Hip Impingment (Fereroacetabular Impingement - FAI)

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Hip impingement, or Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI), is a condition where abnormal contact occurs between the femoral head (hip ball) and the acetabulum (hip socket). This can lead to pain, stiffness, and restricted movement, particularly in activities involving deep hip flexion such as running, cycling, or squatting.

FAI is caused by structural changes in the hip joint, leading to excessive friction between the bones. Over time, this can irritate or damage the cartilage and labrum (the ring of cartilage that lines the hip socket), contributing to discomfort and reduced mobility.

Common signs of hip impingement include:
-Pain in the front of the hip or groin, often worsening with movement.
-Stiffness or reduced flexibility, especially when squatting or sitting for long periods.
-Clicking, locking, or a sensation of ‘catching’ in the hip.
-Discomfort during or after high-impact activities like running, cycling, or kicking sports.

FAI typically develops due to repetitive stress on the hip joint, which can occur in athletes, active individuals, or even those with specific movement patterns that overload the joint. There are three main types of FAI:

• CAM Impingement – An irregular shape of the femoral head causes it to pinch against the socket.
• Pincer Impingement – The hip socket has excessive coverage, leading to compression of joint structures.
• Mixed Impingement – A combination of both CAM and Pincer types.

Typically diagnosis is based on clinical assessment rather than imaging (scans or x-rays), so it isn't always possible to determine the exact type of impingement, but the symptoms and movement patterns typically guide treatment.

At Peak Physio and Fitness, we specialise in helping you manage and recover from hip impingement without surgery. Our treatment approach is tailored to your needs and may include:

Manual Therapy & Joint Mobilisations – To relieve stiffness and improve hip mobility.
Targeted Strengthening Exercises – Focusing on the glutes, core, and hip stabilisers to support joint movement.
Movement & Postural Correction – Optimising mechanics during activities like running and cycling.
Activity Modification & Load Management – Helping you stay active while reducing excessive stress on the hip joint.

References

1. Agricola, R., et al. (2013). "A cam deformity is gradually acquired during skeletal maturation in adolescent and young male soccer players: A prospective study with a minimum follow-up of 2 years." The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 42(4), 798-806.
2. Griffin, D. R., et al. (2016). "The Warwick Agreement on femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAI syndrome): An international consensus statement." British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(19), 1169-1176.
3. Nepple, J. J., et al. (2011). "The epidemiology and demographics of femoroacetabular impingement." Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 469(2), 424-432.