Hip Pointer Treatment in NYC

Manhattan Physical Therapy

Hip Pointer Treatment in NYC

Hip injuries are less common than knee or ankle injuries, but they can be particularly painful when they occur. One such injury, known as a hip pointer, is a deep bruise to the upper outside part of the hip bone, called the iliac crest.

What Is a Hip Pointer?

A hip pointer is a deep contusion—or bruise—on the iliac crest, the bony ridge at the top of your hip. If you place your hands on your hips, your fingers land close to this area. Because this part of the hip has minimal protective fat and muscle, it is especially vulnerable to injury from falls or direct blows. Hip pointers are commonly seen in athletes involved in contact sports, but they can also occur from car accidents or other accidental impacts.

The severity of a hip pointer can vary. Minor injuries may cause mild tenderness and discomfort, while more serious cases can result in swelling, bruising, hematomas, limited hip motion, and difficulty walking. Early assessment is crucial to prevent complications and support full recovery.

How Common Are Hip Pointer Injuries?

While knee and ankle injuries dominate athletic injury statistics, hip injuries account for roughly 5% to 10% of all sports-related injuries. Hip pointers make up only a fraction of this number, but they are significant because they can temporarily limit mobility and athletic performance. Certain sports carry a higher risk due to repeated falls, direct contact, or jumping movements.

Athletes in sports like football, basketball, hockey, soccer, and lacrosse are more prone to hip pointer injuries. Those involved in gymnastics, dance, figure skating, volleyball, skateboarding, or pole vaulting also face increased risk due to frequent landings and impacts. Recognizing these risks allows early intervention and targeted treatment.

What Causes a Hip Pointer?

Hip pointers are caused by a direct impact to the iliac crest or a hard fall onto the hip. The top of the hip bone protrudes slightly, which makes it particularly susceptible to injury. Because this area has little cushioning, even a seemingly minor blow can result in a painful contusion.

For athletes, the risk increases during contact sports where collisions or falls are common. Beyond sports, everyday accidents such as slipping or falling onto a hard surface can also trigger a hip pointer. Identifying the cause of the injury is essential for tailoring a treatment plan that promotes faster healing and reduces the chance of future injuries.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Hip Pointer?

Hip pointers can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Common signs include:

  • Pain and tenderness over the top or front of the hip bone

  • Hematoma formation in more severe cases

  • Swelling or visible bruising (sometimes a deep bruise may not appear on the skin)

  • Limited range of motion in the hip

  • Weakness in the hip or leg

Even if a bruise isn’t visible, persistent pain after a fall or impact is often enough to suspect a hip pointer. Early recognition helps prevent worsening injury and speeds recovery.

Diagnosing a Hip Pointer

At Manhattan Physical Therapy, diagnosing a hip pointer starts with a thorough clinical assessment. Our physical therapists evaluate your pain, range of motion, and hip strength to determine the injury’s severity.

In some cases, imaging may be necessary:

  • X-rays to rule out fractures, particularly in adolescents who may have growth plate injuries that mimic a hip pointer

  • MRI or ultrasound to assess the extent of the contusion or hematoma

How Physical Therapy Helps Hip Pointer Recovery

Physical therapy is central to hip pointer recovery. A customized treatment plan can help you:

  • Reduce pain and inflammation

  • Restore full range of motion in the hip

  • Strengthen muscles surrounding the hip to prevent future injury

  • Safely return to sports or daily activities

Our therapists at Manhattan Physical Therapy design programs specific to your injury, activity level, and goals, ensuring a targeted and efficient recovery process.

Physical Therapy Treatment Programs for Hip Pointers

Typical physical therapy programs for hip pointers include:

  • Bullet List 11. Rest and Ice 

  • Manual Therapy 

  • Stretching and Mobility Exercises 

  • Strengthening Exercises 

  • Functional Training 

  • Electrical Stimulation or Ultrasound Therapy 

Effective Stretches for Hip Pointer Recovery

Gentle stretching supports healing after a hip pointer by reducing stiffness, improving circulation, and restoring normal hip movement. At Manhattan Physical Therapy, each stretch is taught safely to prevent irritation of the injured area.

Hip Flexor Stretch

  • Kneel on the leg that is not injured while the injured side rests behind you

  • Shift your hips forward while keeping your chest lifted

  • Hold for 20 to 30 seconds

  • Repeat two to three times

This movement reduces tightness along the front of the hip

Seated Piriformis Stretch

  • Bullet List 1• Sit on a chair and place the ankle of the injured leg over the opposite knee

  • Lean your body forward until you feel a gentle pull in the outer hip and glutes

  • Hold for 20 to 30 seconds

  • Repeat two to three times

This stretch helps release tension that commonly builds after a hip pointer

Supine Hamstring Stretch

  • Lie on your back with one leg bent and the other extended upward

  • Loop a towel or band around the foot of the raised leg and pull gently toward you

  • Hold for 20 to 30 seconds

  • Repeat two to three times

This stretch supports pelvic mobility and reduces hip strain

Standing Quadriceps Stretch

  • Stand on the leg that is not injured and hold the ankle of the injured leg behind you

  • Bring the foot toward your glutes while keeping your knees close

  • Hold for 20 to 30 seconds

  • Repeat two to three times

Our licensed therapists assess each case individually, combining clinical expertise with hands-on therapy to restore mobility and function. Book your appointment today and get professional hip pointer treatment in NYC.

What others are saying

Alexander Liu

"Everyone on the team at Manhattan Physical Therapy is super nice and caring. They were able to pretty quickly diagnose my knee and hip problems and immediately put me to work to reduce the pain.."

Henry Myerberg

"You're not just a patient when you come to the Manhattan Physical Therapy. You feel like family there. In particular, Erica with her colleagues John, Lidia and Joe not only fix and improve you physically, they make you feel welcomed and cared for.."

Hakyung Kim

"Everyone is so kind and helpful! my knee and hip pain have improved massively since starting Manhattan PT, highly recommend to anyone. special thanks to Bianca, Lidia, Joe, and John!"


Manhattan Physical Therapy

✆ Phone (appointments):
(212) 213-3480

Address: 385 5th Ave, Suite 503, New York, NY 10016