Shockwave Therapy for a Hip Labral Tear
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is an effective treatment option for a grade I hip labral tear particularly for pain relief, promoting soft tissue healing in surrounding structures, and improving mobility. For grades II, III and IV post-surgery it can aid in improving function.
When combined with other physiotherapy modalities such as manual therapy, and exercise rehabilitation, it can provide a comprehensive approach that addresses the symptoms and makes it faster and easier for clients to return to their normal activities. For a pricise diagnosis a MRI scan is advised.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is A Hip Labral Tear?
A hip labral tear also known as an acetabular labral tear occurs when there is damage to the labrum in the hip joint from trauma, repetitive movements, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, or age. Symptoms can include hip pain, groin pain, hip stiffness, or a clicking or popping sensation.
Grades of labral tears:
Grade I – A minor tear in the outer edge of the labrum that does not extend to the cartilage.
Grade II – A more significant tear that extends further into the labrum but does not extend to the cartilage.
Grade III – A complete labrum tear that does not affect the cartilage.
Grade IV – A complete tear that extends into the cartilage.
Types of tears:
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Anterior Labral Tear
This is the most common type of labral tear that occurs in the front of the hip joint. It can be caused by repetive twisting.
Posterior Labral Tear
This occurs at the back of the hip joint and is less common. It can be caused by trauma to the back of the hip.
If you think you have a hip labral tear and would like some advice then book your FREE phone consultation online now, drop us an email or phone us on 07760 536155 for a quick chat.
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Treats Hip Labral Tears
- Promotes healing and tissue repair
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Reduces muscle and tendon tension
- Improves hip function and mobility
Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or drop us an email to find out more about how we can help.
Treatment Protocol for Hip Labral Tears
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy for a grade I labral tear usually involves 5 to 8 sessions, spaced about one week apart. Each session lasts 30 minutes. The exact number of sessions may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the client’s response to treatment. Grades II, III and IV will involve post-surgery rehab protocols.
Intensity And Frequency
The intensity and frequency of the shockwaves are carefully adjusted based on the client’s pain tolerance and the characteristics of the tear.
Minimal Downtime
For a grade I tear clients can usually resume normal activities immediately after treatment, although they will be advised to avoid strenuous, or high-impact activities for a short period if possible.
Post-Treatment Sensation
Some clients may experience mild soreness or swelling in the treated area. This typically resolves within a few days.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Hip Labral Tears
Non-Invasive
Focused shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment, avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with surgical intervention.
Effective Pain Relief
Many clients experience significant pain reduction after just a few sessions, improving their quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
Accelerated Healing
The therapy promotes faster healing of the surrounding tissue often reducing the overall recovery time compared to other treatments.
Long Lasting Results
By addressing the root causes of the labral tear, focused shockwave therapy combined with physiotherapy can provide long-term relief in some cases.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating some labral tears, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for a Hip Labral Tear
Fast recovery time
If there is a need for quick recovery, such as an upcoming event, competition, or work-related activity.
History of labral tear
If you have a history of labral tears or related hip issues that have not responded well to previous alternative treatments.
Severe pain is limiting activity
If the pain is severe and significantly limits your ability to perform daily activities, particularly involving twisting, bending or lifting.
Avoid or minimise medication
For those who wish to avoid or minimise the use of medications, such as anti-inflammatories or corticosteroid injections, due to potential side effects.
Calcium deposits
If imaging investigations (e.g., X-rays, ultrasound) show calcium deposits in the surrounding tendons (calcific tendonitis).
Focused shockwave therapy can reduce pain and promote healing in the early stages of a grade I labral tear, preventing further deterioration of the labrum, and help with post-surgery rehabilitation for grades II, III, and IV tears.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
It’s difficult to know where to start but I found Nim after hearing a podcast about shockwave therapy, Google led me there and my first meeting with her gave me the reassurance to give her a go.
I suffered a spinal fracture nearly ten years ago, recurring sciatica, lower back pain, daily aches and stiffness. A diagnosis of arthritis and years of chiropractors, osteo’s, physio’s and rheumatologists.
Nim took one look at me and noticed my pelvic twist, my imbalance caused from years of compensating for pain. Coupled with focused shockwave to repair the damage that never properly healed and targeted stretches, nothing rocket science or hard to fit in to a busy schedule. Now I am pain free for the first time that I can remember, my mobility has returned and the ‘arthritis’ gone.
Thankyou Nim, you are a true healer and proof that there is help out there if you are strong and willing enough to refuse a lifelong diagnosis and find the help you need. 11 stars from me.
I was told how good Nim was by another satisfied client which was why I decided to finally tackle a decades old problem - a horrible crunchy rotator cuff which was limiting my arm movement. The shockwave therapy really works and Nim is both very friendly and extremely knowledgeable, supporting the therapy with a programme of exercises to do at home. I've got far more movement in my shoulder now, thanks to Nim!
Having previously tried radial shockwave treatment, which was painful (due to the hammering action) and ineffective, I did some research and decided to try FSWT. I noticed an immediate pain reduction in relation to my plantar fasciitis, which had been persistent for over 6 months. The improvement to my knee pain came more gradually, but it had been an issue for many years. But after 5 treatments I was almost pain free. Nim was very professional and friendly and also offered advice on when to avoid and start normal activities and also included stretching programmes. I'm glad I made the investment and managed to get myself back to my outdoor hobbies before summer.
After almost two years of either living in (sometimes debilitating) pain with plantar fasciitis (PF) and not doing anything about it or having some unproductive and even counterproductive osteopathy and physiotherapy sessions/advice, I did some research into best treatments for PF and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy (FSWT).
After 3 sets of FSWT sessions I'm now almost pain free, and I'm certain that a few more sessions will completely eradicate the PF. Unfortunately, at the end of last year I was hit with painful sciatica, and an MRI confirmed that I have two herniated discs (HDs). Nim advised me that FSWT works wonders with HDs, and since this is now my main complaint, we decided to focus on the sciatica, and will then intercalate the PF treatment. I'm feeling very positive about it!
Nim is a very knowledgeable, competent and professional physiotherapist, and an incredibly kind and caring person. She is always patient and keeps reassuring me every time I get frustrated. In addition to the FSWT sessions, I was given a tailored home stretch and self-treatment programme, both for the PF and for the HDs/sciatica.
I cannot recommend Nim and her magical machine enough! Thank you for everything, Nim :)
I came to Nim several months ago frustrated and in pain with a herniated disc what just wasn't healing. I arrived with restricted movement and pain everyday, even when I coughed of sneezed! I paid for 2 sets of shockwave therapy and it is the first time in a year where I feel like myself again. She not only provided the treatment but also was kind, and incredibly reassuring in my moments of frustration. Thank you for everything!
