What is Femoral Acetabular Impingement (FAI)?

FAI occurs when there’s increased contact—or impingement—between the ball (femoral head) and the socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint. Over time, this friction can cause pain, stiffness, and damage to the cartilage, potentially leading to further hip issues if left untreated. FAI often develops due to repetitive movements, poor posture, or individual anatomical differences. It’s commonly seen in individuals who engage in high-intensity activities, such as running, cycling, or dancing.

3 Common Signs and Symptoms of FAI

If you’re dealing with anterior hip pain, here are some common signs and symptoms that may indicate FAI:

1. Hip Pain: Typically felt at the front of the hip or groin area. This pain worsens with activities like sitting for long periods, squatting, or climbing stairs. It may also occur during sports that involve running, twisting, or jumping.
2. Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion: You may feel reduced flexibility and stiffness in the hip joint. Moving your leg might feel difficult, and you may notice tightness or restriction when bending or extending your hip.
3. Clicking or Catching Sensation: Some individuals with FAI experience a clicking or catching feeling in the hip joint, often accompanied by discomfort.

Common Causes of FAI

• Certain activities or sports (particularly those with twisting or multidirectional running)
• Individual anatomy
• Poor posture and positioning

How Physiotherapy Can Help with FAI

If you’re dealing with hip and groin pain, the first step is to consult a physiotherapist for a diagnosis. Physiotherapists can then create a personalized treatment plan to address the underlying causes of your symptoms. Here’s how physiotherapy can help:

1. Pain Relief and Manual Therapy

Physiotherapists use manual therapy techniques like soft tissue massage and joint mobilisation to improve hip movement and reduce pain. They may also suggest home strategies to manage pain in daily life.

2. Postural Training

Poor posture and movement patterns can worsen FAI. Your physiotherapist will assess your posture and movement to identify any compensations that may be putting extra strain on your hip. By correcting these issues, they will teach you how to move more efficiently and reduce further pain or injury.

3. Individualised Rehab and Exercise Programs

FAI often causes muscle imbalances, with some muscles around the hip becoming tight while others are weak. Your physiotherapist will design a customised exercise program to improve flexibility, strengthen weak muscles, and restore balance in the hip joint. Strengthening the glutes and core, for example, can help relieve pressure on the hip, providing relief and preventing further damage.

4. Activity Modification and Injury Prevention

Your physiotherapist will help you modify your activities to avoid exacerbating the condition. If certain movements or sports trigger pain, they’ll guide you in adjusting your routine so you can stay active without putting undue strain on your hip joint. They’ll also provide strategies for long-term injury prevention and managing FAI effectively.

Ready to Take Control of Your Hip Pain?

If you’re struggling with anterior hip pain or suspect you have FAI, don’t wait to seek help. Physiotherapy is a highly effective, non-invasive approach to managing FAI and improving your quality of life. By addressing the root causes of your pain and following a personalised treatment plan, you can reduce symptoms, improve function, and prevent future injury.

Contact Pure Physio today to schedule an appointment. Our team of expert physiotherapists is here to help you get back to living a pain-free life and return to your favorite activities with ease!

About the Author

Elle Dwyer — Senior Physiotherapist

Elle combines comprehensive clinical assessment and hands-on treatment with tailored exercise programs designed to help clients achieve their rehabilitation, performance, and lifestyle goals.

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