Hip Labral Tear Treatment in NJ

Clifton Physical Therapy

Hip Labral Tear Treatment in NJ

What Is a Hip Labral Tear?

A hip labral tear occurs when the labrum — a ring of soft fibrocartilage around the hip socket — is damaged. This structure helps seal the joint, provides stability, and allows smooth gliding between the thigh bone (femur) and the pelvic socket (acetabulum). When the labrum is torn, that natural cushioning is disrupted, leading to pain, stiffness, or instability.

Anatomically, your hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The top of the femur fits into the acetabulum of the pelvis, and the labrum supports this connection. A tear in the labrum compromises that support, which may cause the bones to rub against one another more than they should.

What Leads to Hip Labral Tears?

Hip labral tears often occur when the hip joint experiences repeated stress or abnormal forces. Understanding the underlying causes can help patients protect their hips and guide effective treatment. Common causes include:

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

FAI happens when the hip bones don’t align properly. This can be a natural anatomical variation or develop over time due to repetitive activity and strain. When the femoral head (thigh bone) and acetabulum (hip socket) don’t glide smoothly, they create friction that can slowly damage the labrum. Over months or years, this friction may result in a tear. People with FAI often notice stiffness, groin discomfort, and reduced range of motion, especially during deep squats, twisting movements, or prolonged sitting.

Injuries and Trauma

Labral tears can also be caused by sudden or forceful impacts, such as:

  • Bullet List 1· Sports-related stress: Activities involving pivoting, jumping, or twisting—like soccer, ballet, hockey, or running—can strain the hip.

  • Falls or accidents: Landing awkwardly or taking a hard fall can tear the labrum.

  • Motor vehicle accidents: Even minor collisions can generate enough force to damage the cartilage.

Athletes are particularly susceptible, but anyone can experience a tear from an unusual load or twist of the hip.

Osteoarthritis and Degeneration

Osteoarthritis is the gradual wearing down of joint cartilage over time. As cartilage thins, the labrum becomes more exposed to stress, increasing the risk of tearing. Everyday movements—bending, walking, or prolonged standing—can contribute to gradual damage. In busy urban environments or physically demanding routines, even small repeated stresses can add up, leading to stiffness, discomfort, and limited mobility.

Other Risk Factors

Several additional factors may increase the likelihood of a labral tear, including:

  • Bullet List 1· Hip dysplasia: A shallow hip socket increases pressure on the labrum.

  • Repetitive motion: Occupations or hobbies that require frequent hip rotation or deep bending can strain the joint.

  • Muscle imbalances: Weakness in the glutes, core, or hip stabilizers can cause improper hip mechanics, placing uneven stress on the labrum.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Hip labral tears don’t always present in the same way. Some people feel only mild discomfort, while others have sharp, limiting pain. Common symptoms include:

  • Deep-seated hip or groin pain, often aggravated by bending or twisting

  • Stiffness in the hip joint after sitting or resting

  • A clicking, catching, or “popping” feeling when moving the hip

  • Sensations of instability or giving way

  • Radiating discomfort into the lower back, thigh, or buttock

How Clinicians Diagnose Hip Labral Tears

Diagnosing a labral tear involves a mix of clinical examination and imaging. At our Clifton clinic, here’s how we approach it:

Patient History & Physical Exam
We begin by asking about your pain onset, triggers, daily activities, and movement limitations. Then, we perform clinical tests that are validated in research: physical therapists can reach 80–85% diagnostic accuracy when evaluating for labral tears. (Source: PMC)

Functional Movement Assessment
We analyze how you walk, squat, sit, and perform everyday tasks to identify faulty mechanics or muscle imbalances.

Imaging (as needed)
Based on clinical findings, we may recommend MRI (often 3T) to better visualize the labrum. Severity of the tear (for example, using the Czerny classification) helps guide whether conservative care is likely to succeed. Notably, a recent physiotherapy study showed that patients with less severe (Czerny I or II) tears had significant improvement in quality-of-life scores after about 4–5 months of PT. (Source: PubMed)

Collaborative Planning
After diagnosis, our team works with your orthopedic provider (if needed) to align on a treatment strategy — whether non-operative or referring for surgical options.

How Hip Labral Tears Are Treated

Many patients with hip labral tears can improve significantly with non-surgical care, especially when therapy begins early. At Clifton Physical Therapy, our approach combines targeted exercises, manual therapy, and movement retraining to restore stability, reduce pain, and improve function.

Conservative treatment options include:

  • Therapeutic exercises to strengthen the glutes, hip stabilizers, and core muscles.

  • Stretching programs to release tight hip flexors, inner thighs, and surrounding tissues.

  • Manual therapy to improve joint mobility and decrease stiffness.

  • Posture and movement retraining to reduce stress on the labrum during daily activities.

  • Activity modification guidance to prevent aggravation of the tear while still maintaining mobility.

Evidence from clinical studies shows that patients with labral tears often experience meaningful reductions in pain and functional limitations within 8–12 weeks of structured physical therapy. (PubMed)

Exercises to Relieve Hip Labral Tear Pain

Exercises for hip labral tears focus on flexibility, strength, and stability, which help reduce stress on the joint and promote healing.

1. Standing Hip Flexor Stretch

  • Stand with one leg forward and the other behind.

  • Shift weight gently forward until you feel a stretch in the front hip.

  • Hold 30 seconds, repeat 3 times per side.

2. Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch

  • Kneel on one knee with the other foot forward.

  • Lean slightly forward, keeping the torso upright.

  • Hold 30 seconds, repeat 3 times per side.

3. Horizontal Squat Stretch

  • Begin on all fours and walk your knees apart comfortably.

  • Lower your hips back toward your heels, keeping arms relaxed.

  • Hold 30–60 seconds, repeat 3 times.

4. Standing or Butterfly Inner Thigh Stretch

  • Stand wide and shift weight to one leg, or sit and bring the soles of your feet together.

  • Lean forward gently to stretch the inner thighs.

  • Hold 30 seconds, repeat 3 times per side.

5. Single-Leg Bridge

  • Bullet List 1· Lie on your back, feet flat, lift one leg straight.

  • Push through the grounded heel and lift hips, hold 2–5 seconds.

  • Repeat 10 times per side.

6. Standing Hip Abduction

  • Stand tall, lift one leg to the side, hold 2–3 seconds.

  • Repeat 10 times per side, optionally adding a resistance band for more challenge.

These exercises are adapted to your pain level and functional needs. A physical therapist at Clifton PT will guide you step by step to ensure proper form and avoid aggravating the labrum.

When Is Surgery Needed for a Hip Labral Tear?

Surgery may be considered if:

  • Pain does not improve after several months of physical therapy

  • The labral tear is large, unstable, or complex

  • Structural issues like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) are present

  • Hip function limits daily activities or sports

The most common procedure is hip arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgery where small incisions and a camera allow the surgeon to:

  • Remove frayed or damaged labral tissue

  • Stitch tears back together

  • Reconstruct the labrum using grafts if necessary

  • Reshape hip bones in cases of FAI

Don’t let pain control your life — schedule a consultation today and start your journey toward lasting relief. Call us at (973)-241-1338 to book your appointment.

What others are saying

"I recently had ankle surgery and Clifton PT has been nothing short of amazing! My goal was to get back to playing soccer as quick as possible before the college season started and so far I'm right on track. Izzy, Bianca, Tiff, and John have gone above and beyond to make sure I'm back to 100%. Couldn't be more grateful to be treated by the best team ever!." - Nat Rufino

All the therapists at Clifton Physical Therapy are awesome, but I spend most of my time with Izzy and Bianca—and they’ve been amazing. They’re enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and always take the time to explain what I’m doing and what my issues are. Their positive energy and clear communication make a big difference in my recovery." - Bryan Tompkins

"Going Clifton physical therapy was one of the best thing that came out of my back pain! Every single staff member is amazing and cares for your recovery! I have been with them for the past couple of months and now continuing their workout program! I can’t recommend them enough! Tiffany, Izzy, Bianca and everyone else I have worked with there! Can’t rave about them enough!!." - Monica Mehta

"Clifton Physical Therapy has been a great place for me to heal my meniscus tear. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, and has been extremely helpful in guiding me through my recovery. I highly recommend their services.." - Kelly Bevando


Clifton Physical Therapy


✆ Phone (appointments): (973)-241-1338


Address: 1059 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton, NJ 07012