Los Altos, CA
With many individuals today leading such active lifestyles, hip problems related to the labrum have become a common complaint at the doctor’s office. If you have been diagnosed with this problem, you may still have some confusion regarding the dynamics of the pain and why it occurs.
Just like the meniscus of the knee, the labrum is comprised of fibrous tissue that follows the curved area of the femur and joins the pelvis, forming the hip joint. The labrum provides cushioning for the hip joint and maintains the ball’s positioning in the socket. Labral tears can occur from sports injuries or conditions such as osteoarthritis. In particular, golfers tend to experience hip pain related to the labrum. Tears and other labrum injuries are detectable by magnetic resonance imaging, which allows your physician to accurately identify and treat any problems.
Treatment for hip pain from the labrum usually involves one or more of the following:
● Physical therapy
● Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
● Corticosteroid injections; and/or
● Surgery
We can help design a program that best fits your treatment needs based on the severity and presentation of the pain and damage done to the labrum. A program of specific exercises can help you regain your strength, flexibility and range of motion. Your doctor may recommend NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections to help minimize the pain and reduce inflammation. If surgery is necessary for treatment, we will help you properly recover from the procedure with minimal difficulty, restoring your range of motion and increasing your muscle strength.
Whichever method you choose, we will help guide you through your activities to help prevent this painful condition from happening again. Fortunately, most people who obtain treatment for hip pain related to the labrum will experience relief and regain proper function.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kim Gladfelter, MPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Women's Health Physical Therapy Specialist at PhysioFit Physical Therapy & Wellness
Kim Gladfelter is a physical therapist, Pilates instructor, educator, author, and co-founder of PhysioFit Physical Therapy & Wellness. She is known as a keen, well-rounded expert of healing through movement and women’s health specialist in the Silicon Valley area.
Kim has helped men and women of all ages to stay active and feel their best. She also writes about managing pain in her health columns, blogs and the local Los Altos Town Crier newspaper as well as reaches out to the local community, support groups, schools, libraries, and sports centers to advise and educate on body awareness and therapeutic exercise.