What is Shoulder Labral Tear?
A shoulder labral tear is an injury to the labrum, which is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint. The labrum helps stabilize the shoulder joint and cushions the bones, enabling smooth movement. Labral tears can occur from acute trauma, such as a fall or a sudden pull on the arm, or from repetitive overhead motions, common in sports like baseball or swimming.
Symptoms of a shoulder labral tear include pain, especially with overhead activities or when moving the arm behind the back, a catching or locking sensation in the shoulder, decreased range of motion, and a feeling of instability in the shoulder joint.
Physical Therapy for Shoulder Labral Tear
Treatment for a shoulder labral tear depends on the severity of the tear and the patient's symptoms. Conservative treatments, such as rest, ice, and physical therapy, may be recommended for minor tears. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles around the shoulder joint, improving flexibility, and correcting movement patterns to reduce stress on the labrum.
In cases where conservative treatments are not effective, or for more severe tears, surgery may be necessary to repair the labrum. Rehabilitation after surgery is essential to regain strength, range of motion, and function in the shoulder joint. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in post-operative care, helping patients recover from surgery and prevent future injuries.
Overall, the prognosis for a shoulder labral tear is good with proper treatment and rehabilitation. Most people can expect to regain full function of their shoulder and return to their normal activities with time and dedicated rehabilitation.