Hip Flexor Strain Physiotherapy in Clapham
Pain at the front of your hip when you lift your knee, run, climb stairs or get out of the car? Hip flexor strains and tendon problems respond well to the right exercise. Olivia offers thorough, unhurried care at our Clapham clinic.
Understanding Hip Flexor Strain and Pain
As part of our hip physiotherapy for women, Olivia treats hip flexor strains and iliopsoas tendon pain in Clapham, helping you get back to running, exercise and everyday life without pain.
What Are the Hip Flexors?
The hip flexors are the muscles at the front of your hip that lift your knee towards your chest. The largest is the iliopsoas, which runs from your lower back and pelvis to the top of your thigh.
Hip Flexor Strain and Tendinopathy
A hip flexor strain is an injury to the muscle, often from a sudden movement such as sprinting or kicking. Hip flexor tendinopathy develops more gradually when the tendon is overloaded. NHS Dorset explains that this often happens alongside weakness in the buttock muscles.
Symptoms
- Pain at the front of the hip or top of the thigh
- Pain lifting your knee, such as climbing stairs or getting into the car
- Pain when running, kicking or sprinting
- Clicking at the front of the hip
- Stiffness after sitting for a long time
How Physiotherapy Helps
Depending on your assessment, treatment may include:
- Advice on adjusting activities that aggravate your pain
- Gradual strengthening for your hip flexors
- Strengthening for your buttock and core muscles
- Stretches where appropriate
- A step-by-step return to running, sport or the gym
Are Tight Hip Flexors the Problem?
Many people feel tightness at the front of the hip and assume they need to stretch more. Often the muscles feel tight because they’re overworked or weak, so strengthening is just as important as stretching. Olivia can work out what your hips need.
Recovery Time
Mild strains often settle within a few weeks. Tendon problems take longer, and NHS Dorset notes you may need to do your exercises for a number of months to aid recovery.
Other Causes of Front of Hip Pain
Pain at the front of the hip or groin can also come from the hip joint itself, such as a labral tear or impingement, or from the pelvis. Olivia will assess you thoroughly to find the source.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes and takes place in a private room at our Clapham clinic. Olivia will:
- Talk through your symptoms, how the pain started, your sport or exercise and your goals
- Assess your hip, pelvis and back, your strength and how you move
- Explain what she has found and agree a treatment plan with you
- Give you exercises and practical advice to start at home
Meet Olivia, your Pelvic Floor physio
Chartered Women's Health & MSK Physiotherapist
Olivia Denman
Olivia founded Liv Physio to give women the specialist, unhurried care they deserve, especially those who have felt overlooked by the healthcare system. She is Master’s-qualified, with five years of experience across the NHS and private practice.
She specialises in pelvic floor and urogynaecological conditions, including prolapse, incontinence and pelvic pain, alongside pre- and postnatal care, with advanced training through the POGP. Every appointment is one-to-one, in a safe, judgement-free space where you’ll be truly listened to.
Registered and accredited
Pricing & Appointments
Single Session Initial appointments & follow-ups
A one-to-one, 60-minute appointment with Olivia at our Clapham clinic. Your session includes a thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and a personalised plan, with exercises to continue at home between appointments.
The Clapham Clinic
Inside the clinic
A calm, private space
Liv Physio is ideally situated in the heart of Clapham, London, nestled between the green expanse of Clapham Common and the boutiques of Abbeville Village.
Our clinic at Lion Yard has been designed to feel calm and welcoming from the moment you arrive, with a bright reception, a comfortable waiting area and a private treatment room.
It is a space where you can relax, take your time and talk openly about anything, however personal.
Find us
Clinic location
AddressLiv Physio, 7 Lion Yard, Tremadoc Road, Clapham, London SW4 7NQ
Appointment hoursMonday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
All visits are by appointment only, so please book before coming to the clinic.
Hip Flexor FAQs
- How long does a hip flexor strain take to heal?
Mild strains often improve within a few weeks, while more severe strains or tendon problems can take a few months. The right exercise helps you recover and reduces the chance of it coming back.
- Should I stretch a strained hip flexor?
Gentle stretching can help once the initial pain settles, but strengthening is usually the most important part of recovery. Olivia will guide you on what to do and when.
- Can I keep running with hip flexor pain?
It depends on your symptoms. Olivia may suggest reducing your running or changing your training while you build strength, then help you return gradually.
- Why do my hip flexors always feel tight?
Hip flexors often feel tight because they’re working hard to compensate for weak buttock or core muscles, or from long periods of sitting. Strengthening these areas often helps more than stretching alone.
- Do I need a referral for hip flexor physiotherapy?
No, you can book directly with us. Olivia is happy to work alongside your GP, consultant or surgeon if needed.
What our patients say
What I’ve appreciated most is how comfortable and at ease she makes you feel. She is kind, understanding and non judgemental, which makes talking about things that can sometimes feel quite personal so much easier. She always takes the time to listen and explains everything clearly, and the exercises are tailored to what I feel comfortable with.
I’m really grateful for all her support and would definitely recommend Olivia to anyone looking for postnatal or pelvic floor support.
Free 15-Minute Initial Consultation Call
This complimentary consultation call is your chance to meet Olivia, discuss your goals, and see if she's the right fit for you. You'll learn about her approach, how physiotherapy can help your condition, and what to expect from sessions including treatment options and pricing.
Please note: No physical treatment, diagnosis or clinical assessment is provided during this consultation.
Get in Touch
We are always on hand to help with any queries you may have.
We suggest you use our contact form to get in touch so we can direct your query to the relevant person.
Call Us or WhatsApp Us
To speak to our specialist, please call us on 020 8058 0762
(our lines are open Monday – Sunday 8am to 8pm).
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Care you can trust
Why choose Liv Physio?
Choosing the right specialist makes all the difference. At Liv Physio, you’ll find expert, unhurried care in a calm and private clinic in Clapham, delivered with warmth and a genuine commitment to getting you the results you deserve.
Specialist care: Women’s health is our focus, not an add-on. Every appointment is with a chartered physiotherapist with advanced training in pelvic health.
Time to listen: Unhurried, one-to-one appointments, so we can understand the full picture and you never feel rushed.
A holistic approach: We look beyond your symptoms to the lifestyle, hormonal and day-to-day factors behind them, using evidence-based treatment.
A safe space: A calm, private, judgement-free clinic where you can talk openly about anything, however personal.