Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition where abnormal contact between the hip bone and the socket leads to joint damage and pain. This condition can affect old and young patients and can be severe enough to stop people from being able to compete in sports or complete activities of daily living such as climbing stairs.

What are the different types of FAI?

1. “Cam Impingement”: Where the femoral head is not perfectly round and cannot rotate smoothly inside the acetabulum.
2. “Pincer Impingement”: Involves extra bone extending out over the normal rim of the hip, crushing the labrum.
3. “Combined Impingement”: A combination of both cam and pincer types.

What are the symptoms of FAI?

• Hip pain, usually at the front of the hip, especially during activities involving hip
  flexion (bringing your knee towards your chest)
• Stiffness in the hip joint
• Clicking/ locking sensation in the hip
• Limited range of motion

Role of Physiotherapy

1. Diagnosis: The diagnosis of hip impingement through a thorough assessment and
   possible referral for further imaging.
2. Manual therapy techniques: designed to help stretch the hip joint and improve
   movement. Other techniques such as dry needling and massage may also be
   effective.
3. Exercise: A physiotherapist can identify which muscle groups are weak or tight and
   design a tailored exercise program to meet these impairments.