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Shoulder Labrum (SLAP)Tear
Imagine life without Pain
Shoulder Labrum (SLAP) Tear is an injury to the labrum — a soft rim of cartilage lining the shoulder socket. SLAP tears usually consist of a shoulder lesion or shoulder labrum tear.
Caused by a tear or lesion in the top of the cartilage surrounding the shoulder joint, a Shoulder Labrum (SLAP)Tear is generally accompanied by a consistent set of symptoms, though their severity can vary.
Regardless of the specific cause, this injury can significantly weaken athletic performance and even limit your ability to complete everyday tasks.
Signs and symptoms of Shoulder Labrum (SLAP)Tear
The most common symptoms of Shoulder Labrum (SLAP)Tear include a deep and persistent pain in the shoulder joint, a limited range of motion, an inability to lift objects overhead, and locking, popping, and grinding sensations in the shoulder.
Athletes may also feel discomfort when throwing or lifting objects, decreased strength in the shoulder, or the dreaded “dead arm” in some cases.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it may be worth visiting your orthopedic specialist to determine whether you have a Shoulder Labrum (SLAP)Tear.
Occasional night pain or pain with daily activities
A sense of instability in the shoulder
Loss of strength
Causes of Shoulder Labrum (SLAP) Tears
A Shoulder Labrum (SLAP)Tear can result from any physical activity that involves the shoulder labrum, from strenuous weightlifting at the gym to placing a book on a shelf.
It’s most commonly suffered by athletes, particularly baseball players and swimmers; the frequent lifting and rotation of the arms in these sports places the labrum at much greater risk.
SLAP tear can also be the product of acute trauma, especially if the arm is subjected to extreme pressure while outstretched.
Since the labrum gradually degenerates over time, gradual use and overuse can lead to a SLAP tear, as well.
Diagnosing a Shoulder Labrum (SLAP) Tear
Shoulder Labrum (SLAP)Tear are diagnosed by a physical exam and usually an MRI scan is performed. Your doctor may review your medical history to rule out other factors that could be causing the problem, especially if you have had a shoulder injury in the past.
You are in Great Hands
Treatment of a Shoulder Labrum (SLAP) Tear
Non Surgical Treatment
Surgery is usually not the first treatment option. Doctors often start by prescribing anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and swelling.Once that’s under control, your doctor may recommend working with a physical therapist or show you specific exercises to build your muscles back up.
Physical therapy. Specific exercises will restore movement and strengthen your shoulder.
Flexibility and range-of-motion exercises will include stretching the shoulder capsule, which is the strong connective tissue that surrounds the joint.
Surgical Treatment and recovery
Expect to be in a sling for a month or so to keep your arm still. After the swelling has gone down, you can move it again with guidance from a physical therapist. Depending on your age and the extent of your tear, it could take 2 months for your labrum to heal and another 2 months to build up the same strength you felt before the tear.
If medication and exercise don’t help enough, surgery may be your next step.
The kind of operation depends on your injury, age, and how active you are. Surgeons often repair labrum SLAP tears with arthroscopy, in which the doctor makes and works through small cuts in your shoulder.
They place a tiny camera in your shoulder joint.
This sends images to a bigger screen in the operating room. Using small tools, your surgeon can trim the torn part of your labrum, and then repair or reattach it.
