then add spinach, banana, pineapple, chia seeds, and sweetener (if using); blend until smooth.
