Effect of Joint Mobilization Versus Soft Tissue Mobilization Along with Conventional Exercise on Pain, Quality of Life and Hip Range of Motion in Patients with Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

Abstract : Background: Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a clinically important hip disorder that may contribute to the development of early hip osteoarthritis. It is frequently identified in physically active young and middle-aged adults, with symptomatic presentations commonly occurring in individuals between 20 and 40 years of age. Methods: Twenty individuals diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome who fulfilled the predetermined selection criteria were recruited for the study. The participants were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group A received joint mobilization combined with conventional exercise, whereas Group B received soft tissue mobilization combined with conventional exercise. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), hip-related functional status was evaluated using the Hip Outcome Score (HOS), and hip internal rotation range of motion was measured using a goniometer. Result: Statistically significant improvements were observed in both groups for pain intensity, Hip Outcome Score, and hip internal rotation range of motion following the intervention. Between-group analysis also demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the post-intervention outcomes, with Group A showing greater improvement compared with Group B. Conclusion: Both treatment approaches were associated with improvements in pain, hip-related functional outcomes, and hip internal rotation range of motion in individuals with FAIS. However, joint mobilization combined with conventional exercise demonstrated greater improvements compared with soft tissue mobilization combined with conventional exercise in the present study. These findings suggest that joint mobilization combined with conventional exercise may be a beneficial conservative physiotherapy approach for individuals with FAIS.