Hip Pain Treatment for Golfers, Runners & Active Adults
Hip mobility is the foundation of nearly every athletic movement — the golf swing, the squat, the running stride. When the hip breaks down, the low back, knee, and opposite hip all compensate. Dr. Matt identifies which structure is the actual source and treats accordingly.
The Hip as the Athletic Engine
The hip joint is the body’s primary power generator for rotational sports and lower body movement. It requires both mobility (particularly internal and external rotation) and stability to function efficiently. When hip mobility is restricted — from prolonged sitting, prior injury, or muscle imbalance — every structure above and below compensates.
In golfers, restricted lead hip internal rotation is the single most common physical limitation and the primary driver of low back pain, early extension, and lateral sway. In runners, restricted hip extension and weak glutes shift load to the knee and lumbar spine. The screen identifies the specific restriction pattern and maps it to the movement problem it’s creating.
- Hip flexor tightness — anterior hip pain or restriction limiting hip extension in running and golf
- Greater trochanteric bursitis — lateral hip pain, often worse lying on the affected side
- Hip labral tear — deep groin or anterior hip pain with rotation and end-range loading
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) — anterior hip pinching at end-range flexion and internal rotation
- Piriformis syndrome — deep posterior hip pain, often confused with sciatica
- Hip osteoarthritis — progressive stiffness and diffuse hip pain — management and mobility focus
- SI joint dysfunction — posterior hip and low back pain — often one-sided
How We Treat Hip Pain
Restore hip rotation first — then build the stability that keeps the restored range accessible under load.
Hip Mobility Screen
Assess internal rotation, external rotation, flexion, and extension — identify the specific restriction pattern driving the problem.
ART — Hip Capsule & Flexors
Full Body ART targeting hip flexors, external rotators, posterior capsule, and piriformis to restore joint mobility.
Joint Mobilization
Hip and SI joint mobilization to restore full articulation where capsular restriction is limiting range.
Glute Activation & Loading
Progressive glute strengthening and hip stability programming to maintain restored mobility under sport-specific load.
Hip Pain — Common Questions
How does hip restriction cause low back pain?
When the hip can’t rotate fully — particularly internal rotation in the lead hip — the lumbar spine compensates by over-rotating during activities like the golf swing or running. The low back absorbs rotational and shear forces it isn’t designed to handle repeatedly, leading to disc irritation, facet inflammation, and muscle strain. Restoring hip rotation removes the demand from the low back.
What is hip impingement (FAI) and can it be treated without surgery?
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is when the hip joint’s ball and socket make contact at end-range — producing a pinching sensation at the front of the hip with flexion and internal rotation. Many FAI cases respond well to conservative care that focuses on restoring hip mobility and modifying loading patterns to avoid the impingement arc. Surgery is not always necessary, particularly when structural changes are mild.
Can I keep playing golf with hip pain?
In most cases yes, with modification. Hip rotation restriction and associated pain can often be managed through load reduction, swing modification to reduce end-range hip demand, and progressive mobility work. Dr. Matt will identify what you can continue, what to modify, and build a return-to-full-play timeline.
Ready to Get Back to What You Love?
Same-week appointments available. Book online or call — no referral required.