Strengthening vs Stretching for FAI Syndrome: Which Works Best?

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) syndrome requires a nuanced clinical approach that distinguishes between morphological bone changes and symptomatic pain. While CAM morphology is highly prevalent in athletic populations, it does not inherently necessitate intervention. Effective management centers on patient education and individualized exercise programs, as research indicates that strengthening exercises significantly improve patient-reported outcomes compared to stretching alone. Despite the high prevalence of structural hip changes, many individuals remain asymptomatic, underscoring the importance of avoiding unnecessary prophylactic surgery. Clinical trials demonstrate that while a six-month structured strengthening program yields substantial improvements in pain and function for approximately 72% of patients, clinicians must maintain humility, recognizing that a subset of patients will not respond to conservative care and may require referral for alternative medical or surgical management.