Hip Pain & Sciatica · Osteopathy in Romsey & the Macedon Ranges
Stiffness getting out of the car, pain lying on your side, or pain running down the back of your leg — we assess where your hip, buttock or leg pain is really coming from.
Hip pain can come from the joint itself, the tendons and muscles around it, or be referred from the lower back. Common presentations include pain on the outside of the hip (often related to the gluteal tendons, and a common reason for trouble lying on that side), groin pain, hip stiffness and osteoarthritis, and pain in runners, riders and people on their feet all day.
“Sciatica” is the word most people use for pain that runs from the buttock down the back of the leg. It describes where the pain is, not what’s causing it. Nerve-related leg pain does happen — often when a nerve in the lower back is irritated — but pain in the same area can also come from the hip, the gluteal muscles, or the joints of the lower back and pelvis.
Working out which it is is a key part of your assessment, because it changes how we manage it. More about back pain →
We assess your lower back, pelvis and hip together, including nerve checks where leg pain is present. Treatment typically combines hands-on techniques and, where appropriate, dry needling, with graded exercise to build strength and tolerance, and practical advice on sitting, sleeping, driving and work. If nerve symptoms are significant or not settling, we’ll refer you to your GP for further investigation.
Go to an emergency department straight away if back or leg pain comes with numbness around the groin or buttocks, new difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels, or weakness in your legs that is getting worse. These can be signs of cauda equina syndrome, which is a medical emergency.
See a doctor promptly for hip pain after a fall (especially in older adults), a hip that can’t take your weight, or pain with fever or unexplained weight loss. If we identify anything at your appointment that needs medical attention, we’ll tell you directly and help arrange it.
Your initial consultation runs 45 minutes: a full history, physical assessment, hands-on treatment where appropriate, and a plain-language explanation of what we found and what we recommend. No referral needed, and health fund rebates are claimable on the spot through HICAPS.
See exactly what to expect → · Fees and health fund rebates →
We see hip and leg pain in riders, runners, tradies, people who sit or drive for long hours, and older adults who want to stay active. Pregnancy-related hip and pelvic pain is covered on our pregnancy and pelvic health page. We see patients across Romsey, Lancefield, Woodend, Gisborne, Riddells Creek, Kilmore, Sunbury, Clarkefield and the wider Macedon Ranges.
It can be hard to tell on your own, because the two often refer pain to the same areas. We assess both as part of your appointment and explain what we find.
It depends on the cause. Some hip pain, such as gluteal tendon pain, can be aggravated by certain stretches. We’ll show you what’s appropriate for your situation.
Most back-related leg pain doesn’t need a scan straight away. Imaging is generally recommended when there are warning signs or symptoms aren’t settling. If we think you need one, we’ll explain why and help arrange it through your GP.
Book online or give us a call — we’ll assess it properly and tell you honestly what’s going on.
