Hip Impingement: Causes, Symptoms, and How Physiotherapy Can Help

Hip pain can make everyday movements such as walking, sitting, or exercising uncomfortable. One common cause of hip pain - particularly in active individuals - is hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

This condition occurs when the bones of the hip joint do not move smoothly against each other, causing irritation to the surrounding structures of the joint. With the right treatment and rehabilitation, physiotherapy can play an important role in reducing pain and improving hip function.

What Is Hip Impingement?

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint where the head of the femur (thigh bone) sits inside the acetabulum of the pelvis. In hip impingement, there is abnormal contact between these two surfaces during movement.

Over time, this repeated friction can irritate the joint, damage cartilage, or contribute to a labral tear.

Common Symptoms

People with hip impingement may experience:

• Pain in the front of the hip or groin

• Stiffness or reduced hip mobility

• Pain during activities such as running, squatting, or sitting for long periods

• Clicking or catching sensations in the hip

• Discomfort when rotating or twisting the leg

Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen with physical activity.

How Physiotherapy Helps Hip Impingement

Physiotherapy focuses on improving how the hip joint moves and reducing the stress placed on the joint during daily activities.

Treatment may include:

Targeted strengthening exercises - Strengthening the glutes, hip stabilisers, and core muscles helps improve hip alignment and reduce pressure within the joint.

Mobility and flexibility work - Gentle mobility exercises can improve hip movement and reduce stiffness.

Manual therapy - Hands-on treatment can help restore joint mobility and reduce muscle tension around the hip.

Movement retraining - Physiotherapists assess how you move and identify patterns that may be contributing to hip irritation.

Activity modification - Guidance on modifying sport or exercise routines helps prevent further aggravation while the hip heals.

Long-Term Benefits of Physiotherapy

By improving hip strength, mobility, and movement patterns, physiotherapy helps reduce pain and improve overall hip function. Early treatment can also help prevent the condition from progressing or leading to further joint damage.

Final Word

This is why an accurate diagnosis is crucial. Hip pain can stem from a number of different conditions, including hip impingement, labral irritation, muscle strain, or referred pain from the lower back. Each condition requires a different management approach.

Hip impingement can lead to ongoing pain and joint irritation if left untreated. With structured physiotherapy treatment, targeted strengthening, and movement retraining, most people can significantly reduce symptoms and return to normal activity levels.

If you're experiencing persistent hip pain, stiffness, or discomfort during activities such as sitting, squatting, or running, early physiotherapy intervention can help address the problem before it worsens.

If you're dealing with any of these symptoms. Book with Urban Physiotherapy today! - https://urban-physiotherapy.au2.cliniko.com/bookings?business_id=423637795941128200#service