2.7 What is FAS or Femoro-Acetabular- Syndrome
Figure 21: Happy Hip Vs. FAS Hip. Which Hip Would You Prefer to have?
FAS is a bony reaction at the head and neck interface at the hip to response to high loads directed to the hip. These loads are created by high momentum / energy movement that occur in sport – such as changes in direction. When these loads are accompanied by shearing forces, the bony reaction is accelerated. Note a shearing force, is like wringing or twisting a towel. The body responds very differently to shearing forces than any other type of load. Note we use load and force interchangeably.
Figure 22: Type of Loads Commonly Experienced in Sport.
2.7.1 Bony Reactions and Puberty or Growth
When we grow our bones are metabolically active. Think about a bone growth as adding a room to an existing house. There is a lot of activity in room that’s being added. Walls are being framed. Drywall is going up. Electrical. Plumbing. Etc. This activity isn’t normal. It’s special. It’s construction. Because a lot going on, adding more stress in the area isn’t well tolerated. For example, a storm hits in the middle of construction. That room isn’t complete and as such isn’t as strong or tolerate. Storm damage is more likely.
Now when we load a bony that’s growing, that load isn’t as well tolerated. In fact the body responds to that load and creates a ….
Common growth related reactions are:
2.7.2 How can HIP CONTROL Influence FAS?
When our hip is stable or controlled the amount of shearing forces that occur is dramatically reduced. Reducing the amount of shearing load reduces the chances of FAS. Interestingly, the bony reaction that leads to FAS exclusively occurs during puberty. The reason why has to do with the relationship between motor control and hip shear loads.
During puberty our centre of gravity is rising, our hands and feet are growing and our bodies are becoming bigger. Our motor control programs have been developed based on our bodies before growth. Therefore, we need to adjust our motor control programs to our growing bodies. This takes time and often leads to a lag in control. We become a little clumsy. This loss of control increases the amount of shearing load to the hip. As you know this will lead to more bony reaction.
Now here’s a question, what happens if you didn’t have good hip control prior to puberty?
You guessed it. You’ll have more problems. Puberty will make this worse.
Unfortunately, many athletes can’t perform an ideal single leg squat, therefore their hip control isn’t ideal. Don’t worry with the PLIP program your hips will become bullet proof. Simply achieve unit 2s standards, maintain your lines and remember to put on your armor.
