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.
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.
Symptoms of FAI may include:
Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilisations and soft tissue massage can help improve hip joint mobility and reduce pain.
Targeted stretching of muscles around the hip joint, including the hip flexors, adductors, and external rotators, can help improve flexibility and reduce tension.
Specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the hip joint, particularly the gluteal muscles, can help improve hip joint stability and reduce impingement.
Exercises that mimic real-life movements can help improve movement patterns and reduce strain on the hip joint during daily activities.
Physiotherapists can provide guidance on modifying activities to avoid aggravating symptoms and reduce stress on the hip joint.
Providing education on proper posture, body mechanics, and ergonomics can help individuals manage symptoms and prevent exacerbations.
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