Hip & Groin Pain

Hip Pain

At Vitalis we specialise in the expert assessment of and treatment of hip pain, especially young adults.  Using a systematic assessment we can identify if the joint is the underlying cause of pain.  Assessment will take in to account a detailed history of your symptoms, a physical examination that evaluates your hip range of motion, ligamentous laxity, hip muscle strength, biomechanics and movement patterns.  You will also undergo an assessment of surrounding areas that may be referring to the area.  Often, some form of scanning is helpful to identify any subtle problems with the shape of the ball and socket joint, this will be discussed with you in detail.  If you have femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI), micro-instability with ligamentous laxity, snapping hip, iliopsoas tendinopathy, gluteal tendinopathy, mild dysplaysia (shallow socket), mild or moderate arthritis we can help you.  

Our goal is not just to treat pain, but to re-build movement that feels natural, stable and strong.  The hip joint is subject to high forces when walking and running, therefore building muscle mass around the hip joint is key to creating stability and controlling symptoms long term.  We use soft tissue release and dry needling in addition to a tailored hip rehab programme. 

Groin Pain

Are you struggling with pain around the pelvis and groin?  Pelvic and groin pain can be persistent, complex and deeply disruptive – but it’s also highly treatable with the right management.  The pelvis is like a circle and is an area of complex force transfer. 

It must withstand high forces involved with movements we take for granted such as walking or running.  If there is dysfunction or a failure of load transfer at one point in the circle, then pain can often occur in more than one area around the pelvis.

Our expert assessment identifies the underlying causes of your symptoms such as adductor related groin pain, hip related groin pain, lower abdominal related groin pain, pubic bone overload, ilopsoas pathology or pubic bone stress injury.  There may be more than one pathology present and this is often a factor missed in standard care.  Assessment will take in to account a detailed history of your symptoms, a physical examination that evaluates your lower back, pelvis, hip range of motion, ligamentous laxity, hip muscle strength, adductor and lower abdominal muscles, biomechanics and movement patterns.  You will also undergo an assessment of surrounding areas that may be referring to the area.  Often, some form of scanning is helpful, this will be discussed with you in detail.  As the area is subjected to such high forces during walking and functional movements, rehab is usually focused on building muscle mass around the hip, pelvis and lower abdominals to re-establish stability and efficient movement. Our goal is not just to treat pain, but to re-build movement that feels natural, stable and strong. 

Feel stronger and take control

  • What Our Patients Say

    ‘I cannot thank Emma-Jane enough for her professional care. I have been suffering from a persistent sciatic nerve injury and had almost lost hope until I discovered Emma-Jane’s unique approach to treatment. By combining hands on treatment, exercise, dry needling and advice, she alleviated pain and restored my mobility. The professionalism, compassion and attention to detail she demonstrated throughout my treatment were phenomenal. I am extremely happy with the results and highly recommend her services to anyone in need of expert physiotherapy care.’

    Charlie, Whitchurch

  • What our Colleagues Say

    'As a Consultant Sports Physician working closely with athletes of all levels, I have high standards when referring patients for physiotherapy.  Emma-Jane's clinical expertise in musculoskeletal assessment and rehab is exceptional.  What truly sets her apart is her ability to blend evidence-based practice with a supportive compassionate approach and excellent communication.’

    Dr Rhodri Martin, Consultant in Sport and Exercise Medicine
    Team Doctor, Men’s National Team Football Association of Wales
    Lead Doctor, Welsh Institute of Sport 

  • What Our Patients Say

    I can’t recommend Emma-Jane Harding at Vitalis Physio highly enough. I have mild hip dysplasia in my right hip which became excruciatingly painful over the summer. Within just four weeks of seeing Emma, I was able to walk normally again, and I now continue to see her fortnightly as we work towards getting everything fully back to normal.

    Emma takes her profession very seriously and has an exceptional understanding of the body. Her attention to detail, focus, and the way she explains things have been phenomenal. What really makes the difference is not just seeing her, but also following the rehab she sets - it’s every bit as important as the sessions themselves.

    If you’re experiencing pain, I would wholeheartedly recommend going to see Emma-Jane. She’s been brilliant and has made a huge difference for me.

    James C

  • What Our Patients Say

    It was Emma-Jane’s expertise in hip and other conditions, together with her extensive experience that were the deciding factors in booking an appointment with her at Watlington Wellness Centre, after a painful hip had not eased after a few sessions with an osteopath (I now know I should have seen a physio!).

    I knew I was in safe, professional and thorough hands from the first appointment – Emma-Jane confirmed I had developed gluteal tendinopathy as a result of my outside hip muscles working overtime to compensate for weakness in my hip flexors, inner thigh muscles and hamstrings. She also wrote a letter for my GP requesting an X-ray. A few weeks on and my bespoke exercise plan, which she reviews and updates each session, plus soft tissue release and dry needling around my hip muscles has all made a difference and I am delighted that I am improving.

    I am so glad I found Emma-Jane and I highly recommend her.

    Sarah C

  • What Our Patients Say

    Highly recommend Emma-Jane, I have seen various practitioners for my neck and shoulder and Emma-Jane is the only one who has made a lasting difference. She uses a combination of hands on physical therapy, medical acupuncture and exercises to produce the desired result. She is also a very kind and understanding practitioner, who takes the time to listen to problems thoroughly without rushing and explains what she is doing at every step.

    Sarah D

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Pelvic Girdle Pain