Hip impingement (FAI) & labral injuries
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is where the shapes of the hip bones lead to pinching at the front of the hip, often felt as groin pain with deep squatting, sitting for long periods, or twisting - common in footballers, runners and gym-goers. It can occur alongside a labral injury, where the rim of cartilage around the socket is irritated or torn.
Many people with hip impingement and labral symptoms are managed well with physiotherapy. Treatment settles symptoms and then builds the strength, control and movement of the hip and surrounding muscles so the joint tolerates the positions and loads you need. Melissa assesses the hip, explains the findings, and individualises the plan; where a surgical opinion is warranted, rehab remains central before and after.
Common questions
Can hip impingement be treated without surgery?
Often, yes. Many people with FAI and labral-related symptoms improve with a structured physiotherapy programme that manages irritating activities and builds hip and trunk strength and control, without needing an operation. Surgery is considered in specific cases or when a thorough rehab programme has not helped - and physiotherapy is important either way, including before and after any procedure.
What exercises help hip impingement?
Broadly, exercises that strengthen the hip and buttock muscles and improve control of the hip and trunk, introduced at ranges and loads the hip tolerates, while temporarily easing off the positions that pinch. The specifics - which exercises, how deep, how heavy - depend on your hip and your sport, so the programme is individualised after assessment rather than a fixed set.