Hip Impingement
Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), occurs when the bones of the hip joint do not fit together perfectly, causing friction during movement. This can lead to hip pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Physiotherapy is an effective treatment that helps reduce pain, improve hip movement, and prevent further joint damage.
What is Hip Impingement?
Hip impingement happens when there is abnormal contact between the femoral head (top of the thigh bone) and the acetabulum (hip socket). Instead of moving smoothly, the bones rub against each other during certain movements.
Over time, this repeated friction can irritate the joint and damage the cartilage or surrounding tissues.
There are two main types of hip impingement:
Cam Impingement
In this type, the femoral head has an irregular shape, causing it to rub against the hip socket during movement.
Pincer Impingement
This occurs when the hip socket is deeper than normal, causing the femoral head and neck to pinch against the socket rim.
Some individuals may experience a combination of both types, known as mixed impingement.
Causes
Hip impingement is often related to structural abnormalities in the hip joint.
Common causes include:
- Abnormal hip bone structure
- Repetitive hip movements in sports
- High levels of physical activity
- Poor hip biomechanics
- Previous hip injuries
- Developmental changes in the hip joint
Athletes who perform repetitive hip flexion movements—such as football players, runners, and dancers—are more likely to develop this condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hip impingement can vary depending on the severity of the condition.
Common symptoms include:
- Hip pain, especially during activity
- Reduced range of motion in the hip
- Stiffness around the hip joint
- Clicking or popping sounds in the hip
- Joint locking or catching sensations
- Pain when bending or rotating the hip
Symptoms may gradually worsen if the condition is not treated.
What Should I Do?
If you experience persistent hip pain or restricted movement, it is important to seek professional evaluation.
Doctors may diagnose hip impingement through:
- Physical examination
- X-rays or MRI scans
- Assessment of hip mobility and function
After diagnosis, physiotherapy is often the first recommended treatment to manage symptoms and improve joint function.
Physiotherapy Treatment
Physiotherapy is a highly effective non-surgical treatment for hip impingement.
At ACE Physio Sports, physiotherapists begin with a detailed assessment of your hip movement, strength, and posture to design a personalised rehabilitation plan.
Treatment may include:
Strengthening Exercises
Exercises to strengthen the hip and surrounding muscles to improve joint stability.
Stretching Exercises
Targeted stretches to improve hip flexibility and reduce muscle tightness.
Core Stability Training
Strengthening the core muscles to support hip movement and reduce strain on the joint.
Proprioceptive Training
Balance and coordination exercises that improve joint control.
Manual Therapy
Joint mobilisation techniques performed by a physiotherapist to improve hip movement.
Hydrotherapy
Water-based exercises that allow safe movement while reducing pressure on the hip joint.
These treatments help reduce pain, restore movement, and improve overall hip function.
What Shouldn’t I Do?
If you suspect hip impingement, it is important to avoid activities that may worsen the condition.
Avoid:
- Ignoring hip pain during activity
- Deep squatting or excessive hip bending
- High-impact sports without proper rehabilitation
- Sudden twisting movements of the hip
- Continuing intense training despite symptoms
Early physiotherapy treatment helps prevent worsening of the condition.
Long-Term Effects or Recovery
With proper physiotherapy, many individuals experience significant improvement in hip function and pain relief.
However, if left untreated, hip impingement may lead to:
- Chronic hip pain
- Reduced mobility
- Labral tears in the hip joint
- Early hip osteoarthritis
In severe cases where conservative treatment is unsuccessful, surgical intervention may be required.
Early treatment and structured rehabilitation can help prevent long-term complications.
Why Choose ACE Physio Sports
At ACE Physio Sports, we provide expert physiotherapy treatment for hip injuries and musculoskeletal conditions.
Our approach includes:
- Comprehensive hip assessments
- Personalised physiotherapy programs
- Strengthening and mobility rehabilitation
- Sports injury rehabilitation
- Evidence-based treatment techniques
Our goal is to help patients reduce pain, restore movement, and return safely to sports and daily activities.
Book Appointment
If you are experiencing symptoms of hip impingement, our physiotherapists at ACE Physio Sports can help.
Website https://acephysiosport.com
Phone / WhatsApp +65 81535374
Email admin@acephysiosport.com
Book your physiotherapy appointment today and start your hip rehabilitation program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my hip pain worse when lying on my side at night?
Night-time pain in Hip Impingement is often due to compression of irritated structures when lying on the affected side. Your physiotherapist will recommend positioning strategies and begin targeted strengthening to reduce this pattern over time.
Is walking good or bad for Hip Impingement?
Walking is generally beneficial, but load management matters. Too much too soon can aggravate symptoms, while appropriate amounts support tissue recovery. Your physiotherapist will advise on pacing and help you build walking tolerance progressively.
Can physiotherapy fix Hip Impingement without cortisone injections?
Yes — many patients with Hip Impingement recover fully with physiotherapy alone. Targeted gluteal and hip strengthening, load management, and addressing contributing factors are usually highly effective without the need for injections.
Ready to start your recovery?
Our specialist physiotherapists are here to help. Book a consultation today.
Book an Appointment