Even though hip pain, buttock pain and groin pain can be related and are grouped together here, they are usually from different causes.
Pain in the buttock / gluteal area is usually due to problems of the pelvis, sacrum, low back and or muscles of the buttock area (gluteal and other muscles). The cause can also be from other body parts, such as the knees, ankles or feet. Problems of the actual hip joint rarely gives pain in the buttock area, the pain is more likely referred to the groin area. However, even though hip joint problem “fakes” pain in the groin area, it is not the most common cause of groin pain. The most common cause of groin pain is due to problems of muscles and other soft tissues that are attached to the groin area. These differentiations may sound confusing, but it is very important to be precise in the evaluation of the exact problem, otherwise the recovery can be long, slow,and ineffective. The cause of pain at the buttock and thigh areas may be from any one of the following: bursitis (trochanteric bursitis, ischial bursitis, iliopsoas bursitis), tendinitis (most commonly iliopsoas tendinitis), iliotibial band (ITB or IT band) syndrome, piriformis syndrome, etc.
Treatment for Hip, Buttocks & Groin Pain
The best way to treat hip, buttocks & groin pain is to first “correctly and specifically” identify its cause. The cause of hip, buttocks & groin pain is normally the bodies attempt to level the hips or head. Therefore a competent evaluation by a medical massage therapist must be the first step. X-rays and MRI scans can show the results of postural misalignment but a qualified medical massage therapist can find and correct the cause.