What is the first treatment tried for hip labral tear?

The labrum is a ring of tissue around the hip socket that helps the ball-and-socket joint move with stability. A tear can cause groin pain, clicking, catching or discomfort with turning and sitting. Initial treatment aims to calm aggravating activity and improve the muscles that control the pelvis and hip. The plan depends on the tear, hip shape, activity demands and findings on examination or imaging.

Physiotherapy may improve movement patterns and reduce load on the irritated area, but it cannot stitch a torn labrum. If pain or mechanical symptoms continue despite a suitable rehabilitation plan, Hip Arthroscopy may be considered. During that procedure, the surgeon may assess whether Labral Repair is appropriate.

Temporarily avoid deep hip flexion, repeated pivoting and the specific movements that produce sharp pain or catching. Keep comfortable walking or other low-impact activity if it does not increase symptoms. Arrange an assessment so the clinician can distinguish a labral problem from hip impingement, muscle injury or another source of groin pain.

Follow the exercise plan gradually and report locking, giving-way or pain that persists after activity. Read more about [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) and [Hip Arthroscopy](/treatments/sports-and-arthroscopic-surgery/hip-arthroscopy/) before discussing options.

Get urgent assessment for severe pain after a fall, inability to bear weight, a deformed hip, fever with a hot swollen joint, or new leg weakness or numbness. Seek prompt review if the hip repeatedly locks, gives way, or pain prevents normal sleep and walking.

Ask whether the symptoms fit a labral tear, what imaging can show, and which activities should be paused. Ask how long to try physiotherapy, what would make arthroscopy reasonable, and whether repair rather than trimming is suitable.