Pro Basketball Player Conquers FAI Hip Pain Without Surgery

 By  Shane Dowd , CES, CMP

For many athletes, hearing the words “you might need hip surgery” can feel like the end of the road.

That’s exactly what happened to a former professional basketball player who had spent years putting his body through intense training, jumping, and competition.

After being diagnosed with FAI (Femoroacetabular Impingement), he was told surgery might be necessary.

But instead of immediately going under the knife, he chose a different route.

And it completely changed the outcome.

Years of Wear and Tear

Like many high-level athletes, his injuries didn’t happen overnight.

Years of basketball had taken a toll on his body. He had already dealt with shoulder injuries earlier in his career, including slight tears from his high school playing days.

But the biggest challenge came later when hip pain started interfering with movement.

“I was young. I’m thinking — how am I already breaking down like this?”

The diagnosis came: FAI in the hip. With it came the typical recommendation many people hear...

Surgery.

But something about that didn’t sit right with him.

"Doctor said to me to not dance. I felt like a piece of my soul has been snatched... Hip labral tear and impingement. I will recover amazingly."

The Problem With Traditional Approaches

Before discovering a different solution, he tried what most people do: Physical therapy. He even went through PT while living in Portugal. But despite doing everything he was told, something still felt off. He noticed that while some symptoms improved temporarily, the underlying issues remained.

He still felt:

  • Limited mobility
  • Poor flexibility
  • Restricted range of motion

And when he stopped physical therapy, the pain slowly returned. So he kept searching for solutions online. Anything that could help him regain full movement again.

Discovering a Different Approach

Eventually, he came across GotROM.com and decided to give the program a try.

What immediately stood out to him was how different the approach was. Instead of only focusing on strengthening or generic rehab exercises, the program emphasized two key elements most people overlook: Tension release and mobility restoration.

These two factors are often critical for people dealing with hip impingement. When muscles surrounding the hip joint become tight, overworked, or dysfunctional, they can compress the joint and restrict movement — which can worsen symptoms.

The goal isn’t just to “work the muscles harder.” It’s to restore balance, movement, and function.

Immediate Changes in the First Week

One of the most surprising moments happened early. Very early.

“That first week, I felt like I was just a new healed person.”

For him, the biggest shift came from the combination of tension release techniques and progressive mobility work

One tool that made a huge difference was the Hip Stick used for targeted tissue work. This helped release tight muscles surrounding the hips and allowed his range of motion to start returning.

But tools alone weren’t the secret. The real key was the progressive structure of the program.

Why Progressions Matter

One thing he emphasized about the program was the importance of proper progressionsToo many people dealing with injuries fall into two traps:

  • Doing too much too soon
  • Or not doing enough to stimulate progress

The TSR System focuses on building capacity gradually. Each step builds on the previous one.

That means:

  • Releasing tight tissues
  • Restoring mobility
  • Reinforcing better movement patterns
  • Gradually increasing load and activity

And of course…

Consistency.

As he put it:

“Consistency is key. Just follow the program.”

Addressing Multiple Injuries at Once

Another unique aspect of the process was personalizationWhen he started the program, he wasn’t only dealing with hip pain.

He also had:

  • Shoulder mobility limitations
  • Long-standing range of motion issues
  • Neurological symptoms related to nerve compression

Instead of ignoring these issues, the program allowed adjustments so multiple areas could improve simultaneously. That holistic approach helped his body begin functioning better as a whole.

Returning to Activities He Thought Were Gone

One of the most emotional milestones came when he stepped into a boxing gym again. The last time he had boxed was back in high school — before his injuries. Naturally, he felt nervous.

Would the hip hold up? Would the pain return?

But something amazing happened.

Nothing hurt.

“Hip is amazing. I felt completely fine.”

Since then he’s returned to activities he loves:

  • Dancing
  • Running
  • Playing basketball
  • Boxing

All without the limitations he once feared might be permanent.

Why Surgery Isn’t Always the First Answer

Surgery has its place in certain cases.

But for many people dealing with FAI hip pain, it may not be the only option.

This athlete initially researched surgical outcomes and found that success rates can vary. That pushed him to explore alternatives before committing to something invasive.

And that decision ultimately changed the trajectory of his recovery.

As he puts it:

“There’s always a natural way before surgeries and medications.”

For many people, restoring proper tissue function, mobility, and movement mechanics can significantly reduce or eliminate pain.

A Message for Anyone Dealing With Hip Pain

His advice to others dealing with hip impingement is simple: Don’t rush straight into surgery. Take the time to explore solutions that help your body move better naturally.

With the right guidance, the right tools, and the right progression, recovery may be more possible than you think.

Ready to Start Fixing Your Hips?

If you're dealing with:

  • Hip impingement
  • Limited mobility
  • Chronic hip pain
  • Tight hips from years of training or sitting

The Hip Fix™ Program is designed to help you restore mobility, release tension, and rebuild strong, functional hips — step by step.

Thousands of people have already used this system to move better, eliminate pain, and get back to the activities they love.

And if you want even more guidance, you can also upgrade to the Hip Fix + Hip Specialist Coaching Program, where you get direct support and coaching to accelerate your progress.

As always, remember that you’re just one step away from building (or rebuilding) your perfect body.  

 

About The Author

Shane Dowd, CES, CMP is the owner/founder of GotROM.com. He is also a sports performance & mobility coach specializing in injury prevention and flexibility for athletes.

 



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