WHAT IS IT?
Hip impingement is a feeling of compression or catching in the hip joint, most commonly the hip flexor tendons getting pinched around the bony prominences of the femoral head. It often shows up as a sharp pinch or click at the front of the hip with certain movements, especially deep flexion like squatting, sitting for long periods, or bringing the knee toward the chest. Like most things we treat, the pain is usually the symptom and the movement and muscle imbalance is the actual problem.
common symptoms and signs
a pinching or catching sensation at the front of the hip
pain with deep squatting or bringing the knee to the chest
aching after sitting for long periods
pain or clicking when going up stairs
hip tightness that doesn't go away no matter how much you stretch
pain that gets worse with high knees, running, or explosive movements
tenderness at the front of the hip or groin
Who is a good fit?
you're someone who wants to understand what's going on in your body and actually do something about it. We work best with people who are ready to be an active part of their recovery, not just lie on a table and hope for the best.
HIP IMPINGEMENT
Ready to get back to moving?
Book an appointment and we'll figure out what's going on and how to fix it.
why does this happen?
Hip impingement shows up a lot in runners, cyclists, lifters, and anyone doing a lot of hip flexion under load. It's also extremely common in people who sit for long periods, the hip flexors adaptively shorten and then get asked to suddenly perform, which is a recipe for irritation.
Young athletes see it a lot too, especially those doing gymnastics, dance, or martial arts where end range hip mobility is constantly being demanded. The bony anatomy of the hip plays a role for some people, but more often than not it comes down to muscle imbalances and movement patterns that put the tendons in a compromised position repeatedly until something speaks up.
how we treat it
We start with a movement exam to figure out where the hip is breaking down and what's creating the compression. Treatment includes cupping, IASTM, and dry needling to address the hip flexors and surrounding muscles that are overworking. Then we progressively load the hip in a way that builds capacity and teaches the joint to move through its full range without pinching. The goal is to get you squatting, running, and moving without having to think about your hip every time.