Outpatient Physical Therapy Management of a Patient with Left Hip Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Case Study

Background and Purpose: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is a motion related clinical disorder of the hip in which there is premature contact between the acetabulum and the proximal femur. This case study evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy as a first line treatment for FAI and discusses the patient outcomes based on the chosen interventions. The results can be used to better understand the most appropriate interventions for conservative FAI treatment. Case Description: The patient was a 15-year-old male student athlete who presented to physical therapy with left anterior and lateral hip pain. Interventions: The rehabilitation program provided to the patient consisted of patient education, core strengthening, application of McKenzie hip flexor stretching, hip musculature strengthening, postural balance exercises, neuromuscular re-education, functional lower limb strengthening as well as a personalized home exercise program. Outcomes: Following treatment the patient demonstrated increased left hip ROM, and strength as well as 0/10 left hip pain with all ADLs. Discussion: The patient responded well to the chosen interventions. However, further research into the most effective conservative care for the treatment of FAI is still necessary and is currently being carried ou