Snapping Iliopsoas Tendon: Causes, Symptoms, and Physiotherapy Treatment
Snapping iliopsoas tendon is a condition characterised by a clicking, snapping, or popping sensation felt in the front of the hip. It occurs when the iliopsoas tendon, which connects the iliopsoas muscle to the thigh bone, moves over a bony prominence in the hip joint during certain movements. While it is often painless, some individuals may experience discomfort, especially during activities involving repetitive hip flexion. At Brisbane Physiotherapy, we specialise in treating snapping iliopsoas tendon to help alleviate symptoms and restore normal hip function.
What Causes Snapping Iliopsoas Tendon?
The iliopsoas tendon can snap over bony structures such as the femoral head or the iliopectineal eminence during hip movements. Several factors can contribute to this condition, including:
Overuse or Repetitive Movements: Activities that involve frequent hip flexion, such as running, dancing, or cycling, can increase the risk of developing snapping iliopsoas tendon. These repetitive movements place stress on the tendon, making it more likely to snap over the hip bones.
Tight Muscles: Tightness in the iliopsoas muscle, hip flexors, or surrounding muscles can exacerbate the snapping by limiting the tendon’s ability to glide smoothly over the joint.
Poor Biomechanics or Posture: Improper movement patterns, muscle imbalances, or poor posture can alter the mechanics of the hip joint, increasing the likelihood of tendon snapping.
Structural Abnormalities: In some cases, the shape of the hip bones or the position of the iliopsoas tendon can make it more prone to snapping.
Symptoms of Snapping Iliopsoas Tendon
The main symptom of snapping iliopsoas tendon is a clicking or snapping sensation felt at the front of the hip during movements such as walking, rising from a seated position, or kicking. Other symptoms may include:
Hip Discomfort or Pain: Some people may experience mild discomfort or pain in the front of the hip, particularly after prolonged activity.
Muscle Tightness or Stiffness: The hip may feel tight or stiff, making certain movements more difficult.
Reduced Range of Motion: In severe cases, the snapping may limit hip mobility.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy is an effective approach to treating snapping iliopsoas tendon, aiming to reduce symptoms, improve hip function, and prevent recurrence. At Brisbane Physiotherapy, our treatment approach includes:
Manual Therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue mobilisation, stretching, and massage can help reduce muscle tightness and improve the flexibility of the iliopsoas tendon and surrounding tissues.
Strengthening Exercises: We focus on targeted exercises to strengthen the hip, core, and lower limb muscles, promoting better stability and reducing the snapping sensation.
Posture and Movement Re-education: Correcting any underlying biomechanical issues or poor posture can help optimise hip movement and reduce strain on the iliopsoas tendon.
Activity Modification: We provide guidance on modifying physical activities or training routines to minimise repetitive stress on the hip.
Conclusion
Snapping iliopsoas tendon can be an annoying and sometimes painful condition, but effective physiotherapy treatment can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve hip function. At Brisbane Physiotherapy, we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs, helping you recover and return to your favourite activities. If you’re experiencing hip snapping or discomfort, get in touch with us today to start your path to recovery.
