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UNDERSTANDING
FEMOROACETABULAR
IMPINGEMENT (FAI)
A common cause of
hip pain.
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS
What is FAI?
CAM Impingement
Pincer Impingement
Common Symptoms and
Diagnosis
Prevention and Prognosis
Treatment Options
HIP Testing
Our FAI Pain Protocol
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WHAT IS FAI?
Femoroacetabular
Impingement (FAI) is a
prevalent hip condition that
can cause discomfort, pain,
and limited mobility,
primarily affecting young
and active individuals.
This orthopedic issue arises from an abnormal interaction
between the femoral head (the ball-shaped top of the thigh bone)
and the acetabulum (the socket in the pelvis) during hip
movement.
FAI can be categorized into two main types: CAM Impingement
and Pincer Impingement.
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CAM IMPINGEMENT
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In cam impingement, an excess of bone on the femoral head or neck
causes it to be non-spherical. This misshapen femoral head can't
smoothly rotate within the acetabulum, leading to friction and damage.
Over time, this repetitive contact can cause the cartilage to wear down
and result in pain, stiffness, and even labral tears.
PINCER IMPINGEMENT
Pincer impingement is characterized by excessive bone growth on the
acetabulum's rim. This overgrowth may result from structural
abnormalities or repetitive microtrauma. As the hip joint moves, the
extra bone can pinch the labrum (a ring of cartilage that cushions the
hip joint) or the adjacent soft tissues, leading to pain and, in some
cases, labral tears.
COMBINED IMPINGEMENT
An impingement where both the pincer and cam types are present.
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COMMON SYMPTOMS
AND DIAGNOSIS
FAI typically presents with symptoms like groin pain, hip stiffness,
and limited range of motion.
Pain may worsen with physical activities, such as running or
sitting for extended periods.
Diagnosing FAI involves a combination of patient history, physical
examination, and imaging studies like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans.
These tests help orthopedic specialists determine the extent and
type of impingement.
PREVENTION &
PROGNOSIS
While some individuals may be more
predisposed to FAI due to anatomical
factors, maintaining hip health through
regular exercise, maintaining a healthy
weight, and avoiding overuse injuries can
help reduce the risk. With appropriate
diagnosis and treatment, many patients
can expect a return to their previous level
of activity and a significant reduction in
pain and discomfort.
HIP CAPACITY TESTING
This is a test that we use in our daily practice, whether it's for lower back,
hip or knee problems.
The hip capacity test will tell us how much range of motion that the hip
has on the person you're testing. That has a lot of implications for when
you're designing exercise, such as a squat or a deadlift.
You need to know whether the person you are dealing with actually has
the capacity in the hip to achieve the position you're after.
We can use this to assess whether there's a relationship to pain with the
individual as well and the hip capacity we're looking at.
It is one of the most important tests that you can learn. It's simple, it's
easy, and it's not stressful to you or your client, but it will give you a
wealth of really great information.
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OUR HIP PAIN SOLUTION
1. The Lock Clam x 25
Starting with abduction and external rotation to prime
the glute max to assist better into hip extension while
minimising lumbar spine contribution.
2.Prone Hip Extension x 15
Moving in the sagittal plane to assist in creating space at
the front of the hip by using the glute max to help pull the
femur posteriorly.
3. Glute Bridges x 10
We now oppose gravity and perform a movement with
more force.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
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