Effective Treatment Strategies for Hip Impingement in Runners by Physical Therapists
- garagetrainingreha
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), is a common source of hip pain among runners. It occurs when the bones of the hip joint do not fit together perfectly, causing friction during movement. This can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and even damage to the joint over time. Fortunately, Physical Therapists play a key role in managing hip impingement, helping runners return to their sport with less pain and improved function.
Understanding Hip Impingement in Runners
Hip impingement happens when the ball-shaped head of the femur and the socket of the pelvis rub abnormally. This can be due to extra bone growth or an abnormal shape of the hip bones. Runners often experience symptoms such as:
Deep groin or hip pain during or after running
Stiffness or limited range of motion in the hip
Clicking or catching sensations in the joint
These symptoms usually worsen with activities that involve hip flexion, such as running uphill or sitting for long periods. Early recognition and treatment are important to prevent further joint damage.
How Physical Therapists Assess Hip Impingement
Physical therapists begin with a thorough assessment to identify the cause and severity of hip impingement. This includes:
Taking a detailed history of symptoms and running habits
Performing physical tests to check hip range of motion and pain points
Observing running gait to detect movement patterns that may contribute to impingement
Using imaging reports, if available, to understand bone structure
This comprehensive evaluation helps therapists design a personalized treatment plan that targets the runner’s specific needs.
Key Treatment Strategies Used by Physical Therapists
Physical therapy focuses on reducing pain, improving hip mobility, and strengthening muscles to support the joint. Common treatment approaches include:
1. Manual Therapy
Therapists use hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tightness. This may involve:
Gentle hip joint mobilizations to increase range of motion
Soft tissue massage to release tight muscles around the hip
Stretching exercises to improve flexibility in the hip flexors, hamstrings, and glutes
Manual therapy helps restore normal movement and decreases discomfort during running.
2. Targeted Exercise Programs
Strengthening and flexibility exercises are essential to support the hip joint and correct movement patterns. These exercises often focus on:
Strengthening the gluteal muscles to stabilize the pelvis
Improving core strength to support overall posture and running mechanics
Enhancing hip external rotation and abduction to reduce impingement forces
Stretching tight muscles that limit hip motion
Therapists carefully progress exercises based on pain levels and functional improvements.
3. Gait Retraining
Running form can influence hip joint stress. Physical therapists analyze gait and suggest modifications such as:
Increasing cadence (steps per minute) to reduce impact forces
Adjusting foot strike patterns to improve shock absorption
Encouraging proper pelvic alignment during running
These changes help reduce repetitive stress on the hip and prevent symptom flare-ups.
4. Activity Modification and Education
Runners learn how to manage their training to avoid aggravating the hip. This includes:
Reducing running volume or intensity temporarily
Incorporating cross-training activities like swimming or cycling
Using proper warm-up and cool-down routines
Understanding body signals to avoid pushing through pain
Education empowers runners to take control of their recovery and prevent future problems.
When Physical Therapy May Not Be Enough
In some cases, hip impingement may require further medical intervention if conservative treatment fails. Signs that suggest the need for specialist referral include:
Persistent pain despite therapy
Significant loss of hip motion
Evidence of cartilage damage on imaging
Surgical options exist but are typically considered after a thorough trial of physical therapy.
Practical Tips for Runners to Support Hip Health
Runners can take several steps to protect their hips and complement physical therapy:
Incorporate regular hip mobility and strengthening exercises into their routine
Avoid sudden increases in running distance or intensity
Wear appropriate footwear that supports natural foot mechanics
Pay attention to running surfaces, favoring softer terrain when possible
Schedule regular check-ins with a physical therapist or sports medicine professional
These habits help maintain hip function and reduce the risk of impingement.
Contact Karen Baltz Gibbs to schedule your Physical Therapy Evaluation:
Karen Baltz Gibbs, DPT, CSCS, CMP, LMT, PN1-NC
Garage Training & Rehab Gym
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