Shoulder · Trenton, MI
Labral Tears (Shoulder & Hip)
Physical therapy for labral tears (shoulder & hip) at Total Body Rehab — evaluation-driven, one-on-one care in Trenton, serving all of Downriver.
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that deepens the socket of the shoulder and hip, improving stability. Tears happen from dislocations, repetitive overhead sports, heavy lifting, or hip impingement — and they can cause pain, catching, and a sense of instability.
Many labral tears are managed successfully without surgery by strengthening the muscles that stabilize the joint and correcting the mechanics that stress the labrum.
Common signs & symptoms
- Deep joint pain — in the shoulder or in the groin for hip tears
- Clicking, catching, or locking sensations
- A feeling of instability or slipping
- Pain with overhead throwing or deep hip flexion
- Aching after activity
How physical therapy helps
Rehab focuses on dynamic stability: strengthening the rotator cuff and scapular muscles for shoulder tears, or the deep hip rotators and glutes for hip tears, while correcting the movement patterns that aggravate the joint. If your tear does require repair, we provide structured post-surgical rehab per your surgeon's protocol.
Treatments we use
- Dynamic stability training
- Manual therapy
- Movement pattern correction
- Post-surgical labral repair rehab
- Sport-specific progression
Frequently asked questions
Does a labral tear mean surgery?
Not necessarily. Many people with labral tears return to full activity with rehab alone — imaging findings don't always match symptoms. Surgery is considered when instability or catching persists despite good rehab.
Can a labral tear heal itself?
The labrum has limited blood supply, so tears rarely heal fully — but pain and function frequently improve dramatically as the surrounding muscles take on more stabilizing work.
How long is recovery after labral repair surgery?
Commonly 4–6 months, sport-dependent. We follow your surgeon's protocol through protection, motion restoration, strengthening, and return-to-sport phases.
This page is general education, not a diagnosis. For advice about your specific situation, schedule an evaluation or talk with your physician.