What is hip femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) ?
Hip femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition in which bony abnormalities within the hip joint can result in pain, reduced hip range of motion and impaired function.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the groin region and hip (can be front, side and back of hip)
- Restricted hip range of motion
- Grinding, clicking or locking of the hip joint
- Sense of hip giving way
A diagnosis of hip FAI requires a combination of physical testing, positive symptoms and X-Ray investigations, which your physiotherapist can help guide you through.
Risk factors:
- Anatomical abnormalities and childhood bone trauma
- High participation in kicking and running sports (Eg football, soccer, hockey)
- Congenital hip dislocation
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Leg-Calves- Perthes disease
How do we treat it?
Physiotherapy will focus on targeting the contributing factors to your pain, including:
- Increasing hip strength and control
- Improving trunk function
- Improving dynamic balance and functional performance
- Providing education regarding FAI and how to best manage the condition
- Graduated fitness training
In most cases, conservative treatment will be the first line treatment for managing hip FAI. This is supported by current evidence, with physiotherapy proven to be effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life for people with FAI. However, surgical interventions do have a role in treating hip FAI for certain people, where an orthopedic surgeon may be involved in your treatment team.
If you are ready to take the next step forward in your recovery, please contact our friendly reception team today. Your highly skilled Physio will perform a thorough assessment, provide effective treatment and set you up with a treatment plan towards recovery.