Snapping Hip is a condition which refers to a snapping or popping sound which comes from your hip joint with movement, sometimes causing swelling and pain.
At Vitalis Physiotherapy, our treatment of snapping hip aims to:
Snapping Hip Treatment
What is Snapping Hip?
Within the hip structure are bones, tendons, ligaments and tissue. The hip is referred to as a ‘ball-and-socket’ comprising of the rounded head of the thigh bone (femur) which sits in a ball-shaped socket (acetabulum) in the pelvis. A strong fibrocartilage seal from the labrum holds the socket firmly in place. Around this are many ligaments and tendons which act to connect bone and muscle.
Snapping Hip occurs primarily due to tendons sliding over bony protrusions in the hip bones. There are four main locations where snapping is likely to occur:
- Outside the hip – common, usually due to the iliotibial band sliding over a part of the thigh bone (trochanter)
- Front of the hip – due to pelvic/hip tendons sliding over the hip bones
- Back of the hip – due to the hamstring tendon moving over the ischial tuberosity
- Cartiliage – due to tearing and damage of the labrum which supports the joint
What are the causes?
This condition is triggered and worsened by tightness of the hip muscles and tendons. Some common factors which influence injury include:
- Repetitive overload/stress due to sports – e.g., running, biking, soccer, etc
- Overloading the hip frequently – e.g. dancing, yoga, pilates, etc.
- Sustained pressure due to repetitive hip/leg movement
- Previous joint injuries or tendon tears
What are the symptoms?
- Popping or snapping sound with hip-thigh movement (walking, standing, etc)
- Varied pain in the hips – dull to severe
- Gradual onset (depends on severity)
- Inflammation
- Swelling at the injury site
- Limited range of movement
- Tenderness
- Feeling of joint instability
- Reduced upper leg strength
- Differential or co-morbid diagnoses of hip bursitis, tendinopathies, dislocations, etc.
Treatment for Snapping Hip
If you suspect you have snapping hip, it is important to see a physiotherapist or medical professional.
Physical therapy is highly beneficial in restoring movement and reducing inflammation. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:
- Stretching, strengthening and/or conditioning exercises
- Restoring range of movement
- Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
- Shockwave Therapy
- Dry needling
- Taping
- Ice
- A unique home exercise program
- Graded Exposure to load program
If the pain and reduced movement is severe, strenuous activity should be avoided. Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use supportive braces or straps.
How to book an appointment?
If you have snapping hip, or you’re looking for a ‘physiotherapist near me’, our physios at Vitalis Physiotherapy can assess your condition to tailor a unique rehabilitation plan to aid in your pain relief and recovery.
All you need to do is just give us a call on 0410 559 856 and request an initial appointment. Please let our friendly reception staff know the background and severity of your condition.
You can visit our FAQs for more information about appointments at Vitalis Physiotherapy.
Need Help?
Are you in pain caused by snapping hips? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment.
Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.
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