Hip & Groin Pain
Hip and groin pain covers a range of presentations, from gradual discomfort related to training load to a specific muscle strain. Assessment starts with understanding what's actually driving your symptoms, whatever the pattern.
30-minute appointments as standard · No referral required
What is Hip & Groin Pain?
Hip and groin pain covers a wide range of presentations, from pain that builds gradually with running, kicking or change-of-direction sports, to a specific strain following a single movement. Common patterns include groin and adductor-related pain and hip flexor discomfort — the underlying cause differs, but assessment starts with the same questions: what changed, what’s being asked of the area, and how it’s responding to load.
This can include pain around the groin or inner thigh, discomfort at the front of the hip, or soreness that builds with kicking, sprinting or change-of-direction movements.
How We Assess Hip & Groin Pain
Assessment looks at your training and sport history, how your pain started, and what makes it better or worse, alongside movement, strength and control through the hip, pelvis and surrounding area.
Where relevant, this may include assessing movements specific to your sport, such as kicking, sprinting or change of direction, to understand how load is being managed through the hip and groin.
Treatment and Rehabilitation Approach
Management is guided by what’s driving your symptoms, often combining hands-on treatment, targeted strengthening through the hip and groin, and guidance on managing training load while you stay as active as appropriate.
For people training or playing sport, this sits within our wider sports physiotherapy approach, with load reintroduced in structured stages.
Looking for help with Hip & Groin Pain?
An assessment can help identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and guide the next steps.
Symptoms
Pain with kicking, sprinting or change of direction
Symptoms often noticed during specific sporting movements rather than everyday activity.
Pain that builds gradually
Discomfort that increases with training load over time, rather than appearing suddenly.
Pain after a specific movement
Pain that started suddenly, such as during a kick or sprint, is assessed differently to pain that’s built up gradually.
Causes and Risk Factors
Training or activity load changes
An increase in running, kicking or change-of-direction demands can outpace what the hip and groin are currently able to tolerate.
Strength and control factors
How the hip, pelvis and surrounding muscles work together can influence load through the groin.
Previous injury
A prior hip or groin injury can change how the area is loaded and controlled afterwards.
Return-to-Sport Considerations
Rebuild strength and control
Progressive strengthening through the hip and groin rebuilds the capacity needed for sport-specific demands.
Reintroduce load gradually
Running, kicking and change-of-direction load is reintroduced in stages, guided by how the area responds.
Return to sport-specific demands
Training and match demands are built back in progressively as part of a staged plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hip and groin pain always related to sport?
No — while it’s common in kicking and running sports, hip and groin pain can also relate to everyday activity, and assessment looks at what’s actually driving your symptoms.
Do I need a scan for hip or groin pain?
Not always. Many presentations can be assessed and managed clinically, though imaging may be recommended in some cases.
Can I keep training with hip or groin pain?
This depends on your presentation — your physiotherapist can guide you on what’s appropriate to continue and what may need to be adjusted.
How long does hip and groin pain take to settle?
This varies depending on the cause and how it’s managed — an assessment can give you a clearer picture specific to your situation.