A muscle strain in the hip occurs when one of the muscles that support your hip joint is stretched beyond its limit or is torn. Strains can range from mild to severe, and often limit your ability to move your hip.

Though anyone can strain a hip muscle just doing everyday tasks, athletes and other active individuals are more susceptible to this type of injury. Signs and symptoms of a muscle strain include:

• Difficulty moving the hip
• Pain in your hip that increases when you use that muscle
• Swelling around the hip
• Weakness in the hip muscle

Tests

Physical examination
Your doctor will conduct a complete physical examination and collect your health history to help make the diagnosis.

Treatments

RICE method
You should use the RICE method, which includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation, while you’re at home.

Anti-inflammatory medication
Your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication – or recommend an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen – to help reduce swelling and pain.

Physical therapy
In many cases, your health care provider will prescribe rehabilitation therapy. Our physical therapists establish a unique plan of care that includes specific interventions for your condition and situation to help ease pain and improve mobility.

Surgery
In rare cases, you may need to undergo surgery to repair your muscle strain. Your sports medicine team will work with you to explain your options, if surgery is needed.

Why Choose the University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute?

World-class care in an academic health system. As a research and teaching institution, we treat children and adults with proven, leading-edge procedures based on clinical studies performed at the Miller School of Medicine. Our doctors, residents, nurses, and therapists work together to create healthy outcomes.