Have you noticed a snapping, clicking or popping sensation around your hip when walking, standing up or exercising? While this can be concerning, it is a relatively common condition known as Snapping Hip Syndrome. In many people, the snapping is painless, but for others it can cause discomfort, limit activity and interfere with sport or daily life.

At Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic, we regularly assess people with hip pain and movement-related conditions. Understanding the cause of your symptoms is the first step towards finding an appropriate management plan.

What is Snapping Hip Syndrome?

Snapping Hip Syndrome occurs when a tendon or muscle moves over a bony prominence around the hip, creating a snapping or clicking sensation. The snapping may be felt on the outside, front or deep inside the hip depending on the structures involved.

The condition is common in:

• Runners

• Dancers

• Football and soccer players

• Gymnasts

• Cyclists

• Active adults

• People whose work involves repetitive hip movements

Not everyone with a snapping hip experiences pain, but persistent symptoms should be assessed to determine whether treatment is appropriate.

What causes Snapping Hip Syndrome?

Several structures around the hip can produce the snapping sensation.

External Snapping Hip

This is the most common type. It occurs when the iliotibial band (ITB) or the gluteus maximus tendon moves over the greater trochanter on the outside of the hip.

It is often noticed during walking, running or climbing stairs.

Internal Snapping Hip

Internal snapping occurs when the iliopsoas tendon moves across structures at the front of the hip. This type is commonly felt when lifting the knee or moving from sitting to standing.

Intra-articular Snapping

Occasionally, the clicking originates inside the hip joint itself. This may be associated with cartilage changes or other joint-related conditions and may require further assessment.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms vary between individuals but may include:

• A snapping or popping sensation in the hip

• Audible clicking during movement

• Hip stiffness

• Pain at the front or outside of the hip

• Tenderness around the hip

• Reduced sporting performance

• Discomfort after prolonged activity

• Symptoms when standing from sitting

Pain is not always present, but ongoing clicking with discomfort or reduced function should not be ignored.

What increases the risk?

Several factors may contribute to Snapping Hip Syndrome, including:

• Repetitive hip flexion

• Sudden increases in training load

• Muscle tightness

• Hip weakness

• Reduced pelvic control

• Poor movement patterns

• Previous hip injury

Identifying contributing factors allows treatment to be tailored to the individual rather than simply addressing the symptoms.

How is Snapping Hip Syndrome diagnosed?

A physiotherapist will perform a comprehensive assessment that includes:

• Discussion of your symptoms

• Assessment of hip movement

• Strength testing

• Functional movement assessment

• Identification of movements that reproduce the snapping

Imaging is not always necessary. However, your physiotherapist or GP may recommend further investigations if symptoms suggest another underlying condition.

How can physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapy aims to identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and develop an individual management plan.

Your treatment may include:

Education

Understanding why the hip snaps can help reduce uncertainty and guide appropriate activity modification.

Exercise Therapy

A personalised exercise program may include:

• Hip strengthening

• Gluteal strengthening

• Core stability exercises

• Pelvic control exercises

• Progressive loading

• Functional rehabilitation

Mobility Exercises

Improving flexibility where appropriate may help reduce excessive tension around the hip while maintaining healthy movement.

Activity Modification

Temporary adjustments to training volume or repetitive movements may allow irritated tissues to settle while maintaining overall fitness.

Return to Sport Guidance

For active individuals, rehabilitation usually includes gradually returning to running, sport or recreational activities while monitoring symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Snapping Hip Syndrome serious?

In many cases, the snapping itself is not harmful. However, if it is painful, persistent or affecting your daily activities, it is worth having it assessed by a physiotherapist.

Can Snapping Hip Syndrome go away on its own?

Some mild cases improve with reduced aggravating activities. Persistent symptoms often benefit from assessment and an individualised exercise program.

Should I stop exercising?

Not necessarily. Continuing appropriate activity is often encouraged, although temporary modifications may be recommended depending on your symptoms.

When should I see a physiotherapist?

Consider booking an assessment if you experience:

• Ongoing hip pain

• Recurrent snapping with discomfort

• Difficulty exercising

• Hip weakness

• Reduced mobility

• Symptoms that persist despite rest

Early assessment can help identify contributing factors and guide appropriate management.

Physiotherapy for Snapping Hip Syndrome in Canberra

If you're experiencing hip clicking, snapping or discomfort, the team at Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic provides comprehensive physiotherapy assessments for people across Belconnen, Bruce, Kaleen, Hawker, Macquarie, Page, Cook, Aranda and the wider Canberra region.

Every person's hip condition is different, so management should be based on a thorough assessment and your individual goals.

Book an Appointment

If snapping or clicking in your hip is affecting your comfort, exercise or everyday activities, the team at Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic is here to help.

Contact our Canberra clinic on (02) 6251 3487 to arrange an assessment. We'll work with you to understand your symptoms, discuss suitable management options and develop an individual treatment plan that supports your goals.

Book Online HERE!