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Hip Pain Physical Therapy in Nashville

Clinically reviewed by Brittany Hendrickson, PT, DPT, COMT, CDNT . Last reviewed October 2026.​

Can physical therapy help hip pain?

Yes. For pain on the outside of the hip, a randomized trial found more people improved with education plus exercise than with a cortisone injection, at 8 weeks and at one year [1]. Physical therapy is also recommended care for hip impingement (FAI) and groin strains [2]. Treatment is built around how you train and move.

What causes hip pain?

Hip pain in active adults often follows a change in training, deep or heavy squatting, more hills or speed work, or long hours of sitting. Pain on the outside of the hip usually comes from irritated gluteal tendons; a true inflamed bursa is uncommon [3]. Some people also have a hip shape, called FAI, that makes certain deep positions more sensitive.

What hip conditions do we treat?

  • Outer hip pain (gluteal tendinopathy, often called hip bursitis)

  • Hip impingement (FAI) and labral irritation

  • Groin, adductor, and hip flexor strains

  • Hamstring and sit bone pain

  • Hip pain during squats and deadlifts

  • Hip pain from running

  • Early hip osteoarthritis

How do we treat hip pain?

We assess strength, range of motion, and how you squat, hinge, and run, then treat with:​

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  • Progressive hip and trunk strengthening

  • Manual therapy and dry needling when appropriate

  • Temporary changes to squat depth, stance, or running volume

  • Guidance on sleeping and sitting positions that ease tendon pain

How long does hip pain recovery take?

Most people need 3 to 6 visits. Many notice meaningful relief in the first 1 to 2 visits, and appointments spread further apart as you improve. Tendon pain often improves steadily over several weeks to a few months [1].

When should you see a doctor first?

Seek medical care right away if you have:
 

  • Groin or deep hip pain in a runner that worsens with each run and lingers at rest, which can signal a stress fracture

  • Inability to bear weight after a fall

  • Hip pain with fever or feeling unwell

  • Hip pain with a history of cancer or unexplained weight loss

Where can you get hip pain treatment in Nashville?

Available at all three of our clinics:
 

Common questions about hip pain

Is my outer hip pain bursitis?

Probably not in the way the name suggests. Most outer hip pain comes from the gluteal tendons rather than the bursa [3], and it responds well to education and targeted exercise [1].

Do I need surgery for hip impingement?

Most people start with physical therapy [2]. In a large randomized trial, hip arthroscopy gave a modest extra benefit over physical therapy for some people with FAI [4], so we will tell you if a surgical opinion makes sense.

Why does my sit bone hurt?

Sit bone pain is often the upper hamstring tendon, especially in runners and people who sit for long periods. It is usually managed with progressive tendon loading and changes to aggravating positions [5].

Why does my hip hurt when I squat?

Common reasons include hip shape, squat depth, stance width, and how quickly training load increased. We test your squat and adjust it so you can keep lifting while symptoms settle.

Cost and Booking

Do I need a referral?

No. You can schedule directly with us without a physician referral.

What does physical therapy cost?

Each visit is a flat $185. We are a cash-based practice, so there are no copays, deductibles, or insurance limits on your care. We can provide documentation for out-of-network reimbursement, and HSA and FSA cards are accepted.

Ready to Get Started?

Book a one-on-one evaluation with a licensed physical therapist.
No referral needed.

References

  1. Mellor R, Bennell K, Grimaldi A, et al. Education plus exercise versus corticosteroid injection use versus a wait and see approach on global outcome and pain from gluteal tendinopathy: prospective, single blinded, randomised clinical trial. BMJ. 2018;361:k1662.
     

  2. Enseki KR, Bloom NJ, Harris-Hayes M, et al. Hip pain and movement dysfunction associated with nonarthritic hip joint pain: a revision. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(7):CPG1-CPG70.
     

  3. Long SS, Surrey DE, Nazarian LN. Sonography of greater trochanteric pain syndrome and the rarity of primary bursitis. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2013;201(5):1083-1086.
     

  4. Griffin DR, Dickenson EJ, Wall PDH, et al. Hip arthroscopy versus best conservative care for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (UK FASHIoN): a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2018;391(10136):2225-2235.
     

  5. Goom TSH, Malliaras P, Reiman MP, Purdam CR. Proximal hamstring tendinopathy: clinical aspects of assessment and management. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2016;46(6):483-493.

Questions about Hip Pain Treatment?

Get in touch so we can start working together.

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