The labrum is a fibrocartilaginous ring that attaches to the outside edge of the hip joint socket (acetabulum). Its job is to act similar to a suction cup. It will deepen the joint, help absorb impact, stabilize the joint and facilitate even pressure distribution across the joint. Tears can be due to a traumatic event such as a dislocation/subluxation of the hip joint. However, most of these tears are due to microtrauma from repetitive movements, especially rotation and to a lesser extent end range extension, flexion and abduction. Things such as femoroacetabular impingement, capsular laxity/hip hypermobility, hip dysplasia and age can make the labrum more susceptible to injury.
Symptoms of labral tears include:
- Pain in the front of the hip and groin. Sometimes pain can be on the outside or back of the hip or radiate to the knee.
- Pain is often described as a dull ache with intermittent sharp pain with activity
- Hip can click (this is the most frequent), lock, catch, or give way
- Pain at end range positions of the hip joint, slight loss of range of motion
- Hip may feel unstable
- Can be aggravated by walking/running, pivoting, or prolonged sitting.
Conservative care can resolve symptoms, improve function and enable return to sport in many people with a labral injury. It is important to see a physician if symptoms are not improving. Typically a trial of conservative management last 10 to 12 weeks or longer if symptoms are improving but haven’t resolved yet. Conservative care should include:
- Strengthening exercises to improve the ability of the muscles to offload the hip joint and labrum. Core strength is also important to ensure proper pelvic stability.
- Motor control/balance exercises to improve the stability of the hip joint and allow for the hip to move properly while limiting rotational movements and end-range positions.
- Education on limiting aggravating movements and positions such as:
- pivoting or rotation
- end range flexion, extension and abduction
- sitting with knees lower than hips or with legs crossed
- avoiding standing or walking in an anterior pelvic tilt
- went squatting or climbing stairs, ensure proper alignment of hip, knee and ankle
Please follow the Physio Fixes program below for more information!
DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for medical counseling. By choosing to follow the information that follows, you recognize that despite all precautions taken by Physio Fixes Inc. there is a potential risk of injury and you expressly acknowledge such risks and waive, relinquish, and release any claim that you may have against Physio Fixes Inc. You should always get evaluated for exercise by a physician or medical professionals, especially if symptoms occur from a trauma or are worsening. The user agrees by purchasing this program that Physio Fixes will not be held responsible in the event that an injury occurs.
References
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Kawai M, Tateda K, Ikeda Y, Kosukegawa I, Nagoya S, Katayose M. The Short-term Outcomes of Physiotherapy for Patients with Acetabular Labral Tears: An Analysis according to Severity of Injury in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Hip Pelvis. 2022 Mar;34(1):45-55. doi: 10.5371/hp.2022.34.1.45. Epub 2022 Mar 7. PMID: 35355626; PMCID: PMC8931951.
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