173. Hip flexor pain in runners: Diagnosis, myths, and rehab. Physio Edge Track record: Running repairs podcast with Tom Goom

Anterior hip pain is often blamed on the hip flexors, but in runners, that’s rarely the diagnosis. So how can you identify the real cause and guide patients to a safe, effective recovery?

In this episode, Tom Goom (Running Physio) explores the function of the hip flexors in running, key differentials for anterior hip or groin pain, and practical rehab strategies you can use right away.

You’ll discover:

• Why true hip flexor tendinopathy is uncommon in endurance runners
• Red flags and key tests to identify bone stress fractures and intra‑articular pathology
• Early‑stage loading strategies that protect the tendon from aggravation
• The role of the adductors, trunk, and synergistic muscles in successful rehab
• Common myths and misconceptions around hip flexors
• How to progress rehab to sport‑specific drills and return to running

If you’re a physiotherapist or health professional treating runners, this episode gives you research‑backed, clinically reasoned strategies to assess and manage hip flexor pain with confidence.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 03:35 - Hip flexor function
• 06:56 - Tip 1 - Is it a hip flexor tendinopathy?
• 09:48 - Tip 2 - Rehab of hip flexors
• 11:35 - Tip 3 - Other muscle groups to include in rehab
• 13:08 - Common misconceptions
• 13:37 - 1. Pronation
• 14:49 - 2. Firing order
• 16:13 - 3. Weak transversus abdominis
• 17:12 - 4. Rib alignment and breathing patterns

🔗 Free Webinar Alert! Don't miss out on our free webinars for therapists on shin pain and Achilles tendinopathy in runners. Check the link in the description for more information.

Free running injury assessment & treatment video series available now

 

 

 

 

Improve running injury assessment & treatment now with the Running Repairs Online course with Tom Goom at clinicaledge.co/runningrepairs.

Get free access to the "Tricky tendons" infographic series

Unlock the secrets of successful tendinopathy assessment and treatment with this free infographic series for therapists.

Article associated with this episode:

• Click here to download your podcast handout
• Lenhart R, Thelen D, Heiderscheit B. Hip muscle loads during running at various step rates. journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy. 2014 Oct;44(10):766-A4.

 

Links associated with this episode:

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