Understanding Hip Labral Tears: How Bodhiworks Physiotherapy in Prahran Supports Your Recovery
Hip labral tears are a common yet often misunderstood source of hip pain, especially among active individuals and athletes. At Bodhiworks Physiotherapy in Prahran, we specialise in identifying and treating this complex condition through targeted, evidence-based physiotherapy. Whether you're struggling with limited mobility, sharp pain during activity, or discomfort at rest, our personalised treatment plans are designed to help you recover safely and return to the life you love. In this blog, we break down what hip labral tears are, why they happen, and how physiotherapy at Bodhiworks can make all the difference in your recovery.
What Is a Hip Labral Tear?
A hip labral tear occurs when the labrum—a ring of cartilage that lines the rim of the hip socket—becomes torn or frayed. The labrum provides stability and shock absorption for the hip joint. When damaged, it can lead to pain, limited movement and reduced function.
This condition affects people of all ages but is particularly common in:
Athletes in sports involving twisting and pivoting (e.g. soccer, hockey, dance)
Individuals with structural hip issues like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
Adults over 40 due to wear and tear
Common Causes of Hip Labral Tears
1. Acute Injuries
Sudden trauma—such as falls, car accidents or sports injuries—can cause the labrum to tear. This is especially common in contact sports or during high-impact landings.
2. Repetitive Stress
Long-term overuse from repetitive hip movements (like running or dancing) can gradually wear down the labrum. Up to 55% of athletes in high-impact sports report hip-related injuries caused by overuse.
3. Structural Abnormalities
Certain hip structures (e.g. shallow hip sockets or bony overgrowths) can predispose people to labral damage. These abnormalities often go unnoticed until pain develops.
4. Degenerative Changes
With age, the cartilage in the hip naturally begins to break down. Individuals over 45 years are more likely to develop degenerative labral tears as part of osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of a Hip Labral Tear
Recognising the signs of a labral tear is essential for early diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms include:
Hip or groin pain (often felt at the front or side)
Clicking, catching, or locking in the joint during movement
Reduced range of motion or stiffness
Pain during prolonged sitting, walking or standing
Radiating pain into the buttock or thigh
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to get assessed by a qualified physiotherapist.
How Physiotherapy Can Help with Hip Labral Tears
At Bodhiworks Physiotherapy, we specialise in evidence-based treatment for hip conditions, including labral tears. Physiotherapy is a non-invasive, highly effective approach to manage symptoms, improve joint function and prevent further injury.
1. Accurate Assessment & Diagnosis
We begin with a comprehensive biomechanical assessment, identifying not only the labral issue but any contributing factors such as pelvic alignment or muscle imbalances.
2. Personalised Rehabilitation Programs
Every patient receives a tailored treatment plan with goals such as:
Reducing pain and inflammation through manual therapy and targeted modalities
Restoring flexibility and mobility using stretching and mobility drills
Building strength and stability in the hip and core muscles to support the joint
Improving functional movement for everyday activities and athletic performance
3. Therapeutic Exercises
Our rehabilitation includes:
Gentle mobility work like hip rotations, stretches and functional range-of-motion drills
Targeted strength training for glutes, deep hip stabilisers and core musculature
Balance and proprioception training to enhance joint control and prevent recurrence
4. Manual Therapy Techniques
We use hands-on techniques such as:
Joint mobilisation to improve joint movement and reduce stiffness
Myofascial release and soft tissue techniques to alleviate muscle tightness
Visceral manipulation where appropriate, to address deeper restrictions contributing to dysfunction
5. Education & Injury Prevention
We empower you with knowledge about proper biomechanics, posture and activity modification—reducing the risk of future injuries and supporting long-term hip health.
When to Seek Help
If hip pain is interfering with your daily life or athletic performance, don’t wait. Early intervention is key to preventing further damage and achieving optimal recovery.
Book an assessment at Bodhiworks Physiotherapy in Prahran today. Our experienced team will work with you to develop a holistic, evidence-based plan to get you moving better—faster.
Final Thoughts
Hip labral tears can be frustrating and painful but with the right diagnosis and treatment plan, recovery is achievable. Physiotherapy offers a powerful, non-surgical pathway to reduce pain, restore function and regain your active lifestyle.
If you’re struggling with hip pain in Melbourne, don’t ignore the signs. Contact Bodhiworks Physiotherapy to schedule your initial consultation. Let’s work together to get you back on track—stronger and more mobile than ever.
