Dr. Joanne Kemp, a hip expert and titled APA Sports Physiotherapist, shares insights on managing FAI syndrome through exercise rehabilitation and advice. Topics include comparing exercise durations and types for effective treatment, achieving muscle strength and hypertrophy, managing pain and strength in hip exercises, and addressing pain and exercise in patients with hip pain.
Rehab programs for FAI should be at least three months long to achieve better outcomes, with muscle strengthening in the bigger muscle groups being crucial.
Physiotherapists should pay attention to the dosage of exercises prescribed for hip pain and FAI, targeting strength in the hip and trunk muscles through heavier exercises with fewer repetitions and sets for better results.
Deep dives
Longer Duration of Rehab Programs for FAI
Research has found that rehab programs for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) need to be at least three months long to achieve better outcomes. Shorter duration programs of six weeks or less did not show significant improvements in pain or functional performance. It is important for both physiotherapists and patients to understand that patience is required to see significant changes, and premature referral for invasive treatments like surgery should be avoided. Muscle strengthening in the bigger muscle groups is crucial for better outcomes in FAI patients.
Importance of Proper Exercise Dosage in FAI Rehab
In the treatment of hip pain and FAI, physiotherapists need to pay attention to the dosage of exercises prescribed. Just like taking medication at the right dosage, exercises should be prescribed to achieve specific goals such as muscle strength, hypertrophy, or strength endurance. The exact dosage, including the number of sets, repetitions, and rest periods, should be reported in clinical trials and communicated clearly to patients. While there is limited evidence on the best dosage for hip pain, targeting strength in the hip and trunk muscles through heavier exercises with fewer repetitions and sets seems to be effective.
Focus on Hip Adduction and Trunk Strengthening in FAI Rehab
Contrary to the previous focus on rotator cuff exercises, recent research suggests that strengthening the bigger muscle groups, such as hip adductors and trunk muscles, is more important for improving outcomes in FAI patients. Strength in external and internal rotation was found to have no significant relationship with pain or functional performance. Using exercises that avoid excessive rotation and instead focus on hip adduction can prevent pain flares and improve overall outcomes. Educating patients about the normality and safety of exercising with some level of pain is also essential to encourage adherence to rehab programs.
In this episode you will learn how to best manage Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) through exercise rehabilitation and advice/education. We have chatted with hip expert Dr. Joanne Kemp. Jo is a titled APA Sports Physiotherapist and Senior Research Fellow at Latrobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre. She recently did a brilliant Masterclass for us. You can watch it for free with our 7-day free trial: https://www.physio-network.com/join-masterclass/
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode