CAM Impingement of the Hip

Hip Pain, Restricted Movement, and How We Help You Return to Confident Movement

Hip pain that refuses to settle can quietly change how you move, train, and even sit through the working day. Many people are told they have tight hips or weak muscles, yet the discomfort keeps returning. In many active adults, the true issue sits deeper inside the joint.

CAM impingement of the hip is a common structural reason for ongoing hip and groin pain. It often develops silently and may only become noticeable once movement feels limited or painful. With the right assessment and guided care, symptoms can often be reduced without rushing into surgery.

If hip pain is affecting your training, work, or daily comfort, an early assessment can help clarify what is happening and guide the next steps. Book an appointment today and get clear answers from your first visit.

What Is CAM Impingement

CAM impingement describes a form of femoroacetabular impingement, also known as FAI. It occurs when the ball of the hip joint is not smoothly rounded.

In a healthy hip, the femoral head glides freely inside the socket during movement. With CAM impingement, extra bone forms along the femoral head or neck. During hip flexion or rotation, this area presses against the edge of the socket. Persistent contact may irritate joint tissues and strain the labrum or cartilage.

This helps explain why everyday and sporting activities can bring on symptoms.

What Does CAM Impingement Stand For

CAM is not an acronym. The term comes from mechanical motion systems, describing a rotating shape that alters movement. In the hip, it describes how the altered bone shape interferes with smooth joint motion.

Why CAM Impingement Can Feel Different From Person to Person

Not everyone with CAM impingement experiences pain. Some people remain symptom free for years, while others notice discomfort early.

This difference often relates to:

• Activity demands

• Hip movement patterns

• Strength and control around the joint

• How much load the hip absorbs daily

Pain usually develops when the joint is repeatedly stressed beyond what surrounding tissues can tolerate. This is why two people with similar scans may have very different symptoms.

Common Symptoms of CAM Impingement

Symptoms usually come on gradually and may rise and settle at different times.

Common features include:

• Deep groin pain during or after activity

• Stiffness after sitting or driving

• Reduced hip movement, especially during bending or rotation

• Clicking, catching, or a sense of blockage inside the joint

• Pain that improves with rest but returns with movement

Some individuals notice pain spreading into nearby areas such as the thigh or lower back.

What Causes CAM Impingement

CAM impingement usually develops during adolescence while the hip is still forming. Repetitive high load activity during growth appears strongly linked with altered bone shape at the femoral head.

Contributing factors may include:

• Repetitive impact sports during teenage years

• Limited hip movement during growth

• Genetic influences on bone development

• Prior hip injury while bones are still forming

Once growth finishes, the bone shape remains fixed. Symptoms may not appear until later in adulthood when joint tissues struggle with repeated contact.

I cannot confirm a single cause for every case. CAM impingement reflects a combination of anatomy, activity, and movement demands.

CAM Impingement and Movement Restriction

CAM impingement does not only cause pain. It also changes how the hip moves.

Typical movement changes include:

• Reduced hip flexion

• Limited internal rotation

• Altered pelvic control

• Increased movement through the lower back

With ongoing movement changes, secondary symptoms such as back pain may develop.

CAM Impingement vs Pincer Impingement

CAM and pincer impingement affect different parts of the hip joint.

• CAM impingement involves extra bone on the femoral head

• Pincer impingement involves extra bone along the socket rim

Many people show a mixed pattern.

CAM is more commonly linked with cartilage strain, while pincer patterns often stress the labrum earlier. Care decisions are shaped by symptoms, movement, and how well the joint tolerates load.

Imaging and Diagnosis

Imaging supports diagnosis but does not stand alone.

X ray imaging often shows reduced head neck offset, meaning the femoral head lacks its normal contour. MRI can identify cartilage or labral changes as well as joint fluid changes.

Importantly, imaging findings must be matched with symptoms and movement testing. Many people show CAM features on scans without pain.

How CAM Impingement Is Assessed Clinically

Assessment goes beyond scans.

A thorough review often includes:

• Movement testing of the hip and pelvis

• Strength assessment

• Functional movement observation

• Activity and load history

Tests may reproduce symptoms, though no single test provides confirmation on its own. Understanding how the hip behaves under load is key.

Does CAM Impingement Always Need Surgery

No. Surgery is not required for everyone.

Many people benefit from rehabilitation designed to reduce joint stress and improve control. Surgery may be an option when pain does not settle with care or mechanical symptoms limit daily activities.

Surgical procedures reshape the femoral head and may address damaged tissue. Recovery involves months of rehabilitation.

I cannot confirm that surgery prevents joint wear in every case. Timing, joint condition, and rehabilitation quality strongly influence outcomes.

CAM Impingement Hip Exercises and Rehabilitation

Exercise forms the foundation of conservative care.

The aim is not to force deeper movement into a restricted joint, but to:

• Improve strength around the hip

• Improve pelvic and trunk control

• Reduce unnecessary joint compression

• Guide safe return to activity

Rehabilitation is progressed gradually, respecting symptom response. Early work often stays within comfortable ranges to calm irritation before building load tolerance.

There is no single exercise approach that works for all. Programmes must reflect individual movement patterns and activity goals.

Managing Activity During Recovery

Temporary adjustments often reduce flare ups.

These may include:

• Limiting deep hip flexion early on

• Modifying gym and training positions

• Adjusting sitting posture and desk setup

• Reducing repetitive twisting movements

These changes are not about avoiding movement long term. They support recovery while strength and control improve.

How We Help With CAM Impingement

Our approach focuses on movement quality rather than scans alone.

Care may involve:

• Detailed assessment of hip mechanics

• Hands on treatment where appropriate

• Targeted rehabilitation planning

• Progressive return to sport or activity guidance

The goal is to reduce pain, restore confidence, and support long-term joint health.

Moving Forward With Confidence

CAM impingement does not automatically mean surgery or giving up activity. With early assessment and structured care, many people regain movement confidence and reduce pain significantly.

If hip pain is limiting daily life or training, taking action now can make a meaningful difference to how you move long term.

Book Your Appointment

Let’s help you recover properly and return to the activity you enjoy. Fill in the form below and one of our team members will reach out shortly to arrange your assessment.

Our Clinic Environment

We aim to make care clear and comfortable from the moment you arrive.

Patient Feedback

Choosing care for ongoing hip pain can feel uncertain, especially when symptoms have been present for some time or previous treatment has not helped. Many people want reassurance that they will be listened to and given clear guidance.

The feedback below comes from patients who attended our clinic with hip pain, movement restriction, or difficulty returning to activity. Their comments reflect the clarity, support, and care they experienced throughout their treatment journey.

Finding Us in Moorgate

Perfect Balance Clinic - Moorgate Centrally located near Moorgate and Liverpool Street stations, our clinic is easy to reach by Underground, bus, or train.

Please note: There is no on-site parking at the Moorgate clinic. We recommend nearby public car parks, including:

• Finsbury Square Car Park

• London Wall Car Park

We also offer early morning and evening appointments to suit your schedule, making it easier to fit your recovery around work, training, or daily commitments.

Book a Consultation Today

Perfect Balance Clinic at Moorgate