What is a Hip Labral Tear?
A hip labral tear is an injury affecting the labrum, the ring of cartilage surrounding the hip socket (acetabulum). The labrum plays a crucial role in stabilising the hip joint, cushioning movement, and preventing excessive friction between the femur and the pelvis. When this cartilage tears, it can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and a catching or locking sensation in the hip.
Hip labral tears can develop due to several factors, including:
Acute Injury: Direct trauma from falls, collisions, or sports-related impacts can result in a tear.
Repetitive Stress: Activities that involve repeated hip rotation, flexion, or pivoting—such as running, golf, or ballet—can strain the labrum over time.
Structural Abnormalities: Conditions like Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) create irregular contact between the femoral head and acetabulum, increasing the risk of tearing.
Degenerative Changes: Age-related changes, along with osteoarthritis, can gradually weaken the labrum, leading to tears.
Causes of a Hip Labral Tear
A hip labral tear may present with various symptoms, including:
Deep pain in the front of the hip or groin, sometimes extending to the buttocks.
A clicking, catching, or locking sensation when moving the hip.
Stiffness and reduced range of motion at the hip.
A feeling of instability or weakness in the hip, particularly when standing on one leg.
Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, walking, or specific movements like twisting and squatting.
Symptoms of a Hip Labral Tear
If you experience persistent hip pain, a physiotherapist or sports physician can perform a thorough assessment, which may include:
Clinical Examination – Evaluating hip mobility, strength, and pain triggers.
Specialised Tests – Manoeuvres such as the FABER test (Flexion, Abduction, External Rotation) to reproduce symptoms.
Imaging – MRI or MR Arthrogram (MRA) to confirm the tear and assess the severity of cartilage damage.
Diagnosing a Hip Labral Tear
Can a Labral Tear Heal Without Surgery?
Many hip labral tears can be effectively managed without surgery. Physiotherapy is the first-line treatment, focusing on:
Phase 1: Pain Relief & Protection
Avoid aggravating positions, such as deep hip flexion and prolonged sitting.
Modify daily activities to reduce strain on the labrum.
Use anti-inflammatory strategies, including ice therapy and prescribed pain relief medications.
Phase 2: Restoring Mobility & Strength
Improve joint flexibility and restore normal hip movement.
Strengthen core and hip stabiliser muscles to offload pressure on the labrum.
Enhance proprioception (joint awareness) to improve movement patterns.
Phase 3: Returning to Sport & Activity
Gradual reintroduction to functional activities and sport-specific movements.
Gait retraining and neuromuscular control exercises to optimise biomechanics.
Establishing a strengthening program to be done consistently to ensure long-term hip joint stability.
When is Surgery Needed?
If non-surgical treatments fail to relieve symptoms, surgical intervention may be considered. Hip arthroscopy is the most common procedure, which may involve:
Labral Repair – Reattaching the torn labrum to restore function.
Labral Debridement – Removing frayed or damaged sections to reduce irritation.
FAI Correction – Reshaping the femoral head or acetabulum if bony impingement is contributing to the tear.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Recovery from hip labral surgery typically spans 3–6 months, with a structured rehabilitation plan that includes:
Initial Phase: Pain management, gentle mobility exercises, and gradual weight-bearing.
Strengthening Phase: Targeted muscle activation and controlled strengthening.
Return-to-Activity Phase: Sport-specific drills and movement retraining to prevent recurrence.
If you suspect a hip labral tear, early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing further joint damage. A physiotherapist can guide you through a tailored rehabilitation program to restore function and get you back to your desired activities safely.
For expert assessment and treatment, book an appointment with Melbourne Physio Clinic today.