How long does physiotherapy take to work for hip impingement?

Hip impingement can cause groin or front-of-hip pain when the joint is loaded in certain positions, such as deep squatting, pivoting, or prolonged sitting. Physiotherapy works on hip and trunk strength, movement coordination, and ways to adjust aggravating loads. It does not remove the shape of the bones.

Early progress may mean less pain after sitting, easier stairs, or a wider comfortable range. Symptoms can fluctuate if activity rises faster than the hip can tolerate, so improvement is better judged over a pattern of days than by one session.

Follow the exercise plan at the prescribed intensity and avoid repeatedly testing painful deep hip positions. Break up long sitting, use a comfortable range for squats and steps, and return to running or sport in stages. Your therapist can adjust technique, resistance, and workload as symptoms change.

Record which activities trigger pain and how long it takes to settle. This helps distinguish a manageable training response from a load that is currently too high.

Seek prompt assessment after a fall with severe hip pain, inability to bear weight, a hot swollen joint, or new weakness or numbness. Arrange review if the hip catches and will not move, pain steadily worsens, or daily function does not improve with a well-followed programme.

Ask which hip positions to modify, how to progress back to your sport or work, and when persistent catching or limited improvement should lead to further assessment.