hip pain

Hip Impingement Syndrome: How Physiotherapy Helps Restore Mobility and Relieve Pain

January 20, 20252 min read

Hip pain and stiffness can make even simple activities like walking or bending uncomfortable. One common cause of this discomfort is hip impingement syndrome. Also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), this condition occurs when the bones in the hip joint rub against each other abnormally, leading to pain and reduced mobility.

Understanding how physiotherapy can address hip impingement syndrome is key to restoring movement and improving quality of life.

What is Hip Impingement Syndrome?

Hip impingement happens when there is an irregularity in the shape of the hip joint. This can be caused by:

  1. Cam Impingement

    • When the femoral head (the ball of the joint) is misshapen and doesn’t fit smoothly into the hip socket.

  2. Pincer Impingement

    • When the socket extends too far over the femoral head, causing the bones to pinch against each other.

  3. Combined Impingement

    • A mix of both cam and pincer types.

This abnormal contact leads to irritation of the surrounding cartilage and soft tissues, resulting in symptoms like:

  • Pain in the groin or outer hip

  • Stiffness or reduced range of motion

  • Discomfort during activities like sitting, running, or squatting

How Physiotherapy Helps

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing hip impingement by reducing pain, restoring movement, and preventing further damage. Here’s how it works:

1. Thorough Assessment

  • The first step is understanding how hip impingement affects your movement and identifying contributing factors like muscle imbalances, joint stiffness, or poor posture.

2. Pain Relief Techniques

  • Physiotherapy uses techniques like manual therapy, dry needling, and soft tissue release to reduce pain and relieve tension in the hip.

3. Targeted Strengthening Exercises

  • Strengthening the muscles surrounding the hip joint, including the glutes and core, helps support proper movement and reduces stress on the joint.

4. Improving Flexibility

  • Stretching tight muscles and improving joint mobility reduces stiffness and allows for smoother movement.

5. Gait and Posture Training

  • Correcting walking patterns and posture helps distribute weight evenly through the hip, minimizing strain on the joint.

6. Activity Modification

  • Guidance on adjusting activities, such as running or sitting positions, helps prevent aggravation of symptoms while promoting healing.

7. Preventing Future Issues

  • Long-term management strategies focus on maintaining strength, flexibility, and proper mechanics to avoid recurrence.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Without addressing hip impingement, the joint may experience continued damage, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis and long-term pain. Early intervention with physiotherapy ensures the joint is protected, allowing for effective recovery and improved mobility.

Conclusion

Hip impingement syndrome doesn’t have to limit your movement or daily activities. With the right physiotherapy approach, you can reduce pain, regain mobility, and get back to doing what you enjoy.

If hip pain is affecting your life, Tewantin Physiotherapy is here to help you take the first steps toward recovery. Contact us today to start your journey toward a pain-free and active life.

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