Why Your Tight Hips Might Not Be the Problem — and What to Do Instead
If your hips always feel tight, you’re not alone. I hear it all the time—clients come in frustrated, saying no matter how much they stretch, their hips never loosen up.
Here’s the catch:
Tight hips aren't always the actual issue.
In fact, that constant feeling of restriction is often a symptom of something else going on—something deeper in how your body moves.
What "Tight" Really Means
When people say their hips are tight, it usually comes from a feeling of stiffness or limitation during movement. But most of the time, it’s not that the muscle is truly short or locked up—it’s that your body is looking for stability.
If your pelvis isn’t controlling motion well, or your core isn’t firing at the right time, your brain tightens things up as a protective strategy. That creates a fake tightness—your body’s way of saying, “I don’t feel safe moving here.”
Stretching that area without solving the root issue? It might feel good for a minute, but it doesn’t stick.
The Real Culprits Behind Hip Tightness
Here’s what I often uncover during assessments at CoreQuest Therapy in Montreal:
✅ Lack of pelvic control
Your hips depend on a stable pelvis. If the foundation’s off, the hips tighten up to compensate.
✅ Ribcage and breathing mechanics
Yes—your ribcage affects your hips. Shallow or dysfunctional breathing throws off how your core stabilizes, which changes how your hips move and bear load.
✅ Limited rotation
Most people don't train rotation enough. If you can't rotate through your hips, spine, and ribcage, your body will stiffen other areas—especially during walking, running, or lifting.
So... What Actually Helps?
The key is to stop chasing the tightness and start addressing the real reason your hips are locked up.
That means:
Teaching your core and hips to coordinate together
Improving control through range—not just flexibility
Training strength where your body currently avoids load
At CoreQuest, I use a mix of athletic therapy, movement assessment, and mobility-focused strength training to give your hips back their full capacity. No cookie-cutter stretches—just tailored, real solutions.
Looking for Hip Mobility Therapy in Montreal?
If you're dealing with recurring hip tightness and nothing seems to work long-term, you're exactly who I work with. My approach helps rebuild hip mobility through breath, control, and strength—so you can move with more ease and less frustration.
👉 Book your session now
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📩 Reach out with questions if you’re not sure where to start.