Understanding Hip Labral Tears in Women: Causes, Diagnosis, and What to Do Next

If you’ve been feeling deep, persistent pain in your hip or groin that just won’t go away, you’re not alone. Hip pain in women—especially active women—can stem from many causes, but one condition we’re seeing more frequently in the clinic is a hip labral tear.

Let’s unpack what this injury is, why it’s so common in women, and how it’s diagnosed accurately so you can get on the path to feeling (and moving) better again.

What Is a Hip Labral Tear?

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the rim of your hip socket (the acetabulum). It acts like a cushion and a suction seal, helping to:

• Deepen the socket for greater joint stability

• Absorb shock during movement

• Allow smooth, pain-free hip motion

A labral tear happens when this cartilage ring becomes frayed or torn. The tear can cause catching, clicking, or locking sensations, and often leads to deep groin or hip pain, especially during twisting, pivoting, or sitting for long periods.

Why Are Women More Prone to Hip Labral Tears?

While labral tears can happen to anyone, research shows women are at a slightly higher risk due to a few key factors:

1. Hip Structure: Women can naturally have a pelvis that is wider, which can affect hip alignment and how forces travel through the joint. This can create more stress on the labrum over time.

2. Hormonal Influences: Hormones like estrogen can affect ligament and cartilage elasticity, sometimes leading to subtle changes in hip stability—especially during pregnancy or perimenopause.

3. Movement Patterns: Activities involving repetitive hip rotation or extreme range of motion (like yoga, running, dance, or volleyball) can increase strain on the hip joint.

4. Delayed Diagnosis: Hip pain in women is sometimes misattributed to “tight hip flexors,” bursitis, or low back issues. This delay in accurate diagnosis can allow a tear to worsen over time.

Common Symptoms of a Hip Labral Tear

Women with a labral tear often describe their pain as:

• Deep in the groin or front of the hip

• Worse with sitting, squatting, or pivoting

• Accompanied by clicking, locking, or a sense of instability

• Occasionally radiating to the thigh or buttock

It’s important to note that symptoms can vary—some women experience sharp pain, while others feel more of a dull, nagging ache that limits activity.

How Is a Hip Labral Tear Diagnosed?

Getting the right diagnosis is key. Here’s how clinicians typically identify a labral tear:

1. Clinical Evaluation

A skilled physical therapist or healthcare provider will start with a detailed history and physical exam. They’ll assess:

• How your pain behaves (what makes it better or worse)

• Your movement patterns, hip strength, and range of motion

• Specific orthopedic tests that can reproduce the pain or “catching” sensation in the hip

2. Imaging Studies

While X-rays can rule out bone issues, MRI arthrograms (an MRI with contrast dye injected into the hip joint) are considered the most accurate imaging for detecting labral tears. However, not every case requires an MRI—many mild to moderate tears respond well to conservative treatment once the clinical signs are clear.

3. Differential Diagnosis

Hip labral tears can mimic other conditions such as hip impingement (FAI), hip bursitis, or even pelvic floor dysfunction. A thorough assessment ensures you’re targeting the right problem from the start.

What to Do If You Suspect a Hip Labral Tear

The good news? Most women with labral tears don’t need surgery. Early and focused physical therapy can make a tremendous difference.

At Stay Active Physical Therapy & Wellness, treatment focuses on:

• Improving hip mobility without irritating the joint

• Strengthening the glutes and deep stabilizers to support the hip

• Addressing alignment and movement patterns that overload the labrum

• Gradually reintroducing activity to restore confidence and comfort in movement

When needed, we collaborate with local orthopedic providers for imaging or injections—but for many, conservative management provides excellent results.

The Takeaway

Hip labral tears in women are common but often underdiagnosed. If you’re experiencing deep hip or groin pain that hasn’t improved with rest or stretching, it’s worth getting it checked out.

An accurate diagnosis, personalized movement plan, and guidance from a skilled physical therapist can help you get back to doing what you love—without pain holding you back.

Stay Active Physical Therapy & Wellness

 Helping women in Fuquay-Varina and surrounding areas move better, feel stronger, and stay active for life.

 📞 919-228-8822 | 🌐 www.stayactivephysicaltherapy.com