What to expect from physiotherapy for hip impingement

Your physiotherapist will ask about groin or hip pain, movements that bring it on, sport or work demands, and any catching or stiffness. They may observe walking, squatting, stepping and hip rotation, then check strength and control around the hip, pelvis and trunk. Treatment is generally aimed at reducing positions that repeatedly pinch the hip while building useful movement capacity. Hands-on techniques may be used for short-term comfort, but the exercise plan and day-to-day habits are central.

Bring comfortable clothing and describe which activities matter to you, such as sitting, stairs, cycling or running. Follow the home programme with the prescribed technique and pace; exercises should challenge you without causing a sharp increase in hip or groin pain. Keep a simple note of symptoms after exercise so the plan can be adjusted. Progress may involve strengthening the buttock and thigh muscles, improving trunk control, and gradually returning to valued activities.

Contact your clinician if pain is rapidly worsening, the hip becomes locked, you cannot bear weight, or a fall causes significant pain. Seek urgent help for a hot swollen joint with fever, new leg weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. If symptoms remain limiting despite a supervised rehabilitation plan, ask whether reassessment or additional testing is appropriate.

Which hip positions should I temporarily modify? How will we measure progress? What should I do if an exercise causes lingering pain? When can I resume running, deep squats or sport?