Hip pain can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, sitting for long periods, or exercising uncomfortable. Whether your pain developed gradually or started after an injury, our experienced therapists at Wood Buffalo Massage & Osteopathic Therapy Clinic provide personalized treatment plans to help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support your recovery.

Our clinic offers evidence-informed care through Registered Massage Therapy, Manual Osteopathic Therapy, and other conservative treatment options tailored to your condition.

Hip pain refers to discomfort felt in or around the hip joint. Depending on the underlying cause, pain may be experienced in the front of the hip, the side of the hip, the buttock, or even radiate into the groin or thigh.

Hip pain can affect people of all ages—from athletes and active individuals to office workers and older adults.

You may experience:

• Pain when walking 
• Pain while climbing stairs 
• Difficulty standing after sitting 
• Groin pain 
• Pain on the outside of the hip 
• Buttock pain 
• Hip stiffness 
• Reduced range of motion 
• Pain during exercise 
• Difficulty sleeping on the affected side 
• Clicking or catching sensations 
• Muscle tightness around the hips 

Hip pain may result from a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Muscle strains 
• Hip bursitis 
• Tendinitis 
• Piriformis syndrome 
• Gluteal muscle dysfunction 
• Hip osteoarthritis 
• Overuse injuries 
• Sports injuries 
• Poor posture 
• Pelvic imbalance 
• Tight hip flexors 
• Repetitive workplace activities 
• Lower back conditions that refer pain into the hip 

A proper assessment is important because pain felt around the hip may actually originate from the lower back, pelvis, or surrounding soft tissues.

Massage therapy focuses on the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the hip joint. Treatment may help:

• Reduce muscle tension 
• Improve circulation 
• Decrease stiffness 
• Improve flexibility 
• Increase range of motion 
• Reduce muscular discomfort 
• Promote relaxation 
• Support recovery following physical activity 

Treatment techniques may include:

• Therapeutic Massage 
• Myofascial techniques 
• Trigger Point Therapy 
• Stretching techniques 
• Joint mobilization within the massage therapist's scope of practice 

Manual Osteopathic Therapy begins with a focused assessment to identify the muscles, joints, and other structures most likely contributing to your hip pain. Rather than treating the entire body, treatment is directed toward your primary area of concern using conservative, hands-on techniques tailored to your specific condition.

Depending on your assessment findings, treatment may help:

• Reduce pain and muscle tension 
• Improve joint mobility 
• Increase range of motion 
• Improve flexibility 
• Reduce movement restrictions 
• Improve walking and daily function 
• Support recovery from musculoskeletal injuries 
• Promote the body's natural healing process 

Treatment may include:

• Manual Osteopathic Therapy 
• Soft Tissue Therapy 
• Joint Mobilization 
• Myofascial Release 
• Shockwave Therapy (when clinically appropriate) 
• Therapeutic Ultrasound 
• Interferential Current (IFC) Therapy 
• Home stretching exercises 
• Strengthening exercises 
• Activity modification 
• Self-care education 

Every treatment plan is individualized based on your assessment findings, symptoms, and treatment goals. Recommendations are provided according to your condition and may be adjusted as your recovery progresses.

Consider booking an assessment if your hip pain:

• Persists for more than a few days 
• Returns repeatedly 
• Limits walking or exercise 
• Affects your sleep 
• Makes work or daily activities difficult 
• Continues despite home care 

Early assessment may help identify contributing factors and support a more effective management plan.

Seek prompt medical evaluation if your hip pain is associated with:

• A significant fall or trauma 
• Inability to bear weight 
• Severe swelling or deformity 
• Fever with hip pain 
• Sudden severe pain 
• Loss of bowel or bladder control 
• Numbness or weakness in the leg that develops suddenly 

Massage therapy and manual osteopathic therapy are not substitutes for emergency medical care.

At Wood Buffalo Massage & Osteopathic Therapy Clinic, we provide patient-centred care focused on helping you move more comfortably and return to the activities you enjoy.

Our clinic offers:

• Therapeutic Massage 
• Manual Osteopathy
• Evidence-informed treatment approaches 
• Direct billing to most insurance providers 
• Convenient appointments at our Fort McMurray locations