How to Crack Your Hip

Cracking tight hips can be very satisfying, and as long as you don’t do it too often, it’s generally safe. Simple floor stretches generally do the trick. If those don’t work, though, a seated hip rotator stretch or standing twists can give you a little more pressure to put on your hips. If you can’t crack your hips on your own or if you find yourself cracking them often, a chiropractor or physical therapist can help you loosen your hips and keep them open.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Rotating Your Hips in a Chair

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    Start in a comfortable chair where you can cross your legs at the knees. This hip rotator stretch involves you bringing one leg over the other. This means that the chair you're sitting in needs to give you enough room to cross your legs without anything getting in the way. Chair without arms or embellishments on the sides work best.[1]
    • Sturdy folding chairs and dining chairs are often a great choice for this exercise.
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    Bring one leg over the other. Gently guide the leg of the hip you want to stretch over the other leg. The leg you’re stretching should be bent at the knee so that your ankle is laying on the thigh of your other leg. The foot of the second leg should be flat on the floor.[2]
    • For example, if you want to pop your left hip, you would bring your left leg up across your right leg.
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    Place your hands on the thigh of your crossed leg. Then, press down until you feel just a bit of resistance. This process shouldn’t hurt. If you feel any pain, stop immediately and bring your legs to a neutral position.[3]
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    Bend forward at the hips as far as you can. With your hands still applying pressure, bend your torso forward over the crossed leg as much as you can while still keeping your back straight. Avoid hunching or curving your lower back as you stretch.[4]
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    Hold this position for no more than 30 seconds. Inhale and exhale slowly as you hold the position. Try to stay bent forward for 30 seconds. If 30 seconds feels like too much, hold the position for as long as you are able before slowly lifting your torso up and sliding your crossed leg down to the floor.[5]
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    Repeat this stretch on the other side to open up your hips. It’s not necessary to repeat this stretch if you don’t feel like doing so. However, performing this stretch for both hips helps keep them open and can help avoid the strain and tension that leads to the urge to crack your hips.[6]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Popping Your Hips While Standing

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    Stand up straight in an area where you have room to move. Start this exercise by standing in a tall but relaxed position. Your spine should be straight, but you shouldn’t be tensing any of your muscles. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart.
    • Make sure you have plenty of space to move and turn for this exercise.
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    Bend your arms at the elbow while holding your hands in front of you. Bring your fingers into a fist for added stability. Your elbows should be tucked in to your sides, and your forearms extended out directly in front of the elbows.
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    Turn your upper body to the left as far as possible. Slowly twist at your waist so that your upper body turns as far to left as you can push it without any pain. During your twist, your feet should stay planted and your lower body should not move.
    • Hold this twist for a deep inhale and exhale.
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    Twist all the way to the right. After you exhale, slowly bring your body back to center before repeating the twist to the right side of your body. Just as with the left twist, your lower body should not move as you twist. Hold this position for one deep breath before returning to center.
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    Repeat this exercise 2-3 times. If you do not experience a crack during your first set of twists, repeat the stretch a couple more times. Try twisting a little further to each side as you repeat the stretch. If you don’t feel a pop within 2-3 twists, stop and try a different method.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Stretching Your Hips on the Floor

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    Open your hips with the pigeon pose. The pigeon pose works to loosen tight or sore hips. To start, come down on your mat or a soft surface on all fours. Bend your left knee and bring it down to sit just slightly behind your left wrist. Bring your left foot forward so that it travels across the width of your hips and finds a place directly behind the right wrist. Make sure your right leg is straight back behind your right hip, sitting in a neutral pose on the mat.[7]
    • If your hip hasn’t popped once you get into the basic position, fold forward at the waist to bring your hips over your left knee. Lower your forehead to the floor if you can. If you can’t reach the floor, use a pillow or blanket as a bolster.
    • You can also use a bolster under your left hip to help keep you supported if you find an unsupported stretch is painful or difficult.
    • Hold this pose until your hip pops or for 5 deep breaths, whichever comes first. Then, repeat it on the other leg to ensure your hips are evenly stretched and open.
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    Use a kneeling hip flexor stretch to activate your hips. For this stretch, start with one knee on the ground, with the calf of that leg squared directly behind the knee and the toes tucked on the floor. The other leg should be bent at the knee in a 90 degree angle with the foot planted flat on the ground in front of the hips. Stretch up through the spine, and place your hands on your knees to maintain balance. To complete the stretch:[8]
    • Exhale and lean forward until you feel a deep stretch in your hips.
    • Tighten your abs and depress and retract your shoulders to keep your back tall and straight as you lean in.
    • Squeeze and contract your glutes to add additional stretch.
    • Hold this pose for 30-45 seconds before coming up and resting for a few seconds.
    • Repeat this stretch 2-5 times on each leg. Complete all repetitions on one leg before switching to the other.
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    Try a seated hip mobilization stretch. This basic stretch helps you slowly put pressure on your hip until it cracks. Start seated on a comfortable, flat surface such as an exercise mat. If you don’t have a mat, a towel or even a carpeted area can work. Then:[9]
    • Bend the leg of the hip you want to crack at the knee. The leg should be going back at a 90-degree angle, with the foot of the bent leg situated back behind your bottom.
    • Bend the other leg so that your foot tucks into the knee of your first leg, forming a triangle-like shape.
    • Bring your hands up toward the center of your chest and rotate your torso to the left as much as possible. Hold this position for 30 seconds to a minute before returning your torso to a neutral center.
    • Then, rotate your torso as far as you can to the right and hold for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.
    • Repeat this process no more than 5 times. If your hip does not pop during these twists, move on to a different stretch.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Getting Professional Help

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    Meet with a chiropractor if you can’t pop your hip. If your efforts alone can’t get your hip to pop, set up an adjustment with a chiropractor in your area. They will be able to manipulate your body to help you get the relief you need.[10]
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    Work with a physical therapist if you have chronic hip tension. If you feel the need to crack your hips over and over again, you may benefit from working with a physical therapist to keep your hips loose. Your therapist will work with you in-office to help improve your hip mobility, then provide you with stretches and exercises you can do it home to continue the process.[13]
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    See your doctor if hip tension turns into hip pain. If your hip tension keeps coming back or if it progresses into outright pain, see your doctor. You may have a tear in the muscle or joints, or even a bone fracture. Let your doctor know about any symptoms you experience. They may choose to do some diagnostic testing such as x-rays in office, or they might refer you to a specialist.[16]
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Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

  • Question
    Is it bad to pop your hip joint?
    Jonathan Frank, MD
    Jonathan Frank, MD
    Sports Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Preservation Specialist
    Dr. Jonathan Frank is an Orthopedic Surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California, specializing in sports medicine and joint preservation. Dr. Frank's practice focuses on minimally invasive, arthroscopic surgery of the knee, shoulder, hip, and elbow. Dr. Frank holds an MD from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. He completed an orthopedic residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and a fellowship in Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Hip Preservation at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado. He is a staff team physician for the US Ski and Snowboard Team. Dr. Frank is currently a scientific reviewer for top peer-reviewed scientific journals, and his research has been presented at regional, national, and international orthopedic conferences, winning several awards including the prestigious Mark Coventry and William A Grana awards.
    Jonathan Frank, MD
    Jonathan Frank, MD
    Sports Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Preservation Specialist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    When you want to pop your hips, that's usually due to tightness in tendons on the side of your hip, called the IT band. Snapping or popping the joint isn't a bad thing by itself, but it's indicative that you need to work on stretching that tendon a lot more than you already have been.
  • Question
    How do I know if my hip pain is serious?
    Jonathan Frank, MD
    Jonathan Frank, MD
    Sports Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Preservation Specialist
    Dr. Jonathan Frank is an Orthopedic Surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California, specializing in sports medicine and joint preservation. Dr. Frank's practice focuses on minimally invasive, arthroscopic surgery of the knee, shoulder, hip, and elbow. Dr. Frank holds an MD from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. He completed an orthopedic residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and a fellowship in Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Hip Preservation at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado. He is a staff team physician for the US Ski and Snowboard Team. Dr. Frank is currently a scientific reviewer for top peer-reviewed scientific journals, and his research has been presented at regional, national, and international orthopedic conferences, winning several awards including the prestigious Mark Coventry and William A Grana awards.
    Jonathan Frank, MD
    Jonathan Frank, MD
    Sports Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Preservation Specialist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    If you're experiencing hip pain often or your hip pain won't go away, it's best to see a doctor to find out what's causing it. You might have a muscle tear, joint damage, or a broken bone. Visit your doctor to be on the safe side.
  • Question
    Why does my hip keep snapping?
    Jonathan Frank, MD
    Jonathan Frank, MD
    Sports Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Preservation Specialist
    Dr. Jonathan Frank is an Orthopedic Surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California, specializing in sports medicine and joint preservation. Dr. Frank's practice focuses on minimally invasive, arthroscopic surgery of the knee, shoulder, hip, and elbow. Dr. Frank holds an MD from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. He completed an orthopedic residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and a fellowship in Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Hip Preservation at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado. He is a staff team physician for the US Ski and Snowboard Team. Dr. Frank is currently a scientific reviewer for top peer-reviewed scientific journals, and his research has been presented at regional, national, and international orthopedic conferences, winning several awards including the prestigious Mark Coventry and William A Grana awards.
    Jonathan Frank, MD
    Jonathan Frank, MD
    Sports Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Preservation Specialist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Your hip could be snapping because you need to stretch better, or it could be caused by the type of exercise you're doing. To be sure, talk to your doctor.
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Warnings

  • Always check with your healthcare provider before trying a new hip stretch or exercise, especially if you are experiencing any pain in that region.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • You should be able to feel a stretch in your hips, but it shouldn’t cause you pain or large amounts of discomfort. If you find yourself hurting during a stretch, stop immediately.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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References

  1. ↑ http://www.stretching-exercises-guide.com/hip-stretches.html
  2. ↑ http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/stretching/office-hip-stretch/
  3. ↑ https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/hip-conditioning-program/
  4. ↑ http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/stretching/office-hip-stretch/
  5. ↑ https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/hip-conditioning-program/
  6. ↑ http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/stretching/office-hip-stretch/
  7. ↑ http://www.prevention.com/fitness/6-restorative-yoga-poses
  8. ↑ https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/lifestyle/exercise-library/142/kneeling-hip-flexor-stretch
  9. ↑ http://fitnessapie.com/how-to-pop-your-hip/
  1. ↑ https://www.chironexus.net/2012/10/how-chiropractic-can-help-with-hip-pain/
  2. ↑ Jonathan Frank, MD. Sports Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Preservation Specialist. Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.
  3. ↑ Jonathan Frank, MD. Sports Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Preservation Specialist. Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.
  4. ↑ http://dancemagazine.com.au/2015/10/tips-for-joint-popping-is-it-safe-to-crack-your-hips/
  5. ↑ Jonathan Frank, MD. Sports Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Preservation Specialist. Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.
  6. ↑ Jonathan Frank, MD. Sports Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Preservation Specialist. Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.
  7. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/hip-pain/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050684

About This Article

Jonathan Frank, MD
Co-authored by:
Jonathan Frank, MD
Sports Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Preservation Specialist
This article was co-authored by Jonathan Frank, MD. Dr. Jonathan Frank is an Orthopedic Surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California, specializing in sports medicine and joint preservation. Dr. Frank's practice focuses on minimally invasive, arthroscopic surgery of the knee, shoulder, hip, and elbow. Dr. Frank holds an MD from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. He completed an orthopedic residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and a fellowship in Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Hip Preservation at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado. He is a staff team physician for the US Ski and Snowboard Team. Dr. Frank is currently a scientific reviewer for top peer-reviewed scientific journals, and his research has been presented at regional, national, and international orthopedic conferences, winning several awards including the prestigious Mark Coventry and William A Grana awards. This article has been viewed 330,301 times.
21 votes - 49%
Co-authors: 12
Updated: March 25, 2021
Views: 330,301
Categories: Hip Exercises

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

To crack your hip, start by sitting on the floor with your legs in a triangle shape. Bend the leg you want to crack out to the side at a 90-degree angle and place the foot of your other leg under the knee of your first leg. Once you’re in position, rotate your torso as far as you can to the left, then as far as you can to the right for 30 seconds at a time on each side. Keep doing this until your hip cracks, just make sure you don't do more than 5 rotations in total. You can also crack your hip using a chair. First sit in a chair with the leg of the hip you want to crack crossed over the top of your other leg. Next, push down on your leg until you feel resistance, then lean forward with your hips as far as you can. Hold this position for up to 30 seconds or until your hip cracks. For tips on how to crack your hip while standing up, read on!

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