Hip Impingement

What is Hip Impingement?

Hip impingement, medically known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), occurs when there are structural abnormalities in the hip joint that restrict smooth movement. Normally, the femoral head (top of the thigh bone) moves freely within the acetabulum (hip socket). There are two main types of hip impingement:

  • Cam Impingement: The femoral head has an irregular shape, causing it to rub against the hip socket during certain movements.
  • Pincer Impingement: The hip socket is unusually deep, leading the femoral head and neck to pinch against its rim.

Physiotherapy is a highly effective approach to managing hip impingement, helping to reduce pain and improve hip function.

Above: Soft tissue massage of the muscles and connective tissues around the hip, performed by a specialist therapist.

How Does Hip Impingement Happen?

Hip impingement is most commonly seen in athletes or individuals who are very active. It can also result from biomechanical abnormalities of the hip joint, sometimes arising for unknown reasons.

What Are the Symptoms of Hip Impingement?

Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the condition but may include:

  • Reduced range of motion
  • Visible deformity
  • Clicking sounds in the joint
  • Joint locking or catching sensations
  • Stiffness around the hip

Above: Passive stretching of the muscles and connective tissues around the hip and pelvis, performed by a specialist therapist.

What Should I Do If I Have Hip Impingement?

Physiotherapy is an effective conservative (non-surgical) approach to managing hip impingement. After receiving a professional diagnosis—typically through imaging like an MRI or X-ray—it’s important to schedule a physiotherapy assessment promptly to start your personalised treatment.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Hip Impingement

Your treatment plan will be tailored based on your physiotherapist’s initial assessment. It usually includes specific strengthening and stretching exercises designed for your condition. Additional therapies may include:

  • Hydrotherapy
  • Core stability exercises
  • Proprioceptive training
  • Joint manipulation or mobilisation
  • Customised exercise programmes

Above: Gradual hip strengthening exercises guided by an experienced therapist to support safe and effective rehabilitation.

What Shouldn’t I Do If I Have Hip Impingement?

If you suspect hip impingement, it’s important not to ignore your symptoms. Continuing with regular activities without addressing the issue may worsen the condition and increase pain or joint damage.

Could There Be Long-Term Effects from Hip Impingement?

Delaying professional treatment can prolong recovery and may lead to further joint damage or arthritis. While physiotherapy is effective in managing most cases, severe or persistent hip impingement might require surgical intervention to prevent long-term complications.

Above: Gradual hip strengthening exercises overseen by an experienced therapist to promote recovery and improve function.

Book a Physiotherapy Assessment

To schedule a physiotherapy assessment for a hip or femur fracture, please contact us at:

📧 Email: office@acephysiosports.com
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +65 81535374
🌐 Website: https://acephysiosports.com/

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  • Cam Impingement: The femoral head has an irregular shape, causing it to rub against the hip socket during certain movements.
  • Pincer Impingement: The hip socket is unusually deep, leading the femoral head and neck to pinch against its rim.