Hip Impingement: Cam and Pincer Types | Physiotherapy & Osteopathy Treatment in Leicester
Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), occurs when the bones of the hip joint don’t fit together perfectly, leading to abnormal contact that causes pain, limited movement, and eventual wear on the hip joint. There are two main types of hip impingement: Cam and Pincer impingement.
Cam Impingement
Cam impingement occurs when the femoral head (the ball of the thigh bone) is abnormally shaped, often being too large or not spherical, which causes it to rub against the acetabulum (the socket of the hip). This abnormal contact can damage the cartilage of the hip joint, leading to pain, particularly with activities that involve deep flexion, such as squatting or running.
Pincer Impingement
In pincer impingement, the acetabulum (the socket of the hip) is excessively deep or overhanging, causing it to pinch the femoral head during movement. This type of impingement leads to a mechanical problem where the socket overlaps with the ball, resulting in friction and, over time, damage to the joint surfaces.
Symptoms of Hip Impingement
- Hip pain that worsens with flexion, rotation, or prolonged sitting
- Stiffness and limited range of motion in the hip joint
- Pain in the groin or outer hip area
- Difficulty with activities like walking, running, or climbing stairs
Treatments for Hip Impingement (Cam and Pincer)
At Spinal Health Clinics in Leicester, we specialize in treating both Cam and Pincer hip impingement using a combination of physiotherapy, osteopathy, and shockwave therapy. Our aim is to relieve pain, improve function, and prevent further joint damage.
Physiotherapy Treatment
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of hip impingement. Targeted strengthening and stretching exercises help improve the flexibility and strength of the muscles around the hip joint, reducing pressure on the bones and cartilage. Specific exercises are designed to target the hip flexors, glutes, and other surrounding muscles, improving biomechanics and reducing pain during movement.
Osteopathy Treatment
Osteopathy focuses on improving joint mobility and alignment. Our experienced osteopaths use manual techniques to gently manipulate the hip joint, reduce muscle tension, and improve movement patterns. This can relieve the mechanical stress caused by impingement, improving function and reducing pain.
Shockwave Therapy
For chronic cases of hip impingement, shockwave therapy can be an effective, non-invasive treatment option. High-energy sound waves are applied to the affected area, stimulating blood flow, reducing inflammation, and accelerating tissue healing. This treatment can help relieve pain and promote healing in the affected joint.
How Far is Spinal Health Clinics from Your Location?
Our clinic in Glenfield, Unit 1 Underwood Court, LE3 8SG, is easily accessible from several locations in Leicester. Here are approximate travel times to our clinic:
- Leicester City Centre – 20 minutes by car
- Braunstone – 15 minutes by car
- Fosse Park – 20 minutes by car
- Aylestone – 15 minutes by car
- Humberstone – 18 minutes by car
- Oadby – 25 minutes by car
- South Wigston – 20 minutes by car
- Wigston – 20 minutes by car
- Syston – 25 minutes by car
- Enderby – 15 minutes by car
- Narborough – 20 minutes by car
- Thurmaston – 25 minutes by car
- Glenfield – 5 minutes by car
Location of Spinal Health Clinics:
Unit 1 Underwood Court
LE3 8SG
Glenfield, Leicester
Treating Cam and Pincer Hip Impingement Effectively
At Spinal Health Clinics, we provide effective treatments for both Cam and Pincer hip impingement. Our approach combines physiotherapy, osteopathy, and shockwave therapy to target the underlying causes of your pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life. Whether you’re an athlete or someone dealing with everyday activities, we aim to help you recover fully and return to your routine pain-free.
