Start with understanding
A hip can feel pinched while bending, sitting low, stepping into a car or moving through an exercise. The location and task are useful clues, but the word “pinch” is not a diagnosis. Several explanations can produce hip or groin symptoms.
Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, or FAI syndrome, is one possible explanation. Diagnosing it requires the symptom pattern, clinical signs and relevant imaging together. A bone-shape finding alone does not mean you have the syndrome or that every uncomfortable movement damages your hip.
Video coming soon
Explore the written guide and illustrated lessons below.
Connect understanding to daily life
Describe the movement clearly
Note whether the sensation is in the groin, outside the hip or elsewhere, which task brings it on, and whether it limits walking or sleep. Include any injury and changes in activity. A brief record gives your provider a clearer starting point than a list of stretches you found online.
Do not force the pinch
Repeatedly pushing into the exact uncomfortable position does not help identify the cause. Discuss a temporary modification to the task while arranging evaluation if symptoms persist. You may need to change the range, setup or activity; the choice should follow the assessment rather than a rule that every hip needs more flexibility.
A scan is one piece
FAI syndrome is not established by the shape of a bone on an image alone. Ask whether the finding fits your familiar symptoms and examination. A useful consultation also considers other possible sources of hip or groin pain. The aim is a coherent explanation, not collecting increasingly alarming labels.
A plan can be individualized
Nonoperative care can include education and a supervised, progressive activity program. Ask what the first phase is meant to improve and how you will judge its effect on your daily tasks. If the plan is not helping, discuss reassessment and alternatives instead of assuming the only choices are endless stretching or immediate surgery.
Educational information complements individual guidance. Your health history, goals, and examination determine appropriate care.
Build your understanding
Five ideas to build your understanding. Swipe, use the arrows, or focus the slides and use your keyboard.
Does a pinch mean FAI?
No. It is one possible explanation. A clinician evaluates the pattern and other potential causes.
Does FAI always mean surgery?
No. Management options depend on the individual. Ask about appropriate nonoperative care, expected outcomes and when specialist review is useful.
What the evidence means for you
FAI syndrome requires clinical context
The Warwick Agreement defines FAI syndrome using symptoms, signs and imaging together.
Put it to use: Ask how the finding fits your familiar pain rather than accepting an image-only label.
Keep in mind: This expert consensus does not diagnose an individual or identify one best treatment.
Warwick Agreement, international consensus →Personalized hip therapy has a structure
A published protocol combines assessment, education and a supervised, progressive exercise program.
Put it to use: Ask for a plan with clear goals and review points rather than a disconnected exercise list.
Keep in mind: Protocol development is not proof that every person will improve or avoid surgery.
Personalised Hip Therapy protocol →