A pilot double-blind randomised controlled trial comparing two physiotherapy interventions to treat femoroacetabular impingement.

Physiotherapy The physiotherapy intervention will be delivered in 8x 30 minute sessions delivered over a twelve week period (1/week for 4 weeks, 1/fortnight for 8 weeks). They will also attend one 60 minute supervised gym session per week. Gym sessions will be semi-standardised and reflect same program tailored to suit the individual within the physiotherapy session. Physiotherapy treatment sessions will consists of: i) manual hip mobilisation and stretching based on the persons clinical presentation addressing any assessed range of movement deficits in hip, knee and spinal joints; ii) hip muscle retraining tailored according to any assessed strength deficits with progression based on achievement of repetition and resistance goals in a semi-standardised strength program iii) trunk muscle retraining in same semi-standardised program iv) functional, proprioceptive and sports- or activity-specific retraining tailored to assessed sport or occupational loads within same semi-standardised program v) enhancing physical activity via a semi-standardised, 12 phase cardiovascular fitness program with progression based on achievement of training goal within set parameters for perceived effort and pain vi) education will be individualised and could include topics including exercise, weight loss if appropriate and appropriate stretching. This will be provided during the physiotherapy session. The physiotherapist will supervise exercises during each visit for 15 minutes. A home exercise program will be performed independently at home 4 times per week for 60 minutes per session. An information and exercise manual will be provided to each participant as well as access to a mobile phone app which contains the home exercise program. Participants will be asked to record both the number of exercises completed and any associated symptoms for each exercise. They may record this in the app or in a paper, self-report diary if they prefer. Compliance with the home program will be reviewed at each visit, as well as use of medications and additional activity undertaken.