The authors of the present study sought to produce a consolidated reference for Femoracetabular impingement (FAI) including the anatomy, hip biomechanics, examination, differential diagnosis and conservative treatment. Overall it was shown that a conservative approach should incorporate patient education, manual therapy and strengthening.
In order to enhance the posterior translation of the femoral head the authors suggest clinicians use a manual therapy approach to stress the posterior non-contractile hip tissue. When strengthening gluteus medius and maximus exercise should first be initiated in non-weight bearing positions. Examples include prone hip extension and side lying hip abduction with lateral rotation.
Once appropriate this should be progressed to a closed chain exercise such as single leg squats and lunges. In the final stages of treatment an emphasis should be put on neuromuscular re-education of the lumbopelvic stabilizers and maintaining a neutral spine during movement. By including the relevant anatomy and kinetics of running as well as the pathophysiology of FAI within the same study, the authors have intricately created a concise resource for treating this specific athlete population.
> From: Loudon et al., Phys Ther Sport (2015-12-10 06:49:16) 9 (Epub ahead of print). All rights reserved to Elsevier. Click here for the online summary.