Exercises for a hip labral tear

The labrum is a rim of cartilage around the hip socket. A tear may be associated with groin or hip pain, clicking, catching, or reduced confidence during turning and pivoting. Symptoms vary with the tear, hip shape, activity, and other joint changes, so an exercise plan needs individual assessment.

Early rehabilitation often targets gentle hip motion, abdominal control, glute strength, and balance. Deep hip flexion, twisting under load, or forcing the hip into a painful end position may increase symptoms even when the exercise looks ordinary.

A physiotherapist can select movements such as supported bridges, side-lying hip work, controlled sit-to-stand practice, and low-impact conditioning. Keep the range comfortable, avoid holding the breath, and change one exercise variable at a time. Cycling or swimming may be suitable for some people, but the hip position must remain tolerable.

Temporarily reduce deep squats, repeated pivots, high-impact drills, and prolonged positions that cause catching. If a structured programme does not improve function, an orthopaedic review can discuss options such as hip arthroscopy or labral repair in the context of the full examination.

Arrange review for persistent groin pain, repeated catching, loss of hip movement, or symptoms that prevent normal work or sport. Seek prompt help after a fall with inability to bear weight, sudden severe pain, or a new change in leg position.

Ask which hip positions to limit, how to measure progress, whether the symptoms fit the labral tear or another source of hip pain, and what would make further imaging or surgical discussion reasonable.