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Musculoskeletal · Conditions

Hip Pain Treatment in Exeter – Regain Strength, Flexibility and Freedom

If hip pain is getting in the way of life, our physiotherapists can assess you and talk you through your options.

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Barefoot physiotherapist kneeling on a mat and guiding a client through a hip bridge exercise in the clinic gym

Condition overview

Is Hip Pain Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Hip pain can be hugely disruptive, a sharp catch with every step, or a persistent ache that makes sitting, standing and even lying down uncomfortable. The hip carries your weight and lets you move freely, so when something goes wrong it can bring everyday life to a halt. We’re here to help you get moving comfortably again.

You might be asking yourself:

  • Why do I feel pain in my hip when I walk or sit for long periods?
  • Why does my hip feel stiff or catch during certain movements?
  • Could this be arthritis, or something else like a tendon or muscle issue?
  • Will I need surgery, or can physiotherapy help?

At Barefoot we focus not just on managing the pain but on addressing the root cause, so you can get back to what you love, whether that’s walking, running, cycling or simply enjoying your day without discomfort.

Common Causes of Hip Pain We Treat

  • Hip impingement (FAI)Extra bone around the joint causing pain and reduced mobility during certain movements.
  • Labral tearsDamage to the cartilage around the hip joint, causing pain, clicking or instability.
  • Tendinopathy and bursitisInflammation of the tendons or bursa around the hip, causing pain and tenderness.
  • Hip flexor strainCommon in active people, causing pain at the front of the hip and limiting movement.
  • Gluteal tendinopathyPain on the outer hip, often worse when walking, running or lying on your side.

Chronic Hip Conditions and Overuse Injuries

For some, hip pain is a long-term issue that gradually worsens. We help manage:

  • OsteoarthritisGradual wear of the hip joint causing pain, stiffness and difficulty moving.
  • Trochanteric bursitisInflammation over the outside of the hip, painful especially when lying on that side.
  • Hip flexor or hamstring tendinopathiesChronic overuse pain, common in runners and active people.
  • Snapping hip syndromeA snapping sensation during movement, sometimes with pain or discomfort.

Why Barefoot

Why Choose Barefoot for Your Hip Pain?

We don’t just treat the pain, we assess the root cause and build a personalised plan to restore both strength and flexibility. Our HCPC-registered physiotherapists take a holistic approach, and as a multidisciplinary team we can combine physio with strength and conditioning, sports massage, shockwave therapy, gait analysis and bike-fit, all under one roof in Exeter and Bovey Tracey. If imaging or a specialist opinion is needed, we’ll guide you to the right route.

Hip pain, sports injuries and post-operative rehabilitation are everyday work for our team. Elly Skinner spent years in the NHS as a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, with hands-on experience of acute injuries, fractures, pre and post-operative rehab and the management of osteoarthritis. A competitive athlete herself, she has a personal understanding of what it takes to get back to sport and activity. James Morgan, our lead physiotherapist, adds advanced post-graduate training and a holistic, whole-picture approach that looks beyond the hip to what is really driving your symptoms.

Who You’ll See

How we can help

Our Comprehensive Approach Includes

  1. Accurate Diagnosis

    A thorough assessment to identify the root cause of your hip pain.

  2. Hands-On Manual Therapy

    To reduce pain, improve joint mobility and promote healing.

  3. Tailored Exercise Therapy

    To strengthen the hip muscles and improve flexibility for lasting recovery.

  4. Movement Retraining

    Helping you move in ways that protect and support your hips at home, work and in sport.

  5. Supporting Therapies

    Taping, shockwave and more where they’ll help your recovery.

Conditions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Pain

What’s the most common cause of hip pain?

It varies with age and activity, from tendon and muscle problems and bursitis in active people to osteoarthritis later in life. An assessment pinpoints which applies to you.

Can hip pain actually be coming from my back?

Yes, pain felt in the hip or buttock can sometimes originate in the lower back. Part of our assessment is identifying the true source so we treat the right thing.

Should I stop running if my hip hurts?

Not necessarily. We’ll assess what’s driving the pain and usually guide you on modified, safe loading rather than stopping altogether.

Do I need a hip replacement?

Many causes of hip pain respond well to physiotherapy and never need surgery. If a surgical opinion is appropriate, we’ll be honest and help you access the right route.

Why does my hip hurt at night?

Night pain, especially when lying on one side, often points to conditions like bursitis or gluteal tendinopathy, both of which we treat regularly.

Take Control of Your Hip Pain

With the right treatment, you can regain your strength, flexibility and confidence.

  • Two clinics in Exeter and Bovey Tracey
  • HCPC-registered physiotherapists
  • No higher fee for your first assessment
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The Barefoot Physio team at the Exeter clinic