The short answer
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is abnormal contact between the ball and socket of the hip that can tear the labrum — the cartilage rim that seals the joint — causing groin pain, catching, clicking, and a snapping sensation with certain movements. Many people improve without surgery through physical therapy, activity modification, and image-guided injections or PRP; arthroscopy is considered for cases that don't respond.
Medically reviewed by Marc Gruner, DO, MBA, RMSK
Sports medicine physician, Mayo Clinic fellowship. Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
In FAI, subtle differences in the shape of the hip ball or socket cause them to pinch during deep bending and rotation, which over time can fray or tear the labrum that lines and seals the joint. Symptoms include groin pain, catching or clicking, a snapping sensation, and stiffness with deep hip flexion, such as prolonged sitting or squatting.
Dr. Gruner emphasizes a hip-focused physical therapy program to optimize mechanics and strength, activity modification, and precise ultrasound-guided injections — including PRP — into the joint to reduce pain and support the labrum. Hip arthroscopy is reserved for those who don't improve with a thorough non-surgical program.
Common symptoms
- Groin pain, often described as a 'C' around the hip
- Catching, clicking, or snapping
- Pain with prolonged sitting or squatting
- Stiffness with deep hip movement
What to expect at your visit
- 1.
A focused conversation
Dr. Gruner reviews your history, prior imaging, and goals — what you want to get back to doing.
- 2.
Point-of-care ultrasound
When useful, a diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound evaluates the injury in real time, with no radiation.
- 3.
A clear, individualized plan
You leave understanding the diagnosis, the non-surgical options, and the expected timeline — in plain language.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a hip labral tear heal without surgery?
- Many people with FAI and labral tears improve with a targeted physical therapy program, activity modification, and image-guided injections such as PRP, without surgery. Hip arthroscopy is considered when a dedicated non-surgical program hasn't relieved the pain.