Hip pain can be a real roadblock to your daily routine, whether you feel it when standing and moving around or when trying to get work done at your desk. Among the various types of hip discomfort, hip flexor pain stands out, affecting many people across different walks of life. When living with a recent injury or chronic pain, you deserve both self-care and professional treatment that gets you back to your normal routine quickly and effectively.

Symptoms of hip flexor pain

Hip flexor pain often presents itself in peculiar ways, distinct from other sorts of hip pain. Unlike hip joint pain, which often affects the deeper joint structures, hip flexor pain is usually felt in the front of the hip or groin area. It can be sharp or a dull pain, making certain movements, particularly lifting the knee or bending at the waist, uncomfortable or painful. You might also experience stiffness, tenderness, or swelling in the affected area. In some cases, the pain might radiate down the thigh or up to the lower back, complicating movement and increasing discomfort.

This type of pain can stem from various sources. Hip flexor strains occur when the muscle tissue itself is torn due to constant wear or sudden overextension. It can be made worse by muscle atrophy around the hips, inactivity (hip stiffness), or repetitive hip flexor movements like running.

Other hip pain can be caused by osteoarthritis or ligament or tendon strains. Recognizing how the symptoms of different hip pain causes differ is crucial for addressing the root cause effectively.

Exercises to avoid with hip pain

When dealing with hip flexor pain, knowing how to take care of yourself is key to recovering quickly, with consistent care to avoid worsening the injury and taking steps to heal it. High-impact activities like running, jumping, or any exercise that involves deep hip flexion should be avoided when you’re in hip pain. These movements can exacerbate the pain or further damage the already strained tissues.

If the pain is severe enough to make it impossible for you to accomplish the most basic tasks, you should talk to a doctor right away.

For minor injuries, the RICE method—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—remains a tried-and-true approach to help you feel better and hopefully speed up healing. These simple steps can make a significant difference in managing pain and promoting recovery.

Physical therapy exercises, tailored by experts, are the gold standard for pain that’s minor but may not be going away on its own. Hip flexor physical therapy exercises are designed to strengthen and loosen the surrounding muscles without inflaming the damaged tissues. They provide a safe pathway to recovery and pain management both in the short term and long term.

How long does it take for hip flexor strains to heal?

The healing time for hip flexor strains can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Mild strains often resolve within a few weeks with proper self-care, including rest and gentle rehabilitation exercises if you’re instructed to do them. However, more significant injuries might take several months to heal completely, which can benefit the most from a consistent physical therapy plan.

If your hip pain persists despite your best efforts to rest the affected joint, or if there’s no noticeable improvement after weeks, it might be time to explore more structured treatment options. Physical therapy can be particularly beneficial for hip flexor issues, helping to restore strength and flexibility while preventing future injuries.

Types of hip pain treatment

There are many treatment options available for managing hip flexor injuries and pain in general at Continuum Wellness. Our licensed physical therapists employ a range of techniques depending on your preferences for treatment and your health condition, from stretching and strengthening exercises to dry needling or electrical stimulation.

Each treatment plan should be personalized, addressing the individual’s specific needs, goals, and current experience of pain. A comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of the injury are considered, paving the way for a quick recovery and improved long-term health.

Hip pain relief and treatments in Apache Junction

Whether you’re seeking evaluation, treatment, or just advice, our hip pain experts at Continuum Wellness are ready to help. Don’t let hip flexor pain dictate your life—take proactive steps towards recovery by calling our office or requesting a free screening online today.