Hip Flexor Strain and Treatment with Physical Therapy

What is a hip flexor?

Hip flexors are a group of muscles located in the front of your hip that allow us to lift/flex our leg upward towards our chest. When they are overused or overstretched that can produce pain and potentially develop into a strain. These muscles typically get injured from overactivity.

How do hip flexor injuries happen?

When the tendons of the hip flexors are overworked they can begin to tear and frey, ultimately causing a hip flexor strain. People who are more likely to develop a hip flexor strain are those that have repetitive hip flexion motion. Those types of activities include but are not limited to cycling, running, dancing, kickboxing, soccer, and football. The hip flexor will become torn if the muscle is not strong enough for the activity it is doing or if the muscle is overstretched.

Symptoms of a Hip Flexor Strain

The most common symptom of a hip flexor strain is a dull pain in the front of the hip. Other symptoms include:

• Sharp pain in the hip
• Cramping in the hip
• Tugging in the front of the hip
• Tightness in the front of the hip after sitting
• Increased pain with stair negotiation
• Pain or weakness with kicking, running, or jumping

Severity of Hip Flexor Injuries

There are 3 grades of tears/ strains:

1. Grade I Tear:minor tear with a minimal amount of muscle fiber damage. Daily function is not limited and can be treated at home.
2. Grade II Tear:Several muscle fibers are damaged. Decreased ability to flex the hip without excess pain or weakness. Limits daily activity. Should consult a Physical Therapist.
3. Grade III Tear:Full thickness tear. Bruising may develop. Will not be able to weight-bear on the involved limb. Should see an orthopedic surgeon.

Treatment for Hip Flexor Injuries

For a Grade I Tear, eliminate the activity that provoked the pain. Ice the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes 3-4 times a day. Decrease your overall level activity to allow the tissue to rest and heal. Perform gentle stretches and exercises to decrease the likelihood of reinjury. For a Grade II Tear visit a Physical Therapist who will help you tailor the right exercises for your to reduce strain on the muscle and help you get back to normal function. If you experience a Grade III Tear you might be a surgical candidate to reattach the tendon if it has fully ruptured.

Normal healing time is 6-8 weeks depending on the severity of the strain. Failing to rest for an adequate amount of time can ultimately stretch out the amount of time it would normally take to heal the injury.