Hip & Thigh
Hip Labral Tear
Also called: Acetabular labrum tear
A tear of the cartilage rim deepening the hip socket, usually from impingement shape (FAI), a twisting injury, or repetitive rotation (dance, hockey, golf). Notable: labral tears are common on MRI in pain-free hips — the tear must match your story and exam to matter.
Common signs
- Groin pain with clicking, catching, or a sense of instability
- Pain with pivoting, deep flexion, or prolonged sitting
- A deep ache after activity
- Positive impingement-type testing on exam
Seek help now if
- True locking of the joint
- Giving-way with falls
- Night pain or systemic symptoms
Any of these: call 911 or get to an emergency room first. Everything else can wait.
What to do first
- Exam first; imaging second — the clinical picture decides whether a tear on MRI is the problem
- A 3-month conservative program is the standard first path absent severe mechanical locking
- Modify the provocative arcs while strength is built
If it's become chronic
- Most tears are managed successfully without surgery via strength (glutes, rotators, core), motor control, and activity design
- Refractory mechanical symptoms in the right candidate: MR arthrogram and a hip-preservation surgical consult
- Either way, the muscles around the hip are the long-term protectors
Natural healing options we use
- Manual therapy and chiropractic care for the hip and pelvis
- Progressive strengthening program
- Neuromuscular control drills for rotation-heavy sports
- PEMF; collagen and omega-3 support
About imaging
MR arthrogram is the labrum's best test — ordered when the result would change management.
Daily self-care
- Avoid provocative end-ranges during flares
- Strengthen hips 3× weekly
- Warm up rotation thoroughly before sport
More in Hip & Thigh
Hip OsteoarthritisFemoroacetabular ImpingementGreater Trochanteric Pain SyndromeHip Flexor StrainHamstring StrainGroinMeralgia ParestheticaHip Pointer
Please read: this page is education, not a diagnosis. A proper examination is how a condition gets confirmed and a plan gets built. See our medical disclaimer.