Shoulder and hip pain caused by labrum tears is a common issue among athletes and adults of all ages but often goes undiagnosed by primary care doctors. If you need help with your shoulder or hip pain, see the orthopedic specialists at Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine in Westfield and West Orange, New Jersey and serving all of Union county, Morris county, Middlesex county, and Somerset county including the surrounding towns of Cranford, Garwood, Clark, Scotch Plains, Mountainside, Springfield, Summit, Chatham, Millburn, Short Hills, Maplewood, Watchung, Berkeley Heights, Livingston, Union, Edison, Woodbridge, and Elizabeth. Specializing in nonsurgical and minimally invasive therapies for shoulder and hip labrum tears, you can get the relief you need without an unwanted surgery. Schedule a consultation today by calling or booking online.

For appointments, call us or book online at any of our convenient locations in Middletown, Morristown, Ridgewood, Westfield, and West Orange.

What is a labrum tear?

The labrum is a piece of fibrocartilage that attaches the rim of your shoulder or hip joint — the socket — to your humerus or femur bones — the ball. When this piece of cartilage is torn, it’s called a labrum or labral tear. Labrum tears can result in minor to severe instability in the shoulder or hip, along with pain and dysfunction within the joint itself.

What are the signs of a labrum tear?

Signs of a labrum tear in the shoulder include:

Pain or tenderness in the shoulder
Popping and clicking
Feeling that the shoulder may slip or pop out of the socket
Locking or catching sensation when lifting the arm
Decreased range of motion

Depending on the severity of your injury and the overall function of your shoulder, these symptoms may cause mild concern or major disruption to your daily habits and level of function.

Signs of a labrum tear in the hip include:

Pain in the groin or front of the hip
Pain that increases with physical activity, especially flexing and rotating the hip
Popping, catching, or clicking in the hip
Feeling that the hip is stuck or locked
Limited range of motion

Labrum tears may occur gradually and cause chronic, low-grade pain or can happen suddenly and cause more obvious symptoms.

What causes labrum tears?

Labrum tears are usually caused by mechanical and soft tissue issues within the joint, though trauma is another possible cause. Mechanical and soft tissue problems can arise from:

Anatomical variations in your joint
Degenerative changes
Arthritis
Overuse injuries
Chronic wear and tear
Repetitive movements

The team can determine the most likely cause of your labrum tear during your consultation and exam.

How are labrum tears diagnosed and treated?

To effectively diagnose a labrum tear, the team refers you for an MRI and evaluates the results along with your symptoms and the location of your discomfort. Depending on the severity of your tear and any other joint issues you’re experiencing, the team may recommend one or more of the following treatments: