Does physiotherapy treat hip impingement?

Hip impingement, or femoroacetabular impingement, occurs when hip joint shapes come into contact during certain movements. Groin pain, stiffness, or catching may appear with deep hip bending, turning, or sport. A physiotherapist examines hip motion, pelvic control, strength, and the specific positions that reproduce symptoms.

Treatment may include strengthening the hip and trunk, improving control through a comfortable range, and changing technique or training load. Avoiding repeated painful deep flexion while building capacity can make everyday movement more manageable.

Arrange an assessment if groin pain persists or limits sitting, stairs, walking, or sport. Note the movements that trigger it, and reduce those loads temporarily without stopping all activity. If symptoms remain despite a well-followed plan, your clinician can discuss imaging or orthopaedic review.

Get urgent assessment after trauma if you cannot bear weight or the hip is visibly deformed. Seek prompt review for sudden severe pain, rapidly worsening symptoms, fever with a hot swollen joint, or new weakness or numbness in the leg.

Ask which movements are safe, how to adapt training, how progress will be judged, and whether persistent catching or restricted motion warrants imaging or specialist review.