Did you know that an unhealthy hip joint can affect your pelvic floor? Hip pain associated with a Hip Labral Tear can trigger pelvic floor dysfunction, which can present as incontinence, pain with intercourse or general pain in the perineum, saddle or tailbone area. Often, people are treated separately for their hip issues and conditions associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. However, there is a strong connection between the two ailments. 

What is a Hip Labral Tear? 

The hip is a ball and socket joint.  The femoral head sits in the pelvis and is basically anchored into the socket (called the acetabulum) through the labrum, which is like a suction cup that keeps the femoral head in place. When the labrum is in tact, there is good movement of the joint. 

A Hip Labral Tear is a disruption of the suction cup of the labrum. A Hip Labral Tear may cause hip pain that is associated with clicking or popping of the hip. You can also have impingement, groin pain or even buttock pain into your low back, depending on how you move your hip. 

What’s the connection between hip pain and the pelvic floor?

Sometimes people who are being treated for a labral tear are also experiencing issues related to the pelvic floor and don’t realize that the two are connected. 

The hip joint sits underneath the musculature of the pelvic floor and is attached to the pelvis. Since the two are connected, the pelvis also contributes to the way the hip is moving and plays a role in adding stability and strength to the hip. 

If you have a Labral Tear, then all the other muscles around that hip have to work overtime to keep that ball in the socket. If those muscles are overworked, one of those being the pelvic floor, then over time this can create tension and cause pelvic floor dysfunction and its associated symptoms. 

Treatment for Hip Labral Tear

An integrative pelvic floor physical therapist can help you conservatively manage  your hip pain and pelvic floor dysfunction. It’s important to look at the whole picture to understand how the two conditions affect each other. To discuss your symptoms with one of our physical therapists, click here to schedule a complimentary phone consultation.