Treating a Torn Hip Labrum with Physical Therapy

Your hip labrum, a ring of cartilage found in your hip joint, serves as a stabilizer and shock absorber. When this ring is damaged, it can cause debilitating pain and affect your ability to enjoy life.

Treatment for these injuries can take different forms. Minor tears may need nothing more than medication and rest. The most severe tears may require surgery and a lengthy recovery time. But often, physical therapy may get you back to the life you want.

What Causes Labral Tears?

Damage occurs when part of the labrum gets pulled away from the socket. Injuries can occur gradually or as the result of a sudden impact. Among the common causes:

• Repetitive hip motions by athletes involved in high-impact sports are the most common culprit. This group includes dancers and athletes who play soccer, ice hockey and football. Tears can be caused both by overuse and by sudden impact. Problems can also arise from improper form or techniques.
• Traumatic injuries, including car accidents, can cause tears.
• Osteoarthritis and other degenerative conditions are linked to labral tears. Cartilage erosion can lead to a tear. And a tear can increase your risk of developing arthritis later in life.
• Structural issues in the hip, including hip dysplasia, can put excess stress on the labrum, making it more vulnerable to tearing.
• Regular wear and tear associated with aging can take a toll on the labrum.

Symptoms Can Vary

Symptoms can vary widely, with some patients not even realizing they have a tear. But frequently, people experience some combination of symptoms, including:

• A deep pain or ache in the front of your hip that may become worse when squatting, pivoting or getting out of a car
• Limited range of motion
• There may be a painful clicking or popping when moving your hip
• It may feel like something is stuck in your hip or blocking your ability to move it
• Pain may become worse after a long walk or after sitting for a lengthy time
• Your hip may feel unstable, as though it might give way

In some cases, the pain and other symptoms can be debilitating. Without treatment, these injuries will not heal on their own.

Treating Labral Tears

Some injuries are severe enough that they will require surgery. But a more conservative approach is generally initially recommended, with an emphasis on physical therapy.

Your therapist will start by assessing your range of motion, how well you are moving and any functional problems you may have. How well are you walking? Can you perform basic daily tasks? What activities do you want to do, but can’t?

From there, your therapist will work with you to help you get where you want to be. That will include education to help you better understand the source of your pain and how it can be altered through exercises aimed at improving both muscle strength and flexibility.

You’ll learn exercises to help your body move better and avoid putting excessive stress on the joint. These stretching techniques will strive to restore normal movement in your back, hips and legs – while protecting the area around the labral tear.

Strengthening exercises will focus on your lower body and core muscles. Depending on your condition, you may start with exercises while lying down before progressing to others in a standing position. The goal is to teach your body how to move safely, while reducing tension and strain on your hip.

Getting the most out of physical therapy requires that you take an active role in your treatment. Listen to your therapist and follow the chosen treatment plan.

Don’t skip sessions. And, most importantly, do your homework. The office sessions are designed to give you the tools to take care of yourself and to measure your progress over time. But the patients who achieve the best results are those who do their exercises at home between sessions and after the official treatment period is over.