Hip pain affects people of all ages and activity levels from runners and athletes to those dealing with age-related joint changes. At London Sports Physiotherapy in Sutton, our specialist clinicians provide comprehensive assessment, evidence-based physiotherapy, and expert injection therapy to diagnose and treat the full range of hip conditions.
Understanding Hip Pain
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint capable of a wide range of movement, and it bears significant load during virtually all weight-bearing activities. Pain around the hip can originate from the joint itself, the surrounding tendons and bursae, the muscles of the gluteal region, or even from the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint which can refer pain into the hip and buttock region.
This means that careful clinical assessment is essential to identify the true source of pain before treatment begins. At our Sutton clinic, our physiotherapists use a detailed examination process to ensure an accurate diagnosis and a targeted, effective treatment plan tailored to you.
Below are the five most common hip conditions we assess and treat at London Sports Physiotherapy. Each requires a specific approach and our clinicians are experienced in managing all of them.
What it is: Gradual wear of the cartilage lining the hip joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, particularly on rotation and walking.
Who it affects: Most commonly adults over 50, but can occur earlier following injury or structural abnormality.
Symptoms: Deep groin or buttock pain, morning stiffness, pain after prolonged sitting or walking, reduced hip flexibility.
Treatment: Physiotherapy, exercise, activity modification, and hyaluronic acid or steroid injections to manage symptoms and delay surgical intervention.
What it is: An umbrella term for lateral hip pain arising from the tendons and/or bursa at the greater trochanter, the bony prominence on the outer hip.
Who it affects: Very common in middle-aged women, runners, and those who are sedentary or have recently changed their activity levels.
Symptoms: Pain on the outer hip, lying on the affected side, crossing the legs, or climbing stairs. Often worse at night.
Treatment: Load management, gluteal strengthening, gait retraining, and injection therapy where appropriate.
What it is: Degeneration or irritation of the gluteus medius or minimus tendons at their attachment to the greater trochanter, often co-existing with GTPS.
Who it affects: Commonly affects peri- and post-menopausal women, runners, and those with hip muscle weakness or altered biomechanics.
Symptoms: Lateral hip pain aggravated by walking, running, prolonged standing, and compressive positions such as leg crossing.
Treatment: Progressive tendon loading, biomechanical correction, education on load management, and steroid injection for acute pain relief.
What it is: Inflammation of the trochanteric bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the tendons over the greater trochanter. Often occurs alongside gluteal tendinopathy.
Who it affects: Active individuals, those with leg length discrepancy or altered gait, and those who have recently increased their activity.
Symptoms: Acute, sharp lateral hip pain, tenderness on direct pressure, and pain lying on the affected side.
Treatment: Anti-inflammatory measures, physiotherapy, activity modification, and corticosteroid injection, often with rapid and significant relief.
What it is: FAI occurs when there is abnormal contact between the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint due to bony abnormalities, either on the ball (cam impingement), the socket rim (pincer impingement), or both (mixed type). This causes pain, restricted movement, and over time can damage the labrum and cartilage.
Who it affects: Common in young to middle-aged active adults, particularly those involved in sport requiring repeated hip flexion such as football, cycling, martial arts, and weightlifting.
Symptoms: Deep groin or anterior hip pain, especially with hip flexion, prolonged sitting, or squatting. A “C-sign” where the person cups the hand around the hip is a classic presentation.
Diagnosis: Clinical assessment is combined with imaging (X-ray or MRI) to confirm bony morphology and assess for labral or cartilage damage.
Treatment: Physiotherapy focusing on hip strengthening and movement pattern correction, activity modification, and injection therapy. Surgical referral may be considered where conservative management does not provide adequate relief.
Our Sutton clinic treats the full spectrum of hip and pelvic pain, including:
When to seek urgent care: If you experience sudden severe hip pain following a fall or trauma, are unable to bear weight, or notice significant swelling or deformity, please seek urgent medical attention before booking physiotherapy. Similarly, if you have hip pain associated with unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fever, please see your GP promptly.
At London Sports Physiotherapy, we offer two types of injection therapy for hip conditions, corticosteroid (steroid) injections and hyaluronic acid (HA) injections. Both are administered by our qualified clinicians and are used in conjunction with physiotherapy for optimal, long-lasting results. The most appropriate injection type for your condition will always be discussed at your initial assessment.
Fast-acting anti-inflammatory
Corticosteroid injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the hip joint or peritrochanteric soft tissues, providing rapid reduction in pain and swelling. Relief typically begins within a few days and can last several weeks to months, creating an ideal window for physiotherapy to address the underlying cause.
Particularly effective for:
Joint lubrication & long-term relief
Hyaluronic acid injections, also known as viscosupplementation, replenish the natural lubricating fluid within the hip joint, reducing friction, easing movement, and supporting the joint’s natural repair processes. They offer a longer-acting solution and are especially well-suited to those seeking to manage symptoms and maintain function over time.
Particularly effective for:
At London Sports Physiotherapy, treatment is never one-size-fits-all. Your physiotherapist will build a programme around your specific diagnosis, goals, and lifestyle, whether you are a competitive athlete, a weekend runner, or someone who simply wants to walk without pain.
Comprehensive Assessment
Detailed examination of the hip, pelvis, and lumbar spine to identify the true source of pain and rule out referred causes.
Gluteal Strengthening
Progressive loading of the gluteal muscles and hip stabilisers, the foundation of treatment for most lateral hip conditions.
Manual Therapy
Joint mobilisation, soft tissue release, and neural techniques to restore movement and reduce pain in the hip and surrounding regions.
Gait & Movement Retraining
Analysis and correction of walking, running, and sport-specific movement patterns that may be contributing to or perpetuating hip pain.
Injection Therapy
Steroid or hyaluronic acid injections to provide targeted pain relief, administered in-clinic by our qualified practitioners.
Post-Op & Hip Replacement Rehab
Structured programmes following hip surgery or total hip replacement, progressing safely from early recovery to full return to activity.
Highly Experienced Team: Our physiotherapists have worked with elite athletes, in acute hospital settings, and with complex musculoskeletal presentations. We bring specialist expertise to every client interaction.
Evidence-Based Practice: All treatment is grounded in current research and best-practice guidelines, ensuring you receive the most effective care available.
Advanced Facilities: Our state-of-the-art clinic in the Oru Building, Sutton, provides dedicated rehabilitation space, objective testing equipment, and diagnostic ultrasound capabilities.
Holistic Approach: We address the root cause of your problem, not just symptoms, ensuring sustainable long-term results.
One-to-One Appointments: Personalized attention throughout your entire appointment—no shared sessions or group classes.
Flexible Options: We work with self-funded clients and all major private health insurance providers, offering convenient appointment times to suit your schedule.
Comprehensive Services: From initial injury assessment to post-operative rehabilitation and performance optimization, we provide complete musculoskeletal care under one roof.
Located in central Sutton with easy accessibility, we’re trusted by people across SM1, SM2, Cheam, Carshalton, and the wider Surrey area.
Yes, physiotherapy is a first-line treatment for hip osteoarthritis and can significantly reduce pain and improve function. A structured exercise programme strengthens the muscles supporting the hip joint, reducing load and discomfort. Injection therapy, particularly hyaluronic acid injections, can further manage symptoms and help maintain quality of life and delay or avoid surgical intervention altogether.
The most effective treatment for GTPS combines load management (avoiding compressive positions and high-load activities in the short term) with a progressive gluteal strengthening programme. Corticosteroid injections can provide rapid pain relief in more severe or acute cases, creating a window in which rehabilitation can be carried out more comfortably. Our physiotherapists will design a programme tailored to your presentation and activity goals.
Both conditions can cause deep groin or hip pain and restricted movement, making clinical assessment and imaging essential for an accurate diagnosis. FAI tends to affect younger, more active individuals and typically causes pain with hip flexion and prolonged sitting, while hip osteoarthritis is more common in older adults and causes progressive stiffness and aching. Our physiotherapists will carry out a thorough assessment and can advise on whether imaging is needed.
It depends on the diagnosis. Steroid injections are better suited to inflammatory conditions and acute flare-ups, such as trochanteric bursitis or an osteoarthritis flare, where fast pain relief is the priority. Hyaluronic acid injections are a longer-acting option better suited to ongoing management of hip osteoarthritis or chronic joint pain. Your physiotherapist will discuss the options and recommend the most appropriate choice based on your condition.
With the right treatment, most people with gluteal tendinopathy see meaningful improvement within eight to twelve weeks of a structured physiotherapy programme. The key is a progressive tendon loading approach, avoiding both excessive rest and excessive load, combined with education on posture and movement habits that can aggravate the tendon. Injection therapy can help accelerate progress in those with high pain levels.
No, you can self-refer directly to London Sports Physiotherapy without seeing your GP first. Simply contact us via our website or by phone to book your initial hip assessment.
If you are experiencing hip pain, physiotherapy can help identify and treat the underlying cause.
You do not have to keep living in pain. Specialist help is available, and the sooner you seek it, the sooner you can start feeling better. The team at London Sports Physiotherapy in Sutton provides expert physiotherapy for musculoskeletal conditions in a friendly, professional, discreet and supportive environment.
We are conveniently located for people across South London and North Surrey, including Cheam, Carshalton, Morden, Epsom, and Wallington. Our team combines specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapy expertise with in-house injection therapy, meaning you can access a comprehensive, joined-up approach to hip pain in a single clinic, without the delays of multiple referrals.
We welcome self-referrals, no GP referral is required. Early morning, evening, and weekend appointments are available, and most people are seen within a week of first contact.
Contact us today to book your initial assessment or to speak with one of our specialist physiotherapists about your symptoms. We are based in Sutton and proudly serve people from across South London and Surrey.
