Snapping Hip Syndrome
What is snapping hip syndrome?
Snapping Hip Syndrome (SHS) also known as Dancer’s hip is mostly recognised by patients as a sound of a “click” or “snapping” sound/sensation in the hip when the hip joint is being moved in certain directions or positions.
This sound usually represents a tendon snapping across the hipbone. This motion can create friction and irritation to the soft tissues in the area which can cause pain. A snapping hip is not a problem unless it is accompanied by pain, reduced range of motion, or weakness.
Causes
It mostly develops when muscles and tendons around the hip are tightened or imbalanced. Most people experience it when going from sitting to standing, walking, swimming, practising yoga or simply when moving the leg from side to side or swinging from front to back.
Normally snapping hip syndrome occurs as a result of muscle overactivity/tightness with under activity and weakness of other muscles. SHS is common to those who participate in sports requiring repetitive hip movement e.g dancing, gymnastics, hurdling, sprinting, etc...
Treatment
Physiotherapy is an excellent treatment for this syndrome. The treatment starts with a complete examination including pelvic stability, leg length, range of motion, functional movement, and more.
After this assessment, you may be put on anti-inflammatory medication during the first phase of your treatment. During your appointments, you can expect tissue and trigger point massages. Depending on your specific needs, your physio may also include some dry needling therapy.
However, your treatment doesn't end when you leave your appointment. Your physio will usually prescribe you some exercises and/or stretches to do at home. This is to maintain and gradually increase the flexibility of the muscle responsible for causing the snapping. You will also likely work on increasing muscle strength of your weak muscles once you have regained your full range of motion. Functional training, focusing on specific movement patterns is the final stage of treatment. This incorporates all strength and movement control exercises a patient has worked on up to that date. It is important to work through each phase of treatment to ensure a successful return to sport and prevent reoccurrence.
Since every injury is different it's hard to estimate how many treatments or how long it will take to recover.
If you are suffering from Snapping Hip Syndrome or would like more information on treatment, contact us at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy or book an online appointment today to start your recovery.
Hip Services
If you feel the start of Snapping Hip Syndrome it is advisable to get it looked at early to prevent further injury and a longer recovery period. Don’t let a SHS injury prevent you from staying fit and active.