Hip Impingement (FAI)

Hip Impingement Physiotherapy & Myotherapy in Kilsyth

At Physio Elements, we provide evidence-based physiotherapy and myotherapy treatment for hip impingement, helping patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to work, exercise, sport, and daily activities.

Hip impingement, also known as Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI), is a common cause of hip and groin pain, particularly in active individuals. It occurs when the bones of the hip joint do not move together as smoothly as they should, causing irritation of the surrounding structures during certain movements.

Many people with hip impingement experience pain when sitting, squatting, running, or participating in sport. Early assessment and appropriate management can help improve symptoms and maintain long-term hip function.

What is Hip Impingement (FAI)?

Hip impingement occurs when there is abnormal contact between the ball and socket of the hip joint. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint where the top of the thigh bone (femur) fits into the hip socket (acetabulum). In some people, the shape of these structures can cause increased contact during movement, leading to irritation within the joint.
The main types of hip impingement include:

Cam Impingement
Cam impingement occurs when the femoral head is not perfectly round, causing increased contact within the hip joint during movement.

Pincer Impingement
Pincer impingement occurs when there is extra coverage of the hip socket, which may increase compression within the joint.

Mixed Impingement
Many people have a combination of both cam and pincer impingement.

It is important to note that some people have imaging findings consistent with FAI but experience no pain or symptoms.

What Causes Hip Impingement?

Hip impingement is often related to the shape of the hip joint, but symptoms may develop due to a combination of factors.
Common contributing factors include:

  • Repetitive sporting activities
  • Running
  • Deep squatting movements
  • Reduced hip mobility
  • Muscle weakness
  • Poor movement control
  • High training loads
  • Previous hip injuries
  • Sporting participation during adolescence
  • Hip joint irritation
  • Repetitive bending movements

Not everyone with structural changes will develop symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Hip Impingement?

Common symptoms may include:

  • Pain in the front of the hip
  • Groin pain
  • Deep hip discomfort
  • Pain when squatting
  • Pain when sitting for long periods
  • Pain during running
  • Reduced hip mobility
  • Stiffness in the hip
  • Clicking or catching sensations
  • Pain during twisting movements
  • Difficulty with sporting activities

Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen with activities that involve deep hip flexion.

Why Does My Hip Hurt When I Squat?

Squatting places the hip into a position of deep flexion.

For individuals with hip impingement, this position may increase contact within the joint and irritate surrounding structures, resulting in pain, stiffness, or pinching sensations at the front of the hip.

A thorough assessment can help determine whether hip impingement is contributing to your symptoms.

How Do We Assess Hip Impingement?

Accurate assessment is important because several conditions can cause symptoms similar to hip impingement.
During your appointment, we may assess:

  • Hip range of motion
  • Joint mobility
  • Hip strength
  • Pelvic stability
  • Functional movement patterns
  • Squatting mechanics
  • Walking and running patterns
  • Sporting demands
  • Lower back involvement

This assessment helps identify contributing factors and guides the most appropriate treatment approach.

Physiotherapy for Hip Impingement

Physiotherapy aims to reduce symptoms, improve movement quality, and optimise hip function.
Treatment may include:

  • Comprehensive assessment
  • Exercise rehabilitation
  • Hip strengthening programs
  • Mobility exercises
  • Movement retraining
  • Load management
  • Running assessments
  • Joint mobilisation
  • Dry needling
  • Activity modification
  • Return-to-sport rehabilitation

Treatment focuses on improving the way the hip moves and functions while reducing stress on irritated structures.

Myotherapy for Hip Impingement

Myotherapy can help address muscular tension and movement restrictions surrounding the hip and pelvis.

Treatment may include:

  • Soft tissue massage
  • Trigger point therapy
  • Dry needling
  • Myofascial release
  • Cupping therapy
  • Muscle release techniques
  • Mobility work
  • Stretching strategies
  • Postural assessment

Myotherapy is often used alongside rehabilitation exercises to help improve movement and reduce discomfort.

Can Exercise Help Hip Impingement?

Yes. Exercise is a key component of managing hip impingement.
Appropriate rehabilitation exercises may help:

  • Improve hip strength
  • Improve pelvic stability
  • Improve movement control
  • Improve mobility
  • Reduce pain
  • Improve sporting performance
  • Improve tolerance to activity
  • Reduce recurrence risk

Exercise programs should be individualised based on symptoms, goals, and activity demands.

Hip Impingement in Athletes & Active Individuals

Hip impingement is commonly seen in:

  • Footballers
  • Soccer players
  • Runners
  • Cyclists
  • Dancers
  • Hockey players
  • Tennis players
  • Gym athletes

Sports that involve repetitive hip flexion, twisting, kicking, and deep squatting may place increased demands on the hip joint.
Our team works with active individuals to help maintain participation while managing symptoms effectively.

When Should You Seek Treatment?

You should consider professional assessment if you experience:

  • Persistent groin pain
  • Front-of-hip pain
  • Pain when squatting
  • Pain during sport
  • Reduced hip mobility
  • Clicking or catching sensations
  • Difficulty sitting for prolonged periods
  • Ongoing stiffness
  • Symptoms affecting performance
  • Pain that continues to worsen

Early assessment may help prevent ongoing irritation and loss of hip function.

What Can I Do at Home for Hip Impingement?

Helpful self-management strategies may include:

  • Staying physically active
  • Avoiding aggravating positions where appropriate
  • Improving hip strength
  • Performing mobility exercises
  • Managing training loads
  • Modifying painful activities
  • Following prescribed rehabilitation exercises
  • Gradually returning to sport

The most effective approach depends on your individual symptoms and contributing factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hip Impingement Treatment in Kilsyth

At Physio Elements, we provide personalised physiotherapy and myotherapy treatment for hip impingement, helping patients reduce pain, improve mobility, restore strength, and return to work, exercise, and sport.

We regularly assist patients from Kilsyth, Kilsyth South, Mooroolbark, Montrose, Croydon, Ringwood, Lilydale, Bayswater, and surrounding suburbs seeking treatment for hip pain, groin pain, and movement-related hip conditions.

Whether your symptoms are recent or ongoing, our team can help guide your recovery with evidence-based assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation.

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