Orthopedic · Maui, Molokai and Lanai
Physical therapy for hip pain in Maui, Molokai and Lanai
Hip pain is usually blamed on the joint, but the most common causes are tendons and muscles on the outside of the hip, and those respond to a targeted strengthening program.
- TRICARE, HMSA, and HMSA QUEST in-network
- No state referral requirement; some plans need one
- Video visits anywhere in Maui, Molokai and Lanai
About the condition
Hip pain: what is going on.
Pain on the outside of the hip, worse lying on that side at night and climbing stairs, is usually gluteal tendinopathy, often mislabeled bursitis. Pain in the groin with sitting, squatting, or pivoting points to the joint itself: impingement, a labral irritation, or early osteoarthritis. Pain in the buttock is often the deep rotators or a referral from the back. Each has a different program, and the evaluation sorts out which is which.
Exercise is the first-line treatment for all of them. For hip osteoarthritis, a structured strengthening program is recommended before injections or surgery and improves pain and function for most people.
Common experiences
What people with hip pain often describe
These are the patterns Dr. Shalem hears most often. Any of them is a reason to book a discovery call.
Pain on the outside of the hip, worse lying on that side
Groin pain with sitting, squatting, or getting out of a car
Stiffness and difficulty putting on socks
Clicking or catching in the hip
Pain with walking distance or stairs
A diagnosis of bursitis, tendinopathy, impingement, or arthritis
Treatment
How physical therapy addresses it.
The program builds strength in the gluteal muscles and deep hip rotators, restores mobility where it is limited, teaches positions and habits that unload irritated tendons, and progresses to walking, stairs, and sport. For arthritis, it follows the structured exercise protocols that trials have shown to reduce pain and delay surgery.
What a video visit looks like
Dr. Shalem watches single-leg balance, squatting, and gait on camera, uses guided tests to identify the source, and progresses loading with form checks. A resistance band is the main equipment.
Coverage in Hawaii
Insurance and pricing
Bring your plan name to the discovery call and we confirm your physical therapy benefit before the first visit.
TRICARE
In-network (TRICARE West). TRICARE Select members can book directly with no referral. TRICARE Prime members need a referral from their primary care manager, and we tell you exactly what to ask for.
HMSA
In-network with HMSA PPO and HMO plans. Some HMSA plans require a referral from your primary care provider; we check yours before the first visit.
HMSA QUEST
In-network with HMSA QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid). We confirm coverage before your first visit.
Private pay
Available for any other plan. HSA and FSA cards accepted.
Referrals
Hawaii allows you to start physical therapy without a physician referral. Your insurance plan may still ask for one (TRICARE Prime and some HMSA plans do), and we check that for you before the first visit.
All of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai are seen by video.
How it works
How a virtual visit works
Dr. Shalem watches single-leg balance, squatting, and gait on camera, uses guided tests to identify the source, and progresses loading with form checks. A resistance band is the main equipment.
Discovery call
15 minutes, free, by phoneA short call to hear what is going on, explain how visits work, and check insurance or pricing. No pressure to book.
Evaluation
60 minutes, by videoDr. Shalem takes a full history, watches how you move and breathe, and guides the self-assessments she needs to build a plan.
Your plan
Same visitYou leave the evaluation with a plain-language explanation and a short home program, usually a few minutes a day.
Follow-ups
45 minutes, every 1 to 2 weeksProgress checks, program updates, and techniques you can do yourself, for as long as they are useful.
For a video visit you will need
- A phone, tablet, or laptop with a camera
- A private room
- A mat or towel
- About an hour
Questions
Hip pain questions in Maui, Molokai and Lanai
Is it bursitis?
Most pain on the outside of the hip is gluteal tendinopathy rather than bursitis, and the treatment is strengthening, not rest or injections alone.
I have hip arthritis. Will exercise make it worse?
No. Structured exercise reduces pain and improves function in hip osteoarthritis and is recommended as first-line treatment in every guideline.
Do I need an X-ray or MRI?
Usually not to start. Imaging is considered if symptoms do not respond or if the evaluation suggests something that would change the plan.
Do I need a referral for physical therapy in Hawaii?
Hawaii allows you to start physical therapy without a physician referral. Your insurance plan may still ask for one (TRICARE Prime and some HMSA plans do), and we check that for you before the first visit.
What insurance do you take in Hawaii?
TRICARE: In-network (TRICARE West). TRICARE Select members can book directly with no referral. TRICARE Prime members need a referral from their primary care manager, and we tell you exactly what to ask for. HMSA: In-network with HMSA PPO and HMO plans. Some HMSA plans require a referral from your primary care provider; we check yours before the first visit. HMSA QUEST: In-network with HMSA QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid). We confirm coverage before your first visit. Private pay: Available for any other plan. HSA and FSA cards accepted.
Your physical therapist
Dr. Elana Shalem, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Miami. Licensed in Hawaii.
Dr. Shalem treats pelvic health for women and men, from pregnancy and postpartum recovery to bladder, bowel, and pelvic pain conditions and recovery after prostate or pelvic surgery, and general orthopedic conditions of the back, neck, hips, knees, shoulders, and feet. Visits are one-on-one and unhurried, and she explains what she is seeing in plain language.
More about Dr. ShalemPrefer to write? Send a message.
Questions about insurance, pricing, or whether physical therapy is the right next step? We reply within one business day.
Start with a free 15-minute call.
Tell us what is going on, hear how Dr. Shalem would approach it, and decide from there.