As Featured in the Daily Mail: Understanding Hip Pain That’s Often Missed

Hip pain is often assumed to be arthritis.

But in reality, that’s only part of the picture.

As highlighted in a recent feature in the Daily Mail, many of the most common causes of hip pain are frequently missed or misdiagnosed, leaving people in discomfort for months or even years without the right treatment.

At The Physio Box Clinic, we regularly see patients who’ve been told “it’s just wear and tear”… when something entirely different is going on.

Why hip pain is so often misunderstood

The hip is one of the most complex joints in the body.

It’s involved in almost every movement – walking, sitting, bending, twisting – and it’s supported by layers of muscles, tendons and connective tissue.

That means:

• Pain doesn’t always come from where you think it does.
• Scans don’t always show the full picture.
• Different conditions can feel very similar.

In some cases, hip pain isn’t even coming from the hip joint itself.

This is why a thorough, movement-based assessment is so important.

The commonly missed cause: pain on the outside of the hip

One of the most overlooked causes of hip pain is gluteal tendinopathy.

This is exactly what Giuseppe Salustri highlighted in the Daily Mail:

“Patients often notice discomfort when lying on their side at night, or when walking.”

This type of pain is typically felt:

• On the outside of the hip or upper thigh.
• When lying on one side in bed.
• During walking, especially longer distances.
• When standing on one leg (e.g. getting dressed).

Because it doesn’t always show clearly on scans, it’s often mistaken for:

• Hip arthritis.
• General “hip bursitis”.
• Lower back-related pain.

Why rest alone doesn’t fix hip pain

One of the biggest misconceptions is that hip pain just needs rest.

In many cases, especially with tendon-related pain, rest alone can actually slow recovery.

Tendons need the right kind of load to heal.

Without movement:

• Blood flow is reduced.
• Strength decreases.
• The problem becomes more persistent.

This is why a structured rehab plan is key.

What actually helps (and what we focus on in clinic)

The goal isn’t just to reduce pain – it’s to restore how the hip functions.

At The Physio Box, treatment for this type of hip pain typically includes:

1. Targeted strengthening – Building strength in the gluteal muscles to better support the hip.
2. Controlled loading – Gradually reintroducing movement to help the tendon adapt and heal.
3. Movement correction – Addressing habits that may be contributing to the issue (like standing posture or gait patterns).
4. Hands-on treatment – Where appropriate, to improve tissue quality and reduce sensitivity.

You can learn more about this approach on our Hip Pain Treatment page

Other causes of hip pain (and why diagnosis matters)

While gluteal tendinopathy is common, it’s not the only cause.

Hip pain can also come from:

• Osteoarthritis (more common with age, but not always the cause)
• Bursitis (inflammation of fluid-filled sacs around the joint)
• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) (pinching within the joint)
• Labral tears (damage to cartilage inside the hip)
• Referred pain from the lower back or spine

Each of these requires a different treatment approach.

That’s why getting the right diagnosis early can save months, or even years, of frustration.

When should you seek help for hip pain?

If your hip pain is:

• Lasting more than a few weeks.
• Affecting your sleep (especially lying on your side).
• Limiting walking or exercise.
• Not improving with rest.

…it’s worth getting it properly assessed.

The earlier we identify the cause, the easier it is to treat.

A more effective approach to hip pain

The key takeaway from the Daily Mail feature is simple:

Not all hip pain is arthritis, and many causes are highly treatable without surgery.

With the right diagnosis and a tailored rehab plan, most people can:

• Reduce pain.
• Improve movement.
• Get back to normal activity.
• Avoid unnecessary procedures.

Need help with hip pain?

If you’re struggling with ongoing hip discomfort, we can help you understand what’s really going on, and what to do next.

Book an assessment at The Physio Box Clinic
Or explore our Physiotherapy Services in London

Hip Pain FAQs