Hip pain can be frustrating, whether it’s something that’s recently started or something that’s been limiting you for a long time. Our physiotherapists are experienced in helping people restore comfortable movement and get back to doing what matters to them.
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) is a condition where the shape of the hip joint can lead to extra pressure within the joint during certain movements. Over time, this can irritate structures such as the labrum and cartilage, contributing to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It’s particularly common in active individuals and people who regularly load the hip through sports, gym training, or repetitive movement patterns.
Because hip pain doesn’t always come from a single source, we take a detailed and structured approach to assessment. Using current evidence and clinical expertise, we determine whether your symptoms are driven by joint-related factors, muscular issues, movement habits, or influences from nearby areas such as the lower back.
People experience FAI differently, but there are some common patterns. Many describe a deep ache or pinching sensation at the front of the hip or groin, especially during movements like squatting, sitting for long periods, twisting, or bringing the knee toward the chest.
Others notice stiffness, clicking sensations, or reduced movement compared to the other side. For some, symptoms build gradually over time.
For others, pain appears more suddenly after increasing training intensity or activity levels. It’s also common for people to initially ignore the symptoms, hoping they’ll settle on their own, only to find the hip becoming more irritated over time.
FAI usually develops due to a combination of joint shape, movement demands, and loading over time. Some people naturally have subtle differences in the shape of their hip joint that can increase compression during certain movements.
On its own, this doesn’t automatically cause pain; many people have these changes without symptoms. Problems tend to arise when the hip is repeatedly loaded in positions it struggles to tolerate.
Activities involving deep hip flexion, twisting, repetitive squatting, or high training loads can gradually irritate the joint. Reduced hip strength and poor movement control may also contribute by increasing stress through the area.
One of the biggest frustrations with FAI is how much it can interfere with normal daily activities. Sitting at a desk, getting out of the car, climbing stairs, or even putting socks on can become uncomfortable.
Active individuals may notice they can no longer squat deeply, run comfortably, or train the way they used to.This often leads people to stop moving altogether out of fear of making things worse. Unfortunately, completely avoiding movement can sometimes increase stiffness and reduce strength further. The goal is usually not to stop moving, it’s to help the hip tolerate movement better again.
Your first session is focused on understanding your problem in depth (Initial consultation)
This includes:
A common misconception is that hip pain always means the joint is “damaged” and needs complete rest. In reality, strengthening the muscles around the hip is often one of the most important parts of recovery. Stronger glutes, core muscles, and hip stabilisers can help reduce unnecessary strain on the joint and improve how you move overall.
Rehabilitation is usually gradual and progressive. Early exercises may focus on improving control and reducing irritation before moving toward more demanding strength and functional exercises.
The aim is to build a hip that feels stronger, more capable, and less sensitive to everyday movement.
Many people with FAI worry they’ll have to give up the activities they enjoy. In most cases, that isn’t necessary. The key is understanding how to manage load, improve movement quality, and gradually build tolerance back up.
Part of rehab often involves temporarily modifying aggravating exercises rather than removing activity completely.
As symptoms settle and strength improves, movements are gradually reintroduced in a controlled way. The aim is to help you return to training, sport, or exercise with more confidence and less discomfort.
Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s not supposed to.
Hip-related pain is becoming more common, particularly in active individuals. Addressing it early can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes.
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t leave it, get it checked and take the first step towards improving it.
