Labrum Tear

Understanding Shoulder Labral Tears: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is the Shoulder Labrum?

        The labrum is a cup-shaped rim of tough, fibrous cartilage that lines and reinforces the shoulder’s ball-and-socket joint (Fealy, 2010). It supports the upper arm bone (humerus), ligaments, and rotator cuff tendons, helping stabilize the joint. Think of it as a bumper that keeps the ball securely in the socket, preventing instability or dislocation (Shoulder Labrum Tear, 2023).

        Over time, trauma, repetitive stress, or aging can lead to labral tears, which disrupt the shoulder’s stability and function.

        Some common symptoms include the feeling of catching, locking, popping, or grinding. It may also manifest through occasional night pains or discomfort with daily activities, a sense of instability in the shoulder, a decreased range of motion, and a loss of strength. 

Types of Shoulder Labral Tears

       Some of the most common types of shoulder labral tears include SLAP Tears, Bankart Tears and Degenerative Labral Tears. 

  1. Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior, or SLAP Tears typically occur at the top of the labrum where the bicep tendon attaches (Fealy, 2010). Symptoms of this type of tear may manifest as pain at the front of the shoulder, especially while performing overhead tasks such as throwing or lifting. 
  2. Bankart Tears are typically caused by shoulder dislocation, which can pull the labrum off the lower socket (Fealy, 2010). This type of tear leads to instability and may leave those affected by it feeling as though their shoulder may slide out of place after certain movements or stances. 
  3. Degenerative Labral Tears are typically caused by repetitive overuse and frequently manifest themselves in those over 40 years old. 

How can PhysioMax Wellness Help?

         At PhysioMax Wellness, we take a multidisciplinary approach to treating shoulder labral tears. Our team of experts, including physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, and massage therapists, collaborate to address pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence. Here’s how we can help:

  1. Physiotherapy

  • Assessment and Diagnosis: Physiotherapists will evaluate your shoulder movement, strength, and stability to design a tailored rehabilitation program.
  • Manual Therapy & Exercises: Focus on strengthening the rotator cuff muscles and stabilizers to support the shoulder joint. Specific light stretches and mobility exercises improve the range of motion without aggravating the tear.
  • Postural Education: Teaching proper posture and movement patterns to avoid repetitive strain.

  1. Chiropractic Care

  • Our Chiropractor, Dr. Mohit Sharma may use joint mobilization techniques to improve alignment and reduce stiffness in the shoulder and spine. Therapeutic Ultrasound and Interferential Current Therapy (IFC) is another option that can help alleviate pain and inflammation.

  1. Osteopathy

  • Our Osteopath, Gabriella Pablo may focus on soft tissue release and restoring the natural alignment of the musculoskeletal system. This improves blood flow, reduces muscle tension, and enhances healing.

  1. Massage Therapy

  • Our Massage Therapists, Yohan Jung and Krystal Zucchiatti may use techniques such as deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and assisted stretching to release tight muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, reduce pain, and promote relaxation.

        Our goal is to help you return to daily activities, sports, or work pain-free while reducing the risk of recurrence or future injury. We do this effectively by integrating the skills of multiple practitioners, through this approach we can:

  • Reduce pain using evidence-based therapies like IFC, ultrasound, and soft tissue release.
  • Improve mobility and restore functional strength through physiotherapy and osteopathic care.
  • Address compensatory issues (e.g., poor posture or neck tightness) caused by your shoulder injury.
  • Offer personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to your unique needs, whether you’re an athlete or recovering from a traumatic injury

         If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, instability, or reduced range of motion, don’t wait to seek help. Early intervention can prevent worsening symptoms and speed up recovery. Contact PhysioMax Wellness today to schedule your assessment and let our team of professionals help you get back to feeling your best!

        Call us today at (905) 315-9955 or Book online to start your healing journey!

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Works Cited: 

Shoulder Labrum Tear. (2023). Www.hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/shoulder-labrum-tear

Fealy, S. (2010). Shoulder Labrum Tears: An Overview. Hospital for Special Surgery. https://www.hss.edu/conditions_shoulder-labrum-tears-overview.asp

 Unless otherwise stated, all images are licensed under Canva.

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