Hip impingement is a common condition in which there is an abnormal alignment or contact between the hip bones, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. The mechanism of hip impingement is often related to changes in the shape of the bones or the surrounding soft tissues, including the hip labrum, which can lead to friction and wear-and-tear of the hip joint. This condition is often seen in athletes and individuals who engage in high-impact sports or activities that include extreme ranges of the hip, such as hockey, baseball, and weightlifting to name a few.
Common symptoms of hip impingement include pain in the front or side of the hip, which may be felt during activities such as sitting for long periods of time, climbing stairs, or squatting. There may also be stiffness or difficulty in moving the hip joint, and clicking or snapping sensations.
Treatment for hip impingement often begins with focused rehab. At APC, we may involve manual therapy techniques to reduce pain and improve mobility, as well as exercises to strengthen the hip muscles and improve hip stability. The key is also addressing any other functional limitations and laying out a plan to improve outcomes in both the short and the long-term..
As rehab chiropractors, we are also able to order imaging on hips that do not respond to a few weeks of conservative treatment. This allows us to gain a more accurate understanding of the underlying condition and to determine the best course of treatment for each individual patient, which for some, may mean a referral to an orthopedist.
