Hip pain can show up when you walk, climb stairs, get out of the car or lie on your side at night. Some people feel it in the groin, others on the outside of the hip or in the buttock.

This guide covers common reasons hips hurt, how sitting and your feet can play a part, and what hip pain physiotherapy in Port Credit can involve at MyHealth Care Centre.

Common Reasons Hips Hurt

The hip is a ball and socket joint that carries your body weight with every step. Strong muscles around it keep it steady when you walk, run or climb.

Some common sources of hip pain:

Muscle strain from sport, a slip or a sudden change in activity
Wear on the joint as we get older
Irritation on the outside of the hip, often worse lying on that side
Pain that starts in the lower back and is felt in the hip or buttock

Because the lower back can refer pain to the hip, your practitioner will usually check both.

Hip pain can affect sleep, how far you can walk and even how you get in and out of the car. Noting which of these bother you most helps your practitioner set goals with you.

Hips, Sitting and Stiffness

Long hours sitting at a desk, in the car or on the GO train can leave hips feeling tight. When you stand up, the first few steps may feel stiff.

Our article Are Your Hips, Ankles and Back Ready to Move? walks through a quick self-check. If something feels off, your practitioner can take a closer look.

How Your Feet Can Affect Your Hips

The way your feet meet the ground can change how your knees and hips line up as you walk. Flat feet or high arches may play a part in hip discomfort for some people.

Dr. Mike makes custom orthotics at the clinic. Our article on how custom orthotics support your knees, hips and back explains more. Some plans want a doctor's note for orthotics, so check yours first.

How We Can Help

Your First Visit

Your practitioner will ask about your pain and daily routine, then check how your hips, back and legs move. You can choose an initial exam only, or an initial exam with treatment so you can start care right away.

Care Options

Your plan may include physiotherapy in Port Credit with Shirley Chan, chiropractic care with Dr. Mike Skiby, a registered chiropractor in Ontario and a member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario, acupuncture or electro-acupuncture, and laser therapy with our 30 watt Class 4 laser. Dr. Mike also offers exercise supervision as a registered kinesiologist. These options may help ease pain and support your return to walking and activity. We don't do X-rays or MRIs at the clinic. If imaging is needed, we refer to Well Health or LifeLabs, and Dr. Mike can give patients an X-ray requisition.

Getting Ready for Your First Visit

After you book, you'll get an email to set up your online account and a link to your intake form. Please fill it in before your visit. On the day, it helps to:

Wear comfortable clothes you can move in
Bring your insurance card and any imaging reports you have
Bring a doctor's note if your insurance plan asks for one

New patients can also start with a virtual consultation. Follow-up care is in person at our Port Credit clinic.

When to See a Doctor or Go to Emergency

Go to emergency or call 911 after a fall if you can't put weight on your leg, if your leg looks shortened or turned out, or if you've had a bad accident. Sudden weakness or numbness also needs emergency care.

For hip pain that keeps coming back, your family doctor can help rule out other causes.

Book a Hip Assessment in Port Credit

You don't need a doctor's referral to book physiotherapy or chiropractic care with us. Some insurers want a doctor's note before they cover your visits, so it's worth checking your plan first. We direct bill the major plans and always give you a receipt.

We're at 137 Queen St E in Port Credit, near Lakeshore and Hurontario, with free private parking for clients in front of the clinic. Book online or call 905-271-9333. For more articles on pain and recovery, visit our blog.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for an assessment by a regulated health professional.