Hip Pain Towcester
Hip pain affects how you walk, sleep and move through your day. It doesn't have to stay that way.
Understanding hip pain
The hip is one of the largest and most load-bearing joints in the body. When it hurts, everything is affected — walking, sleeping, sitting, standing. Hip pain is particularly common in people over 50 and is frequently associated with osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendon problems or referred pain from the lower back.
The good news is that most hip pain responds very well to a structured movement programme.
What usually happens
People with hip pain often manage for months or years before seeking help — adjusting how they walk, avoiding activities, and gradually becoming less active. When they do seek help, they may receive an X-ray, be told about wear and tear, and be offered anti-inflammatories or a steroid injection. These can provide temporary relief but don't address the underlying cause.
The most common missing element is a progressive programme targeting the hip, glute and surrounding musculature.
What the evidence actually says
For most hip pain — including hip osteoarthritis, greater trochanteric pain syndrome (bursitis) and hip flexor issues — progressive strength training is the most effective intervention. Specifically:
• Glute and hip strengthening reduces pain and improves function in hip osteoarthritis
• Tendon pain around the hip responds well to progressive loading
• Stronger hips reduce strain on the lower back, knees and ankles
• Exercise is more effective than injection for most hip conditions in the medium to long term
How Movement Possible approaches hip pain
Following a thorough clinical assessment, we build a programme targeting the specific muscles and movement patterns relevant to your hip problem. This is progressive — starting where you are and building week by week — and always one-to-one in a private studio.
Many clients with hip pain also benefit from manual therapy alongside their strengthening work. Both are available at Movement Possible where clinically appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have hip osteoarthritis — will exercise help or make it worse?
Exercise is the primary recommended treatment for hip osteoarthritis. Strengthening the muscles around the hip reduces load on the joint, reduces pain, and improves function. Done correctly and progressively, exercise does not accelerate cartilage loss — in fact, movement and load are important for joint health.
I'm awaiting a hip replacement — should I do prehab?
Absolutely — and the evidence strongly supports it. Clients who strengthen the hip, glute and leg muscles before surgery recover significantly faster and achieve better outcomes. Movement Possible has specific experience with hip replacement prehab and post-surgical rehabilitation.
My pain is worse after sitting for a long time — what's that about?
This is very common with hip osteoarthritis and certain tendon problems. It typically reflects stiffness that eases with movement — which is itself a sign that movement is helpful, not harmful. This will be explored in detail during your clinical assessment.
Can hip pain be caused by something other than the hip itself?
Yes — lower back problems, sacroiliac joint issues and nerve referral can all cause pain felt in the hip area. This is exactly why a thorough clinical assessment matters. Identifying the true source of the pain is the first step to addressing it effectively.
What does treatment involve?
It starts with a 60-75 minute clinical assessment. From there, one-to-one sessions typically involve progressive strength and movement exercises, with manual therapy where appropriate. Sessions are 45-60 minutes, usually once or twice a week.
Ready to find out what's possible?
Book a free 20-minute discovery call. No commitment — just a conversation about where you are and whether I can help.
📞 07734 429423
Based in Cold Higham, Towcester, Northamptonshire. Serving Towcester, Northampton, Brackley, Daventry, Milton Keynes and surrounding villages.