Medical Treatment & Activity Modification for Hip Labral Tears

Some activities—particularly those that require repeated rotation of the hip, such as golf, baseball, and ballet—may irritate a tear in the labrum and cause sharp pain in the hip or groin. By avoiding these, you may be able to participate in many other activities without experiencing any symptoms.

Over-the-counter medications, including acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and naproxen, may help ease hip pain by reducing inflammation in the hip joint and blocking nerve pathways that carry pain signals to the central nervous system. 

Occasionally, if significant pain caused by a hip labral tear interferes with your ability to participate in everyday activities, NYU Langone doctors may prescribe a stronger pain medication. Your doctor determines which medication is most appropriate for you, and for how long it should be taken.

NYU Langone rehabilitation doctors and physical therapists are specially trained to help people with hip labral tears learn simple stretching and strength-building exercises that can improve flexibility, range of motion, and overall function of the hip joint. In particular, building strength in nearby muscle groups—including the leg, thigh, and buttock muscles—provides extra support to your hip and takes some of the pressure off the hip joint when you walk and exercise. Our specialists can also identify movements that should be avoided, such as lunging and extending your leg straight out behind you. These put stress on the labrum and may cause pain. 

Our team of hip rehabilitation specialists and doctors works closely with you to create a therapeutic exercise routine that you are comfortable with and can perform regularly at home.