Hip Pain Physiotherapy in Singapore

Hip pain can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or exercising feel difficult and uncomfortable. At Benchmark Physio, we help patients manage hip conditions such as arthritis, labral tears, bursitis, and sports-related injuries with evidence-based physiotherapy.

Our treatment plans focus on reducing pain, restoring strength and flexibility, and improving your mobility so you can stay active. Each program is tailored to your individual needs and lifestyle. Book an appointment today with our hip pain physiotherapists in Singapore and take the first step toward moving with confidence again.

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Table of Contents

Meet Our Physiotherapist for Hip Pain

What Causes Hip Pain

Diagnosing Hip Pain

Hip Pain Treatment

Why Choose Benchmark Physio for Hip Pain Physiotherapy in Singapore?

Hip Pain Exercises for Home Practice

Frequently Asked Questions about Hip Pain Physiotherapy

Contact Us to Learn About Hip Pain Physiotherapy

Meet Our Physiotherapist for Hip Pain

Ng Hong Kai, an experienced physiotherapist, has carefully reviewed the information on this page.

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Ng Hong Kai

Clinic Director and Chief Physiotherapist​​

  • Master of Clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal), Curtin University (Australia)
  • Master of Physiotherapy, University of Sydney (Australia)
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise & Sports Science), University of Sydney (Australia)
  • Member of the Australian College of Physiotherapists and Australian Physiotherapy Association
  • Fully registered with the Allied Health Professions Council, Singapore, and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
  • GEMt Advanced Dry Needling Practitioner

Hong Kai has been practising musculoskeletal physiotherapy for more than a decade. He is the first Singaporean to achieve dual credentials as both an APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and a tertiary-trained Exercise Scientist.

Hong Kai's broad and extensive skill set allows him to create solutions that are simple, effective, and tailored to a client’s musculoskeletal needs. His belief in continuing education and self-improvement led him to complete his Master’s in Clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal), where he had the opportunity to participate in formal research into knee osteoarthritis under the supervision of world-renowned researcher and physiotherapist Prof. Peter O’Sullivan.

Hong Kai has experience treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, with a specific focus on addressing lower back, neck, shoulder, and knee pain.

What Causes Hip Pain?

Hip pain is a typical health issue that affects the hip joint and can be caused by several factors, which may vary significantly from person to person.

However, many people experience hip pain due to biomechanical issues, such as misalignment, weakness, or imbalance in the muscles, bones, and nerve structure surrounding the hips.

Here are some common health conditions that are highly likely to induce hip pain:

Arthritis

Arthritis causes stiffness and pain in the joints. It can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis that develops when cartilage wears away from the joints. 

Cartilage is a slippery tissue that covers and protects the ends of bones where they meet at a joint. When the cartilage wears away from a joint, the bones start to rub against one another, leading to pain and inflammation. This is why arthritis can cause hip pain.

Hip pain from arthritis can be caused by many things, including:

  • Injury to the hip joint
  • Inflammation of the hip joint
  • Nerve damage at the hip joint
  • Bone loss at the hip joint
  • Lack of blood flow to the hip joint

These are the common symptoms of arthritis in the hips:

  • pain and stiffness in the joints
  • pain or discomfort in one or both sides of your hips, buttocks, thighs and lower back
  • muscle spasms

Hip Fractures

A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the thigh bone, which can cause severe pain and disability.

Hip fractures are most commonly caused by falls from a standing height or less. Other causes include:

  • A sharp and direct blow to the hip, such as from a car accident or sports injury
  • A broken thigh bone (femur) near the hip joint
  • Osteoporosis, which weakens bones and makes them prone to fractures and cracks
  • A tumour near the hip joint
  • An infection in the bone or joint
  • Rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation and damage to joints

The break in the bone puts pressure on nearby nerves and vessels and induces the following symptoms:

  • Extreme pain sensations in the fractured area
  • Bones become inflamed and swollen
  • Difficulty in movement
  • Sudden onset of pain in the groin region
  • Inability to put weight on one leg without assistance
  • Difficulty walking or feeling unsteady on one foot

Bursitis

The bursae are small sacs at joints that help reduce friction between two surfaces. They are filled with fluid that is released during joint movement to lessen the contact between bones and muscles.

The bursae act as a cushion between ligaments, bones, and muscles, allowing the structures to slide and glide against one another with ease and with minimal friction.

Bursitis causes inflammation and swelling in the bursa, which results in pain. It often develops in the hips due to overuse or injury to the joint. The hip can become inflamed with bursitis due to repeated pressure from sitting for long periods or an injury such as a fall.

Bursitis can also develop in other joints, such as the knees, shoulders, and elbows.

Here are the common symptoms of hip bursitis:

  • Pain on the outer part of the hip near the groin
  • Pain on the inside of the thigh near the hip joint
  • Swelling, tenderness, and warmness in and around your hip

Tendonitis

Tendinitis occurs when there is an irritation or inflammation of a tendon. It can be caused by overuse, repetitive motions, or injury.

Tendinitis can cause hip pain because it affects the tendons around the hip joint. The most common sign of tendinitis is pain or tenderness in the affected area.

Other symptoms include:

  • Stiffness or weakness in the hip joint
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Redness or warmth around the hip joint

Hip labral tear

A hip labral tear is a painful and discomforting condition that can cause hip pain, weakness, and instability. It is caused by damage to the cartilage and ligaments around the hip joint.

The hip labral tear can be induced by a fall, twisting injury, or overuse. People with this condition may experience pain in the groin area and on the side of the hip joint. The pain may worsen when sitting, walking up the stairs, or lying on your side.

The common symptoms of a labral tear include:

  • Hip pain that worsens with activity.
  • A popping sensation when you move.
  • A feeling like something is catching or rubbing on your hip.
  • Difficulty bearing weight on one leg.

Avascular necrosis

Avascular necrosis is when the bone tissue dies due to a loss of blood supply. When this condition occurs at the hip, the blood supply to the ball and socket joint of the hip will be interrupted. Loss of blood supply may also cause tiny cracks and breaks in the bone, leading to even more painful conditions.

Various reasons can cause avascular necrosis, such as trauma, injury, medication, or even over-consumption of alcohol.

These are the common symptoms of avascular necrosis at the hip joint:

  • hip pain and stiffness in the hip joint
  • hip bone deformities
  • loss of height (due to imbalanced structure alignment)
  • weight-bearing problems

Diagnosing Hip Pain

When you feel persistent pain, swelling, and tenderness in your hips, it is better to consult a professional to identify the underlying cause and seek treatment immediately.

Medical experts have various means to determine the cause of your hip pain. They will begin by inquiring about your symptoms and medical history, including any previous injuries, illnesses, or surgeries.

They will also examine you physically and order several tests to help pinpoint the source of your pain. These are the standard tests the physician will usually call for in cases of diagnosing hip pain:

  • X-ray uses radiation to show hip dislocation, osteoarthritis, or bone fracture images.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan uses radio waves and a magnet to develop high-resolution images of your hip joint and the structures around them.
  • Computerised tomography (CT) scan uses a computer and x-rays to develop three-dimensional visuals of your hip structure.
  • Electromyography (EMG) tests your muscles and looks for nerve injuries.
  • Biopsy of the bursa fluid

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Hip Pain Treatment

It is highly recommended to seek expert advice if you’re feeling persistent pain or discomfort in your hips. Once your physician has diagnosed your hip pain and identified its cause, these are some common treatments your physician would typically recommend:

  • Hip surgery to repair tendons and labrum tears at the hip joint.
  • Physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around your hips and improve hip flexibility.
  • Over-the-counter painkillers to relieve mild hip pain or soreness.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications to treat mild injuries to the bursa, tendons, or muscles.
  • RICE therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) to relieve pain and minimise swelling and inflammation of the hips.
  • Hip replacement (in severe cases) to replace the hip joint with a prosthesis.

Hip pain is a common complaint. It becomes more prevalent as you age but it is not just a problem for the elderly. Hip pain can be a sign of many issues and often needs to be diagnosed by medical experts. If you’ve been experiencing hip pain for over two weeks or that has worsened over time, it is best to see your physician immediately.

Why Choose Benchmark Physio for Hip Pain Physiotherapy in Singapore?

Hip pain is an unpleasant reality for many people across Singapore. At Benchmark Physio, we understand that living through this discomfort can be challenging and severely inhibit your daily activities.

To manage hip pain symptoms, we offer a comprehensive physiotherapy treatment program with the goal of helping you regain full mobility and potentially improving the overall health of your hips. Our physiotherapists address hip pain by combining comprehensive assessment, expertise, manual therapy techniques and exercise strategies to potentially restore hip function and alleviate hip pain. This may help to improve flexibility and relieve joint strain, potentially minimise muscle imbalance and address poor movement patterns that cause hip pain.

Passionate about helping people feel great again, our hardworking team of physiotherapists strives to provide treatments that give patients some level of relief from hip pain symptoms Contact us today to enjoy life without limits again or view our full range of services. Our dedicated team offers personalised treatments and also now offers the convenience of home physiotherapy and tele physiotherapy, helping you potentially regain mobility and enjoy life to the fullest. 

Hip Pain Exercises for Home Practice

When seeking physiotherapy for hip pain, your physiotherapist may suggest certain exercises to do at home. These exercises focus on promoting mobility, potentially alleviating pain, and strengthening the muscles supporting your hip joint. Some of these exercises include:

  • Knee lifts: Lie on your back with one knee bent and the other straight. Gently lift the straight leg towards your chest, hold, and then slowly lower it. This exercise helps to improve hip flexor strength and flexibility.
  • External hip rotation: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat. Keeping your feet together, gently rotate your knees outward, away from each other. Hold briefly, then return to the starting position. This strengthens the muscles that rotate your hip outward.
  • Internal hip rotation: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat. Keeping your feet together, gently rotate your knees inward, towards each other. Hold briefly, then return to the starting position. This strengthens the muscles responsible for inward hip rotation.
  • Double hip rotation: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Keeping your knees together, gently rotate them in a circular motion, both inward and outward. This exercise promotes overall hip mobility and flexibility.
  • Hip and lower back stretches: Lie on your back and bring one knee towards your chest, gently pulling it closer with your hands. Hold, then switch legs. This stretch helps to release tension in your hips and lower back.
  • Hip flexions: Stand tall and lift one knee towards your chest, hold, and then slowly lower it back down. This exercise strengthens your hip flexors and improves range of motion.
  • Hip extensions: Stand tall, holding onto a chair for support. Gently extend one leg behind you, keeping your knee straight. Hold briefly, then return to the starting position. This exercise strengthens your glutes and hamstrings, supporting your hip joint.

Remember to consult your physiotherapist before starting any exercise program, and always follow their guidance on proper form and technique to avoid further pain or injury.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hip Pain Physiotherapy

You should consider seeing a hip specialist or a physiotherapist if your hip pain:

  • Persists for more than a few days or weeks.
  • Interferes with your daily activities or sleep.
  • Is accompanied by swelling, redness, or warmth around the hip joint.
  • Occurs after a fall or injury.
  • Doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter pain medication.

Early intervention, such as with sports injury physiotherapy, may prevent the condition from worsening and may help you avoid surgery.

Here are a few tips to help prevent hip pain:

  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your joints.
  • Engage in regular exercise to strengthen the muscles surrounding your hips.
  • Warm up properly before exercising and cool down afterwards.
  • Use proper form and technique during exercise and other activities.
  • Listen to your body, ensure you have ample recovery time, and rest when you need to.

The frequency of your physiotherapy sessions will depend on the severity of your hip pain and your individual needs. Typically, you can expect to attend sessions 1-3 times per week initially, with the frequency gradually decreasing as your condition improves. Your physiotherapist will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your schedule and goals.

While some discomfort is normal during physiotherapy for hip joint pain, it should not be excessively painful. Your physiotherapist will work within your pain tolerance and adjust the treatment as needed. If you experience any significant pain during or after a session, be sure to let your physiotherapist know.

Contact Us to Learn About Hip Pain Physiotherapy

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