Hip Labral Tears: Physiotherapy Assessment & Rehabilitation
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that stabilises the hip joint. Tears can occur with sport, repetitive movement, trauma, or alongside bony changes like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). At Fit 2 Function Allied Health, we provide evidence-based assessment and rehabilitation to reduce pain, improve function, and support return to activity.
This page explains what hip labral tears are, how they are diagnosed, and how physiotherapy can guide recovery.
What is a hip labral tear?
The hip labrum acts as a cushion and stabiliser for the hip joint. Labral tears may cause:
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Deep hip or groin pain
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Catching, clicking, or locking sensations
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Pain with hip flexion, rotation, or prolonged sitting
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Reduced hip range of motion
Labral tears often occur in combination with FAI or trauma, and can affect both athletes and active adults.
How are hip labral tears diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves:
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Detailed history of symptoms and aggravating activities
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Physical examination assessing hip range of motion, strength, and movement patterns
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Imaging if required:
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MRI / MR Arthrogram: gold standard for labral tears
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X-rays may be used to assess underlying bony morphology
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Early physiotherapy assessment can identify contributing movement patterns and reduce the need for invasive interventions.
Physiotherapy management of hip labral tears
Management focuses on conservative strategies first unless surgical referral is indicated:
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Movement modification: avoid aggravating positions while maintaining safe activity
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Strengthening: gluteal, core, and hip stabiliser muscles
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Mobility work: controlled hip range of motion
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Load management: gradual return to functional tasks and sport
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Education: understanding safe movement, activity pacing, and injury prevention
Surgery may be considered if symptoms persist or mechanical issues limit function, but structured rehabilitation remains essential for optimal outcomes.
Return to sport and activity
Return is guided by objective criteria:
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Pain-free functional movement and sport-specific drills
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Strength and symmetry of hip and lower limb muscles
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Confidence and movement control
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Gradual increase in intensity and volume
Most patients with conservative or post-surgical management can return to sport and recreational activities with structured rehab.
Book a hip labral tear assessment
If you have hip pain, catching, or clicking, our physiotherapists can assess your hip, identify contributing factors, and develop a personalised rehabilitation plan.
Learn more about hip & groin injuries & physiotherapy
Explore our other shoulder condition pages to understand evidence-based assessment, rehabilitation, and return-to-activity strategies:
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) & Hip-Related Groin Pain | Gluteal Tendinopathy (Lateral Hip Pain) | Adductor-Related Groin Pain | Hip OsteoarthritisĀ | Hip Labral Tears
Our physiotherapists provide individualised programs focused on restoring movement, strength, and long-term hip and groin health.
