What is the labrum of the hip?
The labrum is a fibrous rim of cartilage that covers and seals your hip socket. This lining of cartilage provides stability for the thigh bone (femur) inside of the hip socket (acetabulum), whilst also allowing flexibility.
How do tears happen?
Labral tears can occur from an injury involving a twist, slip, or repetitive stress. An example can be seen in gymnasts and ballet dancers as they perform movements that involve repeated pivots or flexion of their hip, therefore are more likely to damage their labrum than others.
Over time repetitive impingement of the hip joint can influence a tear or damage to the labrum. If not properly managed, a torn labrum may even lead to early degenerative arthritis.
What are the symptoms?
You may have a laburm tear if you are experiencing pain in the front of your hip, along with clicking, locking or catching of the hip joint. Prolonged sitting, standing, walking or pivoting can cause pain which may also lead to a limp when walking. Other signs and symptoms include joint stiffness or a feeling of instability in your hip.
How can Physiotherapy help?
If you are experiencing the mentioned signs and symptoms you should book and appointment to see your physiotherapist. If they suspect a labral tear, a series of tests will likely be performed to rule out any other conditions. Conformation of the diagnosis can be difficult to determine in the clinics, however if assumed, medical imaging can confirm the diagnosis. After diagnosis, your physiotherapist will aim to eliminate your symptoms and support you in your ability to return to pre-injury activity levels. Typical treatment plans often include a stretching and strengthening program.
Your physiotherapist will also be likely to address any training errors or neuromuscular imbalances, movement re-education and a range of manual techniques to help reduce pain. Other treatments that are available or may be used in conjunction to physiotherapy include pharmaceutical treatments, corticosteroid injection and arthroscopy. The right treatment course should be decided through consultation with your medical team and will be based on your goals for the future.
None of the information in this article is a replacement for proper medical advice. Always see a medical professional for advice on your individual injury.