Snapping hip syndrome: when every movement comes with a click
A clicking or snapping sensation in the hip that recurs with every movement - particularly common in dance and gymnastics.
Snapping hip syndrome causes a recurring “click” with every flexion or extension of the hip - in most cases a benign and harmless phenomenon, but it can become troublesome if it continues without treatment.
If you feel or hear a recurring “click” in the hip every time you bend or straighten it, and sometimes even see it snapping from the outside - this is a common condition called snapping hip syndrome, which is particularly common in dancers and gymnasts.
In most cases it is a benign phenomenon that isn’t dangerous, but it can be troublesome and sometimes painful if it continues over time without treatment.
How does it usually feel?
Symptoms can vary, but many describe:
- A “click” or “snapping” sensation in the hip during flexion or extension.
- Sometimes the snap can be seen or felt from the outside, at the side of the hip.
- Mild to moderate pain accompanying the click, though not always.
- Worsening with activities involving repeated hip flexion, such as dance or running.
- A sense of “discomfort” more than sharp, focal pain.
Notice whether the click comes from the outer side of the hip (a band snapping over a prominent bone) or from deep in the groin (the iliopsoas tendon) - this significantly changes the direction of treatment.
What causes snapping hip syndrome?
It’s usually a band or tendon passing over a bony prominence in the hip area, which during movement “snaps” over it and creates the clicking sensation. This is more common in people with large ranges of motion at the hip, such as dancers, and also in athletes who perform repeated flexion movements.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment focuses on stretching and releasing the tissues involved, strengthening the hip and core muscles to improve control of hip movement, and in cases related to the iliopsoas tendon - also work on releasing and balancing the area. In most cases there is significant improvement within a few weeks.
When should you get checked?
If the click comes with real pain, swelling, or a clear limit in range of motion - get assessed to rule out involvement inside the joint that needs further investigation.
Frequently asked questions
In most cases no - this is a benign phenomenon. Treatment is mainly needed when it is painful or interferes with activity.
In most cases yes, with a temporary adjustment of load and targeted treatment alongside the activity.
Sometimes yes, but if it persists and is bothersome, targeted treatment significantly shortens the duration of symptoms.
What’s worth remembering?
Snapping hip syndrome is a common and usually benign phenomenon, but when it is painful or prolonged - targeted treatment of the relevant tissue provides significant relief.
- It’s usually caused by a band or tendon passing over a bony prominence in the hip area, which snaps over it during movement.
- It’s identified by a “click” or “snapping” sensation on flexion or extension, sometimes seen or felt from the outside.
- Whether the click comes from the outer side of the hip or from deep in the groin significantly changes the direction of treatment.
Not sure if this is your situation? I’d be happy to give you a professional assessment and build a treatment plan that fits you.
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