Conditions We Treat
Most hip pain doesn't need surgery. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), labral irritation, and greater trochanteric pain syndrome (bursitis) typically respond well to structured PT. We treat a lot of runners, lifters, and active adults from Capitol Hill and Bethesda whose hips have started speaking up — and a lot of older adults managing hip osteoarthritis without rushing to replacement.
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), labral tears and irritation, greater trochanteric pain syndrome (lateral hip bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy), hip flexor strain, adductor strain, hip osteoarthritis (conservative management), and post-injection rehab. Hip replacement rehab is on the procedure page.
Current evidence: for many labral tears without significant structural impingement, a structured 12-week PT trial produces outcomes similar to arthroscopic surgery at 1 year. Surgical referrals are still appropriate for high-demand athletes, clear mechanical symptoms, and failed conservative trials.
Hip and glute strengthening — the foundation. Manual therapy for the hip capsule, lumbar spine, and surrounding soft tissue. Dry needling for glute and TFL trigger points. Movement re-education (squat, deadlift, gait) addressing the patterns that loaded the hip incorrectly. Progressive loading back to your sport or activity.
Medicare, CareFirst, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Tricare. Self-pay $150. Capitol Hill, Bethesda, and in-home. Same-week evaluations.
Same-week evaluations at Capitol Hill, Bethesda, and in-home throughout the DMV.
Book a Hip Pain EvaluationUsually not at the start. We'll refer for imaging if the exam suggests it (mechanical symptoms, persistent pain after conservative trial, suspected stress reaction).
Often yes, with volume and loading modifications. Total rest is rarely the right call for non-bony hip pain.
PT first is the recommended starting point. Most labral tears respond to conservative care; surgical consult makes sense after a failed 12-week structured PT trial or for clear mechanical locking/catching.
Most cases resolve in 8–12 weeks. Chronic cases or those with osteoarthritis are managed longer-term with periodic check-ins.
PT for hip arthritis focuses on strength, range-of-motion preservation, and activity modification. Many patients meaningfully reduce pain and delay or avoid replacement.