Femoroacetabular impingement

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is where the bones of the hip are shaped in a way that causes them to pinch during certain movements, often leading to groin pain and stiffness — particularly with deep squatting, sitting, or sport. It's common in active younger adults.

Physiotherapy is an important first-line option, using exercise and activity modification to improve hip strength, movement, and control, and to reduce painful pinching. In this guide we cover clinical reasoning and evidence-based conservative management for FAI — practical guidance for clinicians and clear explanations so patients understand their hip and how to manage symptoms before considering other options.