What causes hip pain in runners?

Hip pain in runners is often related to load, strength imbalance or rapid increases in training volume. Gluteal tendinopathy, hip flexor irritation and joint-related issues are common contributors.

Is hip pain coming from my back?

Sometimes. The hip and lower back work closely together, so symptoms can overlap. A detailed assessment helps determine the true source of pain.

Can I keep running with hip pain?

Often yes — but adjustments to volume, pace or terrain may be required. A structured plan helps you continue progressing without aggravating symptoms.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) refers to when a shape difference in the hip causes pain and mechanical bony impingement. A thorough assessment can identify muscle weakness and movement control issues that when corrected can allow you to return to sport with improved symptoms.

Not always. Most hip conditions can be assessed clinically. We may use imaging to assess the shape of your hip which can help guide management.

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Hip Pain

Whether it’s a sharp groin pain with running, a deep ache when walking, or hip pain lying on your side at night, hip injuries can make everyday movement a struggle.

Because the hip plays a central role in force production and control, even small issues can start affecting performance, speed and confidence.

At Valley Physio, we focus on identifying what’s driving your hip pain and building a structured rehabilitation plan to restore strength, control and capacity.

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Signs you should get it checked

It's limiting your ability to run, lift or change direction

You've been training through the same pain for more than two weeks

You had an acute moment of hip pain that stopped you training

Pain settles with rest but flares when you reload

You feel stiffness at the front or side of the hip

Hip & groin
issues we treat

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)

Gluteal tendinopathy

Bursitis

Groin strains & adductor-related pain

Labral irritation

Post-surgical hip rehabilitation

Hip flexor pain

Running-related hip pain

How we help

Every plan is built around your diagnosis and goals, combining hands-on care with progressive, evidence-based rehab so you recover fully and stay that way.

Our focus is on long-term strength and performance — not short-term fixes.

01

Manual therapy and dry needling to reduce pain and stiffness

02

Load management and movement retraining

03

Progressive strength training for glutes, core, and movement control

04

Return-to-run or return-to-gym programming

05

Postural and movement coaching to prevent recurrence

Move stronger,
not sorer.

We take the time to find the real driver of your pain. Our physiotherapists combine hands-on care with targeted loading and clear education to rebuild your confidence and movement.

We've helped runners, gym members, and weekend athletes across the Hunter return from stubborn hip pain with stronger, more balanced movement. Most patients are back running, squatting, and training confidently within 2–3 months — with stronger hips that last.

Accurate diagnosis using movement testing and load assessment

Hands-on therapy including dry needling to reduce pain and stiffness

Progressive rehab focused on glutes, core, and movement control

Running and sport-specific retraining with structured return-to-load

Education to break the "rest-flare-up" cycle for good

By 2–3 months, most patients are back training with stronger, more durable hips than before.