“Hip pain” covers many neighborhoods. Sorting location and behavior guides the plan. Use this quick checklist before your exam; it won’t diagnose, but it will sharpen the questions we ask.
Location & Clues
- Groin/front hip: Often hip joint; stiff after sitting; pinch with deep flexion.
- Side of hip: Glute med/TFL or bursa irritation; tender to sleep on that side.
- Back of hip: SI/piriformis patterns; worse with long sitting, better with walking.
Self-Care Starters
- Hip flexor stretch 2×30s/side.
- Glute bridge 2×10; lateral band walks 2×10 steps/side.
- Thoracic extension x 10 to share rotation load.
Clinic Plan
We test joint range, muscle tenderness, lumbar referral, and gait. Care blends mobilization, soft tissue, and strength with sit/stand/lift guardrails. Red flags (fever, trauma, night pain, sudden inability to bear weight) need urgent evaluation.
Not sure which “hip” you have? Book with Dr. Edward Komberg for a clean diagnosis and simple path forward.