Hip impinchment
What is hip impinchment?
Hip impingement is also called femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). It occurs when the edge of the ball of the hip joint rubs against the edge of the socket. This can result in not only pain and stiffness in the hip joint that is often felt in the front of the groin or at the top of the thigh, but also can result in damage to the joint cartilage and a decreased range of motion.
This condition is usually caused by excessive bony growth at the front of the femoral bone (‘bump’) that rubs on the front edge of the socket damaging the labrum and joint cartilage, even during normal range of motion. This is thought to cause premature arthritis in the hip joint. The patient typically experiences a sharp pain during deep hip flexion/bending and twisting movements.
Treatment for hip impinchment
Physiotherapy treatment for patients with this condition is vital to hasten the healing process, ensure an optimal outcome and decrease the likelihood of injury recurrence.
Our physiotherapy may include:
- Frictioning tendon to promote healing and improve mobility
- Myofascial and deep tissue release for muscle tightness
- Trigger point release
- Acupuncture and dry needling to reduce pain and muscle tightness
- Kinesiology taping and strapping for support of joints and muscles
- Muscle energy techniques
- Individualised exercise programme incorporating strengthening, stretching and proprioception (PhysioQinetics Youtube Channel)
- Sport-specific rehabilitation