It’s not just dancers

Snapping Hip Syndrome is also known as ‘dancer’s hip’. But if you have been unlucky to get it, you’ll know it can affect all sorts of people.

You will recognize it if you have pain when you either extend or flex your hip. Flexing the hip brings the knee toward the chest. (Think of the fetal position). And extending the hip will take the leg behind you in a similar vein to a dancer’s pose.

The pain of Snapping Hip Syndrome will often be accompanied by an audible popping or ‘snapping’ noise. Hence the name.

Thankfully, not all cases are too serious. However, you shouldn’t leave the condition untreated. Because in some cases the problem can last months and become very painful.

Let’s dig deeper and read this informative post.

Snapping Hip Syndrome

Snapping Hip Syndrome – some possible causes

With some injuries, the cause is crystal clear. In this instance, however, the syndrome is not totally understood. That being said, there are some likely contributors to the problem.

In the majority of instances, the condition affects athletes or dancers. One possible cause is the movement of the tendon (or sometimes a muscle) over the bony part of the hip (the greater trochanter). It is the repeated, and often forceful movements, that often aggravate the joint.

One other possible cause, although rarer, is loose, broken or torn cartilage that might cause the hip to lock up.

The problem occurs most frequently in the age bracket of 15 to 40. Which further suggests it is often related to hard physical activity. As that age range tends to coincide with your most physically active years. In other words, the injury is largely due to overuse.

Treating Snapping Hip Syndrome

As this is first and foremost an overuse injury, rest is important.

After that, the key to treating the problem is redressing anatomical and biomechanical imbalances. For example, in many cases, the iliopsoas or IT band may have become too tight. Appropriate stretching and strengthening in these areas often help.

When these areas are worked on, it helps to relieve immediate discomfort. But, in addition, it can also help to prevent a reoccurrence of the problem.

The stretching should involve a combination of passive and active stretches. For these to be carried out properly, it is wise to get the guidance of a professional.

Another way to help clear up the issue is through massage. The goal is to reduce the tension in the muscle. Deep tissue massage and trigger-point massage can be extremely beneficial in this regard.

As with any injury, there are different ends of the spectrum. In the worst cases, Corticosteroid injections or even surgery may be required. On the other hand, some more minor setbacks might clear up with adequate rest.

But in the majority of cases, some sort of physical therapy will be required. If you are concerned and would like to make sure you rehabilitate properly, contact us at the Perea Clinic. We have a range of treatments that can help with clearing Snapping Hip Syndrome.

We hope this information is useful. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always glad to help!

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