Hip Impingement

Hip impingement also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), results from wear and tear at the hip joing. Repetitive movements can lead to hip pain, labrum and cartilage injuries, and hip degeneration (osteoarthritis).

You may experience

  • Popping/clicking in the hip
  • Pain in the groin or front of the hip
  • Pain with sitting, driving, and/or squatting
  • Difficulty with stairs, running, and/or jumping

Aggravating Factors:

  • Hip flexion and rotation
  • Running
  • Cross-legged sitting
  • Sport
  • Tennis
  • Biking/Spin Class
  • Golf

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Physical aims to reduce pain and improve function through:

  • Improved soft tissue (muscle) and joint mobility
  • Increase hip range of motion
  • Abdominal/core and hip strengthening exercises
  • Neuromuscular and motor control training
  • Education on body ergonomics
  • Postural re-education

Tips for Home

  • Limit activities the require repeated hip rotation and flexion 
  • For side-sleepers, place a pillow between the upper thighs
  • Sit on tall chairs
  • Use a cushion to raise the height of the chair