Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): Causes, Symptoms & Physiotherapy Treatment at Physio360 Chennai.

INTRODUCTION;

Hip pain can silently affect even the fittest individuals — from athletes to office workers. One common but often overlooked cause of chronic hip pain is Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI). At Physio360, Chennai, our expert physiotherapists specialise in diagnosing and treating hip impingement effectively through personalised rehabilitation and corrective exercises.

What is Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)?

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) is a condition where there is abnormal contact between the femoral head (thigh bone) and the acetabulum (hip socket). This causes friction during hip movements, leading to pain, stiffness, and cartilage damage over time.

In a healthy hip joint, the ball (femoral head) moves smoothly inside the socket (acetabulum). In FAI, the bone shapes are slightly abnormal, which restricts motion and causes pinching, especially during bending or twisting activities.

Types of FAI.

Understanding the type of impingement helps in choosing the right treatment approach.

1. Cam Impingement

   • Occurs when the femoral head is not perfectly round.

   • The irregular bone rubs against the hip socket.

   • Common in athletes or active young adults.

2. Pincer Impingement

   • Caused by extra bone growth on the acetabulum.

   • The socket covers too much of the ball, leading to pinching.

   • More common in women.

3. Combined (Cam + Pincer)

   • Most common type.

   • Both the femoral head and acetabulum have irregular shapes.

At Physio360, Chennai, we identify the exact type of FAI through posture assessment, movement analysis, and functional testing.

Common Causes.

FAI often develops due to a combination of structural and lifestyle factors:

• Genetic or structural bone deformities

• Repetitive hip flexion (common in dancers, footballers, and hockey players)

• High-impact sports or deep squats

• Previous hip injuries or labral tears

• Poor sitting posture for long hours

The good news is — with early intervention at Physio360, you can avoid surgical procedures and restore pain-free movement.

Symptoms of Femoroacetabular Impingement.

Patients with FAI typically describe deep groin or hip joint pain, especially during activities that involve bending or twisting.

Common symptoms include:

• Sharp pain in the groin or front of the hip

• Stiffness and reduced hip mobility

• Clicking or locking sensation in the hip joint

• Pain during prolonged sitting or squatting

• Discomfort while running, jumping, or climbing stairs

At Physio360 Centre in Chennai, many individuals report that their pain initially appears during workouts or while sitting cross-legged — and gradually becomes persistent if untreated.

Diagnosis at Physio360, Chennai.

Our physiotherapists begin with a detailed assessment, which includes:

• Postural and gait analysis – to detect compensations in movement

• Hip range of motion (ROM) tests – especially flexion and internal rotation

• Special orthopaedic tests (like FADIR test) – to confirm impingement

• Strength and flexibility evaluation – to identify muscle imbalance

If necessary, we collaborate with orthopaedic specialists for imaging (X-rays or MRI) to confirm bone deformities or labral damage.

Physiotherapy Treatment for FAI at Physio360.

At Physio360, Chennai, we use a comprehensive, evidence-based physiotherapy approach to relieve pain, restore function, and improve hip mobility.

1. Pain Management

• Manual therapy and soft tissue release to reduce hip tension

• Dry needling or cupping (if indicated)

• Heat therapy and electrotherapy for pain relief

  
  

2. Mobility Restoration

• Joint mobilisation techniques to improve range of motion

• Stretching tight muscles such as the hip flexors, piriformis, and adductors

• Hip capsule release to improve smooth motion

  
  

3. Strengthening Exercises

Focus on strengthening the core, gluteal muscles, and hip stabilisers to reduce joint stress.

Example exercises:

• Glute bridges

• Clamshells

• Side-lying leg raises

• Hip abduction with resistance band

• Core stabilisation drills

  
  

4. Posture and Ergonomic Correction

Many FAI cases worsen due to poor sitting or standing posture. At Physio360, ergonomic advice and correctional training are integrated into each session — especially for working professionals.

5. Sports-Specific Rehabilitation

For athletes, we gradually reintroduce sport-specific drills to restore safe and pain-free hip function — ensuring they can return to play confidently.

Home Exercise Plan

Our physiotherapists at Physio360 provide personalised home exercise routines to:

• Maintain hip flexibility

• Improve muscular balance

• Enhance stability and control during daily movements

Regular follow-ups ensure progress and prevent recurrence.

Recovery Timeline

Recovery from FAI depends on the severity of impingement, activity level, and consistency in exercises.

• Mild to moderate cases: 4–6 weeks of consistent physiotherapy

• Severe or chronic cases: 8–12 weeks or more

With early diagnosis and professional guidance at Physio360, patients often experience significant improvement without surgery.

Prevention Tips from Physio360 Experts.

• Avoid prolonged sitting with crossed legs

• Perform proper warm-ups before sports

• Strengthen hip and core muscles regularly

• Maintain correct posture during workouts

• Seek professional help if groin or hip pain persists

Prevention is always better than surgical correction — and at Physio360 Chennai, our goal is to help you move better and live pain-free.

Why Choose Physio360 for FAI Treatment?

• Experienced physiotherapists specialised in hip biomechanics

• Advanced movement analysis and functional correction

• Customised rehabilitation programs for each individual

• Patient education on posture and movement habits

• Flexible appointment timings for working professionals and athletes

At Physio360, we don’t just treat your pain — we address its root cause to prevent recurrence.

Final Takeaway.

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) can silently impact mobility, strength, and athletic performance. Early detection and a structured physiotherapy plan can help you avoid surgery and return to an active lifestyle.

If you’re struggling with persistent groin or hip pain, visit Physio360, Chennai, for a complete hip assessment and individualised treatment plan.

Physio360 – Chennai’s Most Trusted Physiotherapy & Sports Rehabilitation Centre

Restore your mobility, Strengthen your hips, Get back to pain-free movement

Book your appointment today with Physio360 Chennai — because every movement matters.

REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE '

1.An Updated Review of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndromehttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9404268/.

2.Femoroacetabular impingement – What the rheumatologist needs to knowhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.berh.2024.101932.