Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) occurs when structures within the hip joint come into painful contact during certain movements. This typically happens due to a mismatch between the shape of the femoral head and the hip socket. The mismatch may involve an altered shape of the femoral head (cam deformity), extra bony or cartilaginous coverage along the rim of the hip socket (pincer deformity), or a combination of both. This abnormal contact can irritate the cartilage and surrounding tissues within the hip.

Symptoms often include a persistent, dull ache in the hip or groin that becomes sharper with activity. Movements such as walking, pivoting, prolonged sitting, stair climbing, and higher-impact activities like running or jumping commonly aggravate symptoms. Some individuals also notice clicking, snapping, locking, or a catching sensation in the hip.

Management focuses on conservative, non-invasive care and structured rehabilitation. Staying active is encouraged, while temporarily avoiding movements or activities that aggravate symptoms. Low-impact options such as stationary cycling or water-based exercise are often better tolerated. Movements that combine deep hip flexion and internal rotation—such as getting out of a car one leg at a time, breaststroke swimming, or deep squatting—should be limited. Excessive stretching may worsen symptoms, while targeted strengthening and guided care can help improve hip control and comfort.

Understanding Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

Hip pain related to joint shape and movement patterns

Hip pain that lingers or worsens with activity can be frustrating—especially when it interferes with sitting, walking, or exercise. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition in which parts of the hip joint come into contact more than they should during movement, leading to irritation and discomfort.

At Trenton Integrative Health Centre, we often see people who are unsure whether their hip pain is muscular, joint-related, or something more complex. Understanding how FAI affects the hip can help guide effective, conservative care.

What Is Femoroacetabular Impingement?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint designed to move smoothly in many directions. In FAI, the shape of the ball (femoral head), the socket, or both creates abnormal contact during certain movements—particularly those involving deep bending or twisting of the hip.

Over time, this repeated contact can irritate cartilage and surrounding structures, contributing to pain and stiffness.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of FAI may include:

• A dull, aching pain in the hip or groin
• Sharper pain with activity
• Discomfort during prolonged sitting
• Pain with pivoting, climbing stairs, or squatting
• Clicking, snapping, catching, or locking sensations in the hip

Symptoms often fluctuate depending on activity level and movement patterns.

Why Does FAI Develop?

FAI is typically related to structural differences in the hip joint that develop over time. These differences may not cause symptoms right away but can become problematic with certain activities or repetitive loading.

Common contributing factors include:

• Hip joint shape variations (cam, pincer, or mixed types)
• Repetitive hip flexion or rotational movements
• High-impact or sport-specific demands

Not everyone with these structural changes develops symptoms.

How FAI Is Typically Managed

Most people with FAI begin with conservative, non-invasive care focused on improving hip control and reducing irritation.

Management may include:

• Activity modification to reduce symptom-provoking movements
• Temporarily switching to low-impact activities such as cycling or water-based exercise
• Strengthening exercises to support hip stability
• Education on movement patterns that reduce joint stress

Excessive stretching is often discouraged, as it may increase joint irritation rather than help.

What to Expect During Recovery

Improvement often happens gradually as hip strength, control, and movement habits improve. Many people are able to return to daily activities and exercise with fewer symptoms once aggravating movements are managed appropriately.

Recovery timelines vary, and symptom flare-ups can occur if high-stress positions are reintroduced too quickly.

How TIHC Supports Hip Health

At Trenton Integrative Health Centre, care begins with understanding how hip pain affects your daily life, work, and activity goals. Treatment plans are individualized and may involve one or more members of our collaborative care team, with a focus on restoring comfortable movement, improving joint control, and supporting long-term hip health.

Our evidence-informed, non-invasive approach aims to help you stay active while protecting your hip.