Agape Physio can treat...

Femoro-Acitabular Impingement (FAI)

FAI is a condition where extra bone growth causes hip joint friction, leading to pain and damage. Explore its causes and treatments, including arthroscopic surgery and physical therapy.

About this condition

FAI stands for Femoroacetabular Impingement. It’s a condition where there’s abnormal contact between the bones in the hip joint. This can occur due to various factors including deformities in the hip joint, such as a misshapen femoral head (the “ball” of the hip joint) or a misshapen acetabulum (the “socket” of the hip joint), or due to repetitive activities causing excessive wear and tear on the hip joint.

There are three types of FAI:

Cam impingement: This occurs when there is a bony overgrowth on the femoral head, causing it to rub abnormally against the acetabulum during certain movements. Pincer impingement: In this type, there’s excessive coverage of the femoral head by the acetabulum, leading to pinching of the labrum and cartilage. Mixed impingement: This involves a combination of both cam and pincer impingement.

What you may be feeling

Symptoms of FAI may include:

Groin pain or discomfort, especially during certain movements like squatting, sitting for long periods, or engaging in activities that involve hip flexion.
Stiffness or limited range of motion in the hip joint.
Pain or discomfort in the hip joint or buttock region.
Clicking, catching, or locking sensations in the hip joint during movement.
Pain that worsens with physical activity and improves with rest.

How we can help you

Manual therapy

Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilisations and soft tissue massage can help improve hip joint mobility and reduce pain.

Stretching exercises

Targeted stretching of muscles around the hip joint, including the hip flexors, adductors, and external rotators, can help improve flexibility and reduce tension.

Strengthening exercises

Specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the hip joint, particularly the gluteal muscles, can help improve hip joint stability and reduce impingement.

Functional exercises

Exercises that mimic real-life movements can help improve movement patterns and reduce strain on the hip joint during daily activities.

Activity modification

Physiotherapists can provide guidance on modifying activities to avoid aggravating symptoms and reduce stress on the hip joint.

Education

Providing education on proper posture, body mechanics, and ergonomics can help individuals manage symptoms and prevent exacerbations.

So, what next?

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing FAI, focusing on improving hip joint mobility, strengthening muscles around the hip, and optimising movement patterns to reduce impingement and pain.

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