Common Sources of Hip Pain (And What We Can Do About Them)
Have you noticed a persistent discomfort in your hip? Is impaired hip mobility making it difficult for you to handle day-to-day tasks? Hip pain isn’t something you have to live with. But to resolve your pain, you’ll need to identify why you’re experiencing pain in the first place.
At Foundation Therapy, our team of musculoskeletal experts can help you determine the root cause of your hip pain. Whether it’s an underlying injury or a chronic condition like arthritis, we’ll get you the answers you need — and the relief you deserve!
Today, we want to explore some common causes of hip pain and give you some insight into how physical therapy can help. But if you’re currently dealing with hip pain, your best bet is to call us to schedule an initial consultation. Our team can give you personalized guidance to return to an active, healthy lifestyle!
Why Do My Hips Hurt? Common Hip Injuries and Conditions
Osteoarthritis (OA): If you’re an older adult, your hip pain might stem from osteoarthritis, which occurs when the cartilage in a joint starts to degenerate. The hips are one of the more common locations for OA. Symptoms include…
- Pain in the hip and/or groin
- Stiffness in the hip joint, especially after you haven’t moved it for a while
- A sense of weakness in your legs
Hip Impingement: Your hip is a ball-and-socket joint. When the ball part of the joint pinches up against the socket part, you can develop hip impingement. It’s most common in young, active people. Watch out for…
- Pain in the hip joint and discomfort elsewhere in the general area (groin, thighs, lower back)
- Sharp stabbing pain when using your hip (i.e., squatting, running, etc)
- Symptoms that gradually develop over time
Hip Labral Tear: Your labrum is a ring of cartilage that protects your hip socket. A labral tear occurs when that cartilage tears, often due to overuse or a hip impingement. Symptoms include…
- A persistent, dull ache that feels like it comes from deep inside your hip
- Sharp, stabbing pains when using your hip
- Clicking or popping sounds when using your hip
- A feeling of instability in the hip
Hip Strain: A hip strain occurs when the muscles or tendons that support your hip joint become damaged. Your exact symptoms will vary somewhat based on the severity of the strain, but in general, you can expect…
- Pain, especially when using the affected muscle
- Swelling
- Limited range of motion
- Muscle weakness
Hip sprains can also occur, but they tend to be rare. A sprain affects the ligaments in your hip (the tissue that connects the joint). Symptoms are similar to a strain, but you might also experience a sense of the joint buckling under your weight.
What We Can Do to Address Your Hip Pain
Of course, identifying the cause of your hip pain is only the first step in addressing it. Once we know why you’re experiencing pain, we can develop a personalized treatment plan for your needs.
If you’ve suffered a hip injury, we’ll guide you through rehabilitation. Sometimes, physical therapy alone is enough to resolve the injury; other times, you may need medical intervention. Either way, here’s what you can expect:
- Drug-free pain management techniques (such as manual therapy)
- Early mobility work to help improve your range of motion
- Exercises to restore strength and stability
- Targeted balance and gait training
- Activity-specific training (especially if you’re an athlete)
If you’ve developed osteoarthritis, we can help you manage your symptoms and delay the progression of your condition. OA doesn’t have a cure, but physical therapy is considered a frontline treatment to help you avoid a total hip replacement. Your treatment plan may include…
- Manual therapy to help reduce pain and improve mobility
- A personalized exercise program to help you stay active (regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage osteoarthritis)
- Balance and gait training to help reduce your fall risk
- Activity modifications and other strategies to help you manage discomfort throughout the day
No matter the reason for your hip pain, the Foundation Therapy therapists will find a solution that works for you. Call us today to schedule an appointment to get started on your journey to hip pain relief!
Return to PT at Foundation Therapy!
Miss feeling your best? Come back to Foundation Therapy and let us help you get there—schedule your appointment today!
✨ Staff Spotlight ✨
Celebrating the dedicated professionals who make Foundation Therapy exceptional
Dr. Stephen Hanson was born in Bowie, Texas, and began his healthcare career by serving six years in the United States Air Force as a Physical Therapist Assistant before earning his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree through the prestigious Army Baylor Doctoral Physical Therapy Program.
Throughout his distinguished military career, Dr. Hanson served patients across the country and around the world, including assignments in Nebraska, Louisiana, New York, Kentucky, Alaska, Texas, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He also served as Chief of the Physical Therapy Clinic at Bassett Army Community Hospital in Alaska and later led the Bennett Physical Therapy Clinic at Fort Hood, bringing leadership and clinical excellence to every role.
Following his retirement from the Army in 2018, Dr. Hanson continued his passion for serving others through physical therapy while also pursuing ministry work at the Avenue T Church of Christ. His commitment to healing extends beyond physical recovery, emphasizing compassion, encouragement, and whole-person care.
Outside the clinic, Stephen enjoys training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, gardening, horseback riding, hunting, and crafting knives and bows. He and his wife, Kristi, have been married since 1998 and are proud parents of three children: Jacob, Leah, and Evan.
Dr. Hanson is excited to serve the Bridgeport community through Foundation Therapy and looks forward to helping every patient build confidence, restore movement, and achieve their personal health goals with the highest quality physical therapy care.
Tips for A Safe and Healthy 4th
As we prepare for the 4th of July celebrations, here are key tips to ensure a joyful and healthy Independence Day:
- Healthy Grilling: Opt for healthier grilling choices. Lean meats, fish, and a variety of vegetables can make your barbecue both delicious and nutritious.
- Sun Safety: Apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade to prevent sunburn.
- Fireworks Caution: Set off fireworks in a clear, open space away from buildings, vehicles, and vegetation. Always keep a safe distance and remember to have a bucket of water, a garden hose, or a fire extinguisher nearby.
Enjoy the 4th while keeping your well-being at the forefront. We wish you a safe and happy Independence Day!
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Enjoy This Featured Recipe!
Strawberry & Banana Popsicles
Cool off with these refreshing Strawberry & Banana Popsicles, a naturally sweet and fruity treat that’s perfect for hot summer days. They’re easy to make, family-friendly, and a delicious way to enjoy fresh fruit in every bite!
- 1 pound strawberries, washed and stems removed
- 1 large, ripe banana
- 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk
- sugar to taste (optional: let the fruit do the work instead!)
Directions:
Add the strawberries, banana, milk, and yogurt to the bowl of a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Taste and add sugar if needed, depending on the ripeness of your fruit and your taste preferences. Pour the liquid into popsicle molds (or even paper cups), insert the handles, and freeze until firm, generally overnight. Enjoy frozen the next day.
98th Annual North Texas Fair & Rodeo
August 21 – 30, 2026 | Denton, Texas
Located in nearby Denton, approximately 45 minutes from Bridgeport. Features rodeos, live country music, livestock events, and family activities. This is one of the largest regional events of the summer.
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Our purpose at Foundation Therapy is to leave a greater impact on the community around us. In order to achieve our goal we want to change as many lives as possible as we become a beacon of positivity in our community.
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Meet Our Team
Chris Hicks
Owner / PT
Kelli Smith
Supervising Clinician/PT
Ali Martinez
Office Manager
Sandra McDonald
Insurance Verification and Authorization Specialist
