Extremities & Joints
Hip Impingement
Groin pain and restriction with deep hip flexion or rotation.
Also called: Femoroacetabular impingement, FAI.
Impingement describes contact between the bones of the hip at the end of range. It is diagnosed on the combination of symptoms, examination, and imaging, not imaging alone, since these bony features are common even in people without pain.
Symptoms typically occur with specific positions, such as deep squatting or sitting, rather than throughout the whole range of hip movement.
Why this matters
Squatting, deep sitting, and getting in and out of a car are the usual restrictions. These are positions that push the hip toward the end of its available range.
Because the pattern is position-specific, identifying which movements to modify can reduce day-to-day irritation while the joint is evaluated further.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Where the joint itself is limited, how the pelvis and low back compensate is worth evaluating, since restricted hip motion often shows up as extra movement elsewhere.
This compensation pattern is coordinated by the nervous system and can itself become a source of strain in the low back over time.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Hip impingement is a structural diagnosis that sometimes benefits from imaging and orthopedic input. Dr. Geran will let you know if that referral makes sense based on your exam.
- Locking or catching sensation in the hip joint
- Sudden inability to bear weight
- Hip pain following significant trauma
- Groin pain with fever or unexplained weight loss
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Joint Pain & Staying Active — Shoulders, hips, knees, ankles — extremity function matters as much as the spine.
- Achilles Tendinopathy — Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, usually load-related.
- Ankle Instability — A repeatedly rolling or unreliable ankle, usually following earlier sprains.
- Ankle Pain — Pain or restriction at the ankle, often after an old injury.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.