Réhabital
Snapping Hip Syndrome
An audible click at the hip when lifting the leg or standing up from a chair is often more worrying than painful. When it does become painful, a targeted program usually resolves it.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
There are two main forms. The external form involves the iliotibial band or gluteus maximus snapping over the greater trochanter — the snap is visible and often felt from outside. The internal form involves the iliopsoas tendon catching on the iliopectineal eminence or femoral head — a deeper snap, typically moving from flexion into extension. A third, intra-articular form is rarer and suggests a labral tear or loose body. A painless snap needs no treatment; pain or functional limitation is what warrants care.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Iliopsoas tightness
A stiff, overused psoas catches more during flexion-extension transitions.
Tight iliotibial band
A tight ITB combined with gluteus medius weakness snaps over the greater trochanter.
Weak hip stabilisers
Poor pelvic control encourages abrupt tendon gliding.
Sport and dance
Repeated flexion-extension, common in dance, running and soccer, sustains the phenomenon.
Our Treatment Approach
Assessment first identifies the form using snap reproduction tests. For the internal form we work on flexibility and especially eccentric psoas control, plus hip extension mobility. For the external form the emphasis is on gluteus medius strengthening and myofascial release of the tensor fasciae latae. Osteopathy improves pelvic, sacroiliac and lumbar mobility, often involved. Deep tissue massage complements the soft tissue work. We progressively adapt sporting movements rather than banning activity.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A 60 minute session with movement analysis. The snap usually diminishes within four to eight weeks of targeted strengthening and mobility work.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Stretch the psoas in a lunge position without arching the low back.
- Strengthen gluteus medius (side-lying abduction, banded lateral walks).
- Temporarily avoid movements that repeatedly trigger the snap.
- Foam roll the tensor fasciae latae rather than the ITB itself.
- Return to running gradually.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
Very good for external and internal forms: most cases improve with a well-run conservative program. The intra-articular form needs specialist assessment.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Come in if the snap becomes painful or limits sport. True hip locking or persistent deep mechanical pain warrants imaging.
Why Réhabital Clinic
We do not treat every snap the same way: distinguishing internal from external completely changes the exercise program.
Recommended Services for This Condition
Our Core Treatments in Côte Saint-Luc
Related Conditions
Why Choose Réhabital?
Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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