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

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Article associated with this episode:

Links associated with this episode:

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

Physio Edge podcast with David Pope

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