Hip clicking—also referred to as snapping hip syndrome—can be an annoying and even painful condition. It often presents as an audible or palpable snapping sensation in the hip during movement. While it might be harmless in some cases, persistent or painful hip clicking can indicate an underlying musculoskeletal imbalance or soft tissue irritation. Chiropractors are well-equipped to evaluate, diagnose, and treat this condition using a variety of non-invasive, drug-free techniques. This article explores how chiropractic care can help manage and treat hip clicking by addressing the root causes and supporting the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Understanding Hip Clicking: What Causes It?

Hip clicking can originate from different anatomical sources. Chiropractors must first determine which of the three main types of snapping hip syndrome is involved:

  1. External Snapping Hip Syndrome
    The most common type, this occurs when the iliotibial (IT) band or the gluteus maximus tendon snaps over the greater trochanter of the femur. It’s often felt on the outside of the hip and may be more noticeable during walking, running, or climbing stairs.

  2. Internal Snapping Hip Syndrome
    This type occurs when the iliopsoas tendon slides over bony structures in the pelvis, usually the iliopectineal eminence or the femoral head. It may cause a snapping sensation in the front of the hip or groin during hip flexion.

  3. Intra-articular Snapping
    Caused by issues within the hip joint itself, such as labral tears, loose bodies, or cartilage damage. This type is often associated with pain, reduced range of motion, and joint instability.

The Role of Chiropractors in Hip Clicking

Chiropractors specialize in musculoskeletal health and are trained to assess joint function, posture, alignment, and soft tissue integrity. Their goal is to identify the biomechanical imbalances or movement dysfunctions that contribute to hip clicking and related symptoms.

1. Comprehensive Assessment

Treatment begins with a detailed assessment that includes:

  • Patient history (including when the clicking started, type of movement that triggers it, and associated pain)

  • Postural and gait analysis

  • Range of motion testing

  • Orthopedic and neurological exams

  • Palpation to identify muscle tightness or inflammation

  • Imaging referrals (if needed), such as X-rays or MRIs for intra-articular causes

This thorough diagnostic process allows the chiropractor to determine whether the problem is structural, muscular, or joint-related and to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Chiropractic Treatment Strategies for Hip Clicking

Chiropractors utilize several techniques to treat and manage hip clicking, depending on its cause.

2. Chiropractic Adjustments

If hip clicking is associated with misalignments in the pelvis, sacroiliac joint, or lumbar spine, chiropractic adjustments can restore proper alignment. These gentle, controlled manual manipulations reduce joint stress, improve mobility, and help rebalance surrounding muscles.

  • Pelvic realignment can relieve abnormal pressure on the iliopsoas or IT band.

  • Spinal adjustments may correct compensatory patterns that lead to dysfunctional hip movement.

3. Soft Tissue Therapy

For muscular causes of hip clicking, chiropractors often use myofascial release techniques, trigger point therapy, or instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) to relieve tension and inflammation.

  • Target areas: Iliopsoas, tensor fasciae latae (TFL), gluteal muscles, and IT band.

  • These therapies reduce tendon friction over bony structures and improve muscular coordination.

4. Stretching and Mobility Exercises

Tight muscles and restricted mobility are common contributors to hip clicking. Chiropractors prescribe targeted stretches and mobilization exercises to loosen affected muscles and improve joint function.

  • Stretching focus: Hip flexors, quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and IT band.

  • Mobility drills: Hip circles, dynamic lunges, and foam rolling exercises.

Regular stretching and movement correction are crucial for long-term relief and prevention.

5. Strengthening Programs

Weak or imbalanced muscles can contribute to hip instability and abnormal tracking of tendons. Chiropractors develop individualized strengthening plans to restore muscular balance.

  • Core strengthening helps stabilize the pelvis and lumbar spine.

  • Hip stabilizers such as the gluteus medius and minimus are commonly targeted.

  • Resistance bands, bodyweight exercises, and functional movement training may be incorporated.

6. Postural Correction and Gait Training

Improper posture or walking mechanics can exacerbate hip clicking. Chiropractors analyze and correct faulty patterns to reduce repetitive strain on the hip structures.

  • Recommendations may include changes in footwear, ergonomic adjustments, or movement retraining.

  • Custom foot orthotics may be suggested if flat feet or leg length discrepancies are present.

7. Patient Education and Lifestyle Modifications

Chiropractors also guide patients on activity modifications to avoid aggravating movements and teach strategies to protect the hips during daily activities. For example:

  • Avoiding excessive hip flexion (e.g., deep squats) during recovery

  • Modifying workout routines to avoid overuse injuries

  • Using proper warm-up and cool-down techniques

When to See a Chiropractor for Hip Clicking

You should consider seeing a chiropractor if:

  • The clicking is persistent or getting worse

  • You experience hip or groin pain during movement

  • There is a feeling of instability or weakness in the hip

  • The issue interferes with exercise or daily activity

  • You prefer a non-surgical, drug-free approach to treatment

Early intervention can help prevent more serious injuries such as tendonitis, labral tears, or bursitis from developing.

Collaborative Care and Referrals

In cases where intra-articular causes like labral tears are suspected, chiropractors may refer patients to orthopedic specialists for imaging or surgical consultation. However, many cases of external and internal snapping hip syndrome respond well to conservative chiropractic care without the need for invasive treatment.

Chiropractors may also work alongside physiotherapists, massage therapists, and athletic trainers as part of a multidisciplinary approach, especially in athletes or highly active individuals.

Hip clicking may seem like a minor annoyance, but when left unchecked, it can develop into a chronic issue that limits mobility and causes pain. Chiropractors are trained to identify the root cause of this condition and apply a combination of manual therapies, corrective exercises, and lifestyle guidance to resolve it. Whether the source is muscular tightness, joint misalignment, or poor movement mechanics, chiropractic care offers a holistic, personalized solution that promotes lasting recovery and improved function. If you’re experiencing persistent hip clicking, consulting a chiropractor may be a proactive step toward restoring comfort, balance, and mobility in your daily life.

Article by: Dr. Farokh Zavosh

Burrard Chiropractic and Foot Orthotics – Vancouver Chiropractor