Safe exercise with hip impingement
April 17, 2023 9:06 AM   Subscribe

In the course of investigating my various orthopedic problems, it was discovered that I have a small degree of pincer impingement in my right hip (socket over covers ball by about 5 degrees). I have always had a "clunk" noise/sensation in that hip when doing movements like dead bug. Should I avoid movements that cause it? Am I harming my labrum when that happens? Everyone has always told me that if it doesn't hurt then it's not a problem but I'm a little dubious.
posted by HotToddy to Health & Fitness (5 answers total) 3 users marked this as a favorite
 
I've also had multiple Physical Therapists and other medical professionals tell me through the years that a clunking hip is fine during similar exercises. I'm no doctor, but that seems to be the consensus. They do seem worried about pain and numbness so I don't think they're just uncaring jerks.
posted by Narrow Harbor at 9:57 AM on April 17, 2023


I have FAIS in both hips (yay!) with mild arthritis and bone spurs. I have heard that exercise with deep hip flexion is best avoided. so for example I ride by stationary bike sitting upright, but don't ride on the street anymore, where I would have to lean over to hold the handlebars. I also don't do squats.
posted by supermedusa at 10:29 AM on April 17, 2023


I’d also suggest working with a PT to strengthen your glutes.
posted by matildaben at 5:16 PM on April 17, 2023 [1 favorite]


This is also one of my hip diagnoses. I've been told by orthopedic surgeons, PTs, and a personal trainer that the sound and the sensation do not cause harm to the labrum (which I've already torn and had repaired twice).

Here comes the huge "BUT": You have to be constantly building up and maintaining not only strength but also balance and stability in your hips, glutes, hamstrings, quads, and core to avoid further damage. This is especially true if you sit for a living. If you don't feel confident about the exercises needed for this, please find the best physical therapist and/or personal trainer you can afford to show you how and to build you maintenance programs you will stick with.
posted by ImproviseOrDie at 9:22 AM on April 18, 2023


Response by poster: Thanks all. I've been going to PT once a week since late December and am super diligent about doing the exercises. It has been a looooong road but I'm starting to see results. My PT is good but this clunking freaks me out so just wanted to hear from other people dealing with this.
posted by HotToddy at 5:23 PM on April 18, 2023


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