Hip pain is a common issue I see in golfers.

It makes sense—your hips are responsible for both mobility and power in the golf swing. When something is off, it shows up quickly as pain, stiffness, or loss of performance.

The question is:
How do you actually fix it?

1. Start With a Proper Assessment

Before you try to “fix” hip pain, you have to understand what’s actually causing it.

Hip pain isn’t always just a hip problem.

It could be:

  • A mobility limitation in the hips
  • A strength or control issue
  • A swing or technique factor
  • Restrictions in the ankle or mid-back putting extra stress on the hips
  • Even individual differences in hip structure

There are a lot of possibilities, which is why guessing usually doesn’t work.

In my clinic, I use the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) movement screen along with other assessments to break this down.

This helps answer:

  • What your body does well
  • Where you’re limited
  • How it connects to your golf swing

From there, we can build a plan that actually fits you, not just a generic program.

2. Be Specific With Mobility (Not Just More Stretching)

The hip moves in a lot of directions:

  • Flexion (forward)
  • Extension (backward)
  • Internal and external rotation

If you’re just doing random stretches, you’re likely missing what you actually need.

The key is:

  • Finding the specific direction you’re limited in
  • Applying the right amount of work

You don’t need to spend hours stretching every week.

You need:

  • The right movements
  • Done consistently
  • With enough intensity to create change

3. Build Strength in the Hips

Strength in the muscles around the hip helps support the joint.

Mobility, strength, and control can all affect how comfortably you move. Pain has multiple possible causes, so flexibility or strength alone does not tell the whole story.

For golfers, this means:

  • Strong glutes
  • Strength in rotation
  • Control through different positions

We want hips that are prepared for the demands of the swing—not just able to get into positions, but able to own them.

4. Don’t Forget Power

This is the piece most people miss.

The hips are the engine of your golf swing. They produce speed and transfer energy.

If you:

  • Take time off
  • Don’t train explosively
  • Then jump back into swinging hard

A sudden increase in demand may be more than you currently tolerate.

When your symptoms and strength allow, a clinician or coach may introduce power work such as:

  • Jumps
  • Fast, controlled lifts
  • Rotational movements

A little goes a long way here.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all fix for hip pain.

But most golfers struggling with it are missing one (or more) of these:

  • A clear assessment
  • Specific mobility work
  • Strength in the hips
  • Power training

Progress depends on the cause of your symptoms, your starting point, and how you respond to the plan.

Fix Your Hip Pain the Right Way

If you’re in the Nashville area and dealing with hip pain during your golf swing, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

At Excel, we:

  • Identify what’s actually causing your pain
  • Build a personalized plan
  • Combine hands-on care with targeted exercise

So you can get back to playing pain-free and with more power.

Where can golfers start in Nashville?

Learn about Excel’s approach to golf and performance training and what happens during an initial assessment. Care is available in Old Hickory and Belle Meade.

For general hip conditioning, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons describes strengthening and flexibility exercises and recommends professional guidance when selecting a rehabilitation program.