As Dance Medicine Specialists, we treat dancers from head to toe! Today we are highlighting the 4 most common Hip injuries we see dancers experience.

Snapping Hip Syndrome

What is it?

A snapping sound or sensation occurs when the hip joint is moved. Most commonly felt when lifting, extending, kicking or circling the leg.

How does it happen?

When a tendon becomes inflamed it will click as it rubs over the boney portion of the hip socket. This often occurs from overuse. Example: repetitive kicking, leaping, circling, etc.

Different types?

• Internal (iliopsoas tendon slides over the front part of the hip)
• External (IT band slides over the top of the femur)
• Intra-articular (actual hip joint issue or injury)

Labral Tear

What is it?

The labrum is a cartilage ring that cushions the lining of the hip joint. Tearing of the labrum can cause hip pain, locking, and catching.

How does it happen?

• Trauma (injury or dislocation)
• Structural (shallow hip socket)
• Hip Impingement (poor boney shape and alignment)
• Repetitive Motions (kicking, circling, twisting, pivoting)
• Sudden & Loaded Twisting Motion

Hip Impingement (FAI)

What is it?

When the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit together properly (like a misfit puzzle piece). This restricts motion and damages cartilage. FAI can cause a labral tear, pain in the hip/groin area and early joint arthritis.

How does it happen?

Can be present at birth or developed over time. Genetics and activity participation both play a role in risk of development. Can be caused by a previous SCFE (slipped capital femoral epiphysis). Most commonly seen in men between 15-30 and women between 25-50. Common activities associated with development of FAI include: dance, gymnastics, figure skating, hockey, and soccer.

Different types?

• Cam (flattening of the femoral head)
• Pincer (acetabular rim/pelvic cup extends beyond the typical amount over the femur)
• Combination (both a flattening of the femoral head and the acetabular rim extending around the femoral head)

Muscle Strain

What is it?

An over-stretching or tearing of the muscle/tendon that attaches to bone. Can cause pain, muscle weakness, limited movement, and swelling.

How does it happen?

Faulty body mechanics, over-stretching with force, lifting too heavy, or repetitive and overuse movements.

Most common muscle strains in dancers?

• Hamstrings
• Hip flexors
• Adductors (inner thighs)
• Glutes

The good news is that all 4 of these injuries are solvable and respond well to physical therapy care! The key is to identify exactly what kind of injury you are experiencing, so we can provide you with a custom program to help your hip heal as quickly as possible.

Interested in learning more? Ready to seek care for your own hip injury? Contact our office today to book your Evaluation! Call or Text 715-513-6313.