Hip and Pelvic Pain. How Are the Two Related?

Hip and pelvic pain often go hand in hand. Many times patients think that hip and pelvic pain are two isolated types of pain, as often pain will start in one area and then as it worsens begins to travel to a broader area. As pelvic floor physical therapists, we often hear our patients report hip pain that appears to start in the outer hip and then as it progresses begins to wrap around to the front of the pelvis.

How are hip and pelvic pain related?

Hip and pelvic pain are related because the hip and pelvic wall or pelvic floor muscles sit right next to each other. Some hip muscles actually overlap and sit under or on top of the pelvic floor muscles. When tension occurs in one of the muscles, it tends to carry over to the surrounding muscles therefore causing your pain to progress from a localized pain, to a more broad, generalized pain.

In addition, the hip muscles and pelvic floor muscles co-contract meaning that when one is tight, the other gets tight as well. Therefore, as your hip becomes tight and stiffens, it eventually progresses to pelvic pain and stiffness.

How can I manage my hip and pelvic pain?

First, please understand that the hip and pelvic pain are likely one in the same. Therefore, what helps the hip pain will likely also lessen the pelvic pain. In addition though, both areas likely need to be addressed. Therefore, stretches, exercises, massage and soft tissue work should address both the hip and pelvic pain and hip and pelvic areas.

Working with a physical therapist that provides pelvic wall physical therapy or pelvic floor physical therapy is paramount. Many times we will hear of patients that try to manage their symptoms with traditional physical therapy. While that may be helpful, pelvic wall physical therapy will address your symptoms much deeper.

Your symptoms likely are the result of BOTH hip and pelvic dysfunction and a physical therapist that is trained specifically on how the pelvic wall, pelvic floor, and hips all work together will likely better address your symptoms.

What does physical therapy entail for hip and pelvic pain?

Your physical therapist will look at how your hip and pelvic pain is affecting how you are moving, bending, standing, and squatting. They will also take a more detailed look at how your hips, lower back, and pelvic bones are moving. Since many of these muscles sit very deep in the buttocks and hips, a pelvic floor physical therapist will likely suggest doing an internal assessment to thoroughly assess these muscles. To learn more about pelvic wall physical therapy, click here.

How can I find a physical therapist to address my hip and pelvic pain?

To find a qualified physical therapist that is trained in pelvic wall physical therapy (also known as pelvic floor physical therapy), click here.

In summary, hip and pelvic pain go hand in hand. The muscles that control the hips and pelvis sit next to each other and work together. The best provider to help you manage hip and pelvic pain is a physical therapist that is trained in pelvic wall physical therapy.