Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) of the Hip
Pysiotherapy Treatment Options Available in Bondi Junction, Eastern Suburbs Sydney

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) is a common hip pathology.

Typically the condition occurs where the bones of your hip joint come too close and pinch tissue or cause friction. ⁣Pain is usually located in the inner hip and groin area usually after walking or prolonged sitting. ⁣Sometimes it accompanies feelings of locking, clicking or catching sensation in the joint.⁣

Types of FAI Impingement that Affect the Hip

There are three types of FAI that can affect the hip:

• Pincer
• Cam
• Combined Impingement.⁣

All variations involve how the hip joint’s ball and socket perform.

It’s important to identify which variation of impingement you have, if any, in order to recieve the proper rehabilitation that will have you pain-free and active once more.

Here’s a breif overview of what each condition involves.

Pincer Impingement

Pincer impingement occurs because extra bone extends out over the normal rim of the acetabulum (socket). The labrum can be crushed under the prominent rim of the acetabulum.⁣

Cam Impingement

In cam impingement the femoral head (ball) is not round and cannot rotate smoothly inside the acetabulum. A bump forms on the edge of the femoral head that grinds the cartilage inside the acetabulum.⁣

Combined Impingement

Combined impingement just means that both the pincer and cam types are present.⁣

Common Symptoms Felt in the Hip & Groin

The most common symptoms to look out for which may indicate you are suffering from FAI include feeling the following in the hip and groin area:

• pain
• stiffness
• limping

Whilst pain often occurs in the groin area, it may occur toward the outside of the hip too. Turning, twisting, and squatting typically cause a sharp, stabbing pain, however, sometimes the pain is experienced as a dull ache.⁣

Diagnosing FAI

Its reletivley straight forward to diagnose FAI.

Shown below, Jason performs a hip impingement test that can identify if you’re suffering from FAI. If you are, treatment options are available.

Physiotherapy Treatment Options for FAI in Bondi Junction Eastern Suburbs Sydney

Help for this condition is available from our Bondi Junction Eastern Suburbs Sydney clinic.

Conservative management to improve range of motion around the hip and pelvis as well as strengthening surrounding musculature will help to significantly improve symptoms.⁣

Give JW Physical Health a call if you think you or someone you know might suffer with FAI.