HIP LABRAL TEARS
If you’ve experienced hip pain, or a sensation of the hip locking up, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.
What is a Labral Tear?
A labral tear in the hip affects the ring of special cartilage that lines the outer rim of the hip socket. The labrum functions as a cushion for the joint, as well as helping to seal the thigh bone securely into the hip socket.
Athletes participating in fast-paced and leg intensive sports such as hockey, soccer, football, and ballet have a much higher risk of tearing the labrum than the general population. Bone spurs and osteoarthritis in the hip joint may also can lead to a hip labral tear.
What are the Symptoms of a Labral Tear?
Hip labral tears cause similar symptoms regardless of their location in the body. Hip labral tear symptoms include:
- Groin, buttocks, and hip pain– especially while walking or running, and sometimes while sleeping at night.
- Stiffness and limited range of motion in the hip.
- A clicking or locking sensation in the hip joint when moving.
Certain labral tears can possibly cause no symptoms, and patients can go for many years without noticing.
Treatment for Hip Labral Tears
Treatment for hip labral tears depends on symptom severity, activity level, and the extent of tissue damage. Specialists often recommend activity modification, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and improve hip strength, flexibility, and stability. Physical therapists guide exercises that strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip, improve range of motion, and correct movement patterns that place excessive stress on the joint. Specialists may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief when conservative treatment does not provide adequate improvement. Surgeons perform hip arthroscopy to repair or remove damaged labral tissue when persistent pain, mechanical symptoms, or functional limitations continue despite nonsurgical treatment. Rehabilitation after surgery includes progressive weight-bearing, targeted strengthening, flexibility exercises, balance training, and a gradual return to daily activities and sports under medical supervision.
Recovery for Hip Labral Tears
Recovery after treatment for a hip labral tear requires a gradual progression that restores strength, mobility, and hip function. Patients follow activity restrictions during the early healing phase while using crutches for a short period after surgery when recommended. Physical therapists guide range-of-motion exercises, strengthening activities, balance training, and gait retraining to improve stability and reduce stress on the hip joint. Patients gradually increase weight-bearing and daily activities according to the surgeon’s recommendations. Follow-up appointments allow healthcare providers to monitor healing, evaluate progress, and adjust the rehabilitation program. Consistent participation in physical therapy, adherence to home exercise programs, and avoidance of high-impact activities during early recovery support a safe return to work, exercise, and sports over the following months.
If you would like to speak to one of our orthopedic Specialists, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.
