Specialist Hip & Groin Assessment and Rehabilitation.

FAI describes a hip shape where the ball and socket may come into contact during certain movements. Hip shape alone does not mean someone has pain.

• Deep groin or front-of-hip pain, sometimes described as a C-sign around the hip
• Pinching or discomfort with deep squatting, sitting low or bringing the knee towards the chest
• Reduced or uncomfortable hip flexion and internal rotation
• Symptoms during running, kicking, twisting or prolonged sitting

The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the hip socket. Labral changes can be present with or without symptoms.

• Deep groin pain or pain around the front or side of the hip
• Catching, clicking or a feeling of locking; clicking alone is often not a sign of injury
• Pain during pivoting, twisting, squatting or prolonged sitting
• A sense of stiffness or discomfort at the end of hip movement

Hip osteoarthritis involves changes in the joint and can affect comfort, mobility and everyday activities.

• Groin, thigh or buttock pain; sometimes pain referred towards the knee
• Stiffness after rest or on first moving, often easing as the joint warms up
• Difficulty putting on socks, getting into a car or walking longer distances
• Reduced hip rotation, walking tolerance or confidence with stairs

Gluteal tendinopathy affects tendons on the outer side of the hip and is a common source of lateral hip pain.

• Pain or tenderness over the outside of the hip
• Discomfort when lying on the affected side, especially at night
• Pain with stairs, hills, prolonged walking or standing on one leg
• Symptoms when sitting cross-legged or with the hip held in an adducted position

Groin pain can involve the adductors, hip joint, iliopsoas, inguinal region or other structures. Assessment helps identify likely contributors.

• Pain in the inner thigh, groin crease or lower abdominal region
• Symptoms with sprinting, kicking, cutting or changing direction
• Discomfort when squeezing the knees together or stretching the inner thigh
• Pain that persists or returns when training intensity increases

Rehabilitation is tailored to the procedure, surgeon’s guidance, healing stage and personal goals.

• Pain, swelling or stiffness during the early recovery period
• Reduced range of movement, strength or balance
• Difficulty walking, using stairs or returning to normal daily activities
• Uncertainty about progressing exercise, loading or returning to sport