Hip pain can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re an athlete or active individual who relies on mobility and strength. Whether you’re a weekend runner, a competitive footballer, or a dancer, any injury to the hip joint can slow you down or take you out of your game altogether.
One surgical option that’s helped many athletes get back to form is hip arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat a range of hip conditions, particularly those related to sport or repetitive movement. Here’s what you need to know about how it works, who it can help, and what recovery looks like for active individuals.
Why Do Athletes Need Hip Arthroscopy?
The hip is a deep joint, and issues like cartilage tears, impingement (pinching of joint structures), or loose fragments from previous injuries can be hard to diagnose and treat without surgery. That’s where hip arthroscopy comes in, it allows the surgeon to see inside the joint using small incisions and a tiny camera, and to fix any problems at the same time.
Common conditions treated with hip arthroscopy include:
- Labral tears (damage to the cartilage ring around the hip socket)
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) – a bony abnormality causing friction in the joint
- Loose bodies – fragments of bone or cartilage that irritate the joint
- Cartilage injuries from overuse or previous trauma
These issues can cause ongoing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, all of which affect athletic performance and quality of life.
What Happens During Hip Arthroscopy?
Unlike traditional open surgery, hip arthroscopy uses just a few small incisions. A camera is inserted into the hip joint to assess the damage, and small instruments are used to trim or repair cartilage, shave down bone spurs, or remove loose tissue.
The procedure is typically done under general anaesthesia, and most people can go home on the same day or the next. Because it’s less invasive, the recovery is usually quicker and less painful compared to open surgery.
Recovering and Returning to Sport
Recovery from hip arthroscopy is a step-by-step process. For athletes and active individuals, the goal is not just healing, but returning to peak performance.
1. Rest and Early Rehab (First 2–4 Weeks)
During the early stage, you’ll likely need crutches to keep weight off your hip. You may also start gentle physiotherapy to maintain range of motion and prevent stiffness.
2. Regaining Strength and Mobility (Weeks 4–12)
Once your hip starts to heal, you’ll begin more targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around your joint, including the glutes, hip flexors, and core. This helps restore balance and movement control.
Physiotherapy during this phase often includes:
- Stationary cycling
- Gentle resistance exercises
- Balance and stability drills
3. Returning to Sport (After 3 Months)
Most athletes can return to light training around the 3-month mark, depending on the type of sport and how the hip is healing. Full return to competition may take longer, especially for sports that involve sprinting, twisting, or quick directional changes.
What matters most is following your rehab plan closely and not rushing the process. Giving your hip time to rebuild strength and flexibility is key to preventing re-injury.
Why Hip Arthroscopy Makes Sense for Active People
If you’re someone who enjoys an active lifestyle, or relies on it for your profession, hip arthroscopy can help you return to the activities you love with less discomfort and more confidence. Many athletes choose this procedure because it addresses the root cause of their hip pain without the larger scars and longer downtime associated with open surgery.
Let’s Get You Moving Again
If you’re in Singapore and struggling with ongoing hip pain from a sports-related injury, you don’t have to put your active lifestyle on hold for good.
At Liberty Orthopaedic Clinic, Dr Lee Eu Jin, Orthopaedic Doctor in Singapore, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, and Joint Replacement Specialist and Sports Surgeon, works closely with athletes and active individuals to find an appropriate treatment plan. Whether it’s managing symptoms through therapy or considering hip arthroscopy, the goal is always to help you return to the movement and sport you enjoy.
Contact Liberty Orthopaedic Clinic today to schedule a consultation with Dr Lee and regain your performance and comfort.
