By Brian Adams, SPT
How Can Physical Therapy Help Manage Femoral Acetabular Impingement?
What is Femoral acetabular impingement?
Femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition that occurs when extra bone grows within the hip joint which causes the femoral head or acetabulum to become irregular shaped. The bone growths can be classified as either a Cam or Pincer lesion; a Cam lesion occurs when extra bone grows on the femoral head (ball), whereas a pincer lesion occurs when the abnormal bone growth extends over the acetabular rim. This irregular shape causes excessive shearing forces when the hip is flexed, adducted, and internally rotated which may lead to acetabular labral tears and chondral defects. These potential tears and chondral defects may put the individual at risk for developing hip osteoarthritis (OA).
The etiology is secondary to the bone spurs that occur on either the femoral head (cam lesion), acetabulum (pincer lesion), or a combination of both, which leads to joint derangement and pain. This condition can affect people of all ages but is most prevalent in young, athletic individuals who regularly participate in soccer, hockey, and/or football. It is important to note that FAI may be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired).
FAI Symptomology:
Location: Hip/groin
Quality of pain: sharp or aching pain, with or without locking, catching, or popping
– Hip pain provoked with deep squatting, sitting, or walking
– Specific activity limitations during work, fitness, or recreational activities
– Relief of hip pain with cessation of activity, rest, or getting out of a seated position
Diagnosis:
In addition to any imaging order from your doctor, your physical therapist will put you through a movement system examination. This examination is typically done to target movement patterns that aggravate your symptoms while also determining functional impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to your movement system.
FAI PT management:
The PT provides a thorough, holistic evaluation to determine whether your symptoms are consistent with FAI or if they warrant additional medical evaluation. Following your evaluation, your PT will prescribe individualized plan of care based on your level of function, underlying impairments, and goals. Interventions may consist of patient education regarding our diagnosis, activity modification, joint mobilization, specific hip range of motion exercises, stretching and strengthening exercises for specific muscles, as well as pain management techniques.
Our Capital Area Physical Therapy & Wellness clinics provide specific treatment programs to help you gain mobility, manage pain, and stay active. Call (518) 289-5242 to schedule an appointment at one of our physical therapy clinics in Malta – Saratoga Springs or Queensbury – Glens Falls.
