The labrum is a thick form of cartilage which lines the periphery of the shoulder and hip socket, its main function is to promote joint stability. Injury to the labrum can be due to an acute incident (ie. dislocation) or can occur overtime due to wear and tear resulting in a degenerative tear. Labral injuries depending on the severity are usually accompanied by pain and loss of function in the joint.

There are two main options of treatment following damage to the Labrum, one is conservative treatment alone consisting of physiotherapy intervention and the second is surgical intervention combined with pre and post-operative physiotherapy. Which approach is best will depend on the type and severity of the tear and also to what level of activity the patient wishes to return to following injury. In cases where the tear is quite severe it is unlikely that this will improve with physiotherapy alone and surgical intervention is usually warranted. If the cartilage damage is quite mild physiotherapy is usually the recommended choice of treatment. With mild cartilage tears the majority of the damage is to the outer layer of the cartilage which is the part that has a blood supply and has the capability to regenerate. Our Chartered Physiotherapists through a combination of joint mobilisation techniques and progressive exercises will help you regain strength and function in the affected joint and aid the healing process.