Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional for advice specific to your condition. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
A clicking or snapping hip is surprisingly common — and usually benign. But when it becomes painful, it can significantly limit activity. Physiotherapy identifies the specific cause and addresses it systematically.
Types of Snapping Hip
Internal Snapping Hip (Most Common)
The iliopsoas (hip flexor) tendon snaps over the iliopectineal eminence — the bony prominence at the front of the pelvis. This produces a snap or click felt at the front of the hip or groin during hip flexion movements (walking, climbing stairs, high-kicking). It is most common in dancers, gymnasts, and active young adults.
Treatment: iliopsoas flexibility work, deep hip external rotator strengthening, and correction of any pelvic tilt contributing to the tendon impingement.
External Snapping Hip
The iliotibial band or the anterior border of gluteus maximus snaps over the greater trochanter (the bony prominence on the outer hip). Produces a snap felt at the outer hip during walking or running. Associated with IT band tightness and gluteus medius weakness.
Treatment: IT band flexibility exercises, lateral hip strengthening, and biomechanics assessment during walking and running.
Intra-articular Snapping (Different Entity)
A loud or painful clunking originating inside the hip joint may indicate a labral tear, loose body, or other intra-articular pathology. This requires imaging and medical assessment and is distinct from the extra-articular snapping hip syndromes described above.
When Is Snapping Hip a Problem?
A painless snap is a normal variant that does not require treatment. The snap becomes clinically significant when:
- It is painful — indicating iliopsoas bursitis, trochanteric bursitis, or labral involvement
- It limits activity or sport participation
- It is associated with deep groin pain (possible labral involvement)
- It has occurred after an acute injury
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes snapping hip syndrome?
Snapping hip syndrome (coxa saltans) has two main types: internal snapping hip (most common) occurs when the iliopsoas tendon flicks over the iliopectineal eminence of the pelvis; external snapping hip occurs when the iliotibial band or gluteus maximus flicks over the greater trochanter. Both produce an audible or palpable snap with hip flexion and extension movements.
Why is snapping hip more common in dancers?
Dancers are particularly prone to internal snapping hip because ballet technique requires extremes of hip flexion and external rotation — positions that repeatedly stress the iliopsoas tendon as it tracks over the pelvic brim. Dancers also commonly have hip flexor tightness combined with hip external rotator weakness, the combination that produces the snapping.
My hip makes a loud clunk, not a snap. Is that the same thing?
A loud clunking sensation in the hip is more likely intra-articular (inside the joint) — potentially from a labral tear, loose body, or hip dysplasia. This is different from the extra-articular snapping of snapping hip syndrome. A loud intra-articular clunk warrants imaging and a physiotherapy assessment to rule out structural joint pathology.
How do I treat snapping hip at home?
For internal snapping hip: hip flexor stretches (kneeling lunge position), and hip strengthening to stabilise the pelvis. For external snapping hip: IT band and glute stretches, and gluteus medius strengthening (clamshells, side-lying hip abduction). If snapping is painful or the exercises don't help within 4–6 weeks, see a physiotherapist for a comprehensive assessment.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora