Experiencing Shoulder Pain?
It Could Be Your Labrum
Pain in your shoulder is never fun to deal with. For one, it can severely impact your mobility and quality of life. For another, it can have several potential causes–and to treat your pain effectively, you’ll need to start there. One common source of shoulder pain is a shoulder labral tear.
Your shoulder is a complex ball-and-socket joint. The head of your arm bone (the humerus) is the “ball” part of the joint and nestles in your glenoid, a “socket” in your shoulder blade. A rim called the labrum deepens the socket to stabilize the joint so your arm bone can fit better.
A labral tear occurs when the tissue in your labrum is damaged due to an injury. There are three main types of labral tears. The team at Mana Physical Therapy can identify which type you have and let you know your treatment options.
Causes and Symptoms of a Labral Tear
As with most shoulder injuries, pain is the primary symptom of a labral tear, especially while reaching overhead. However, your symptoms will vary based on the severity of the tear. Here are some things to watch out for:
- A feeling of instability and/or weakness in the shoulder
- Shoulder dislocations
- Unusual sounds or sensations in the shoulder, such as grinding, locking, or popping
- Decreased range of motion in your shoulder
Labral tears generally occur due to a sudden injury. Examples include a direct blow to a shoulder or sudden, violent overhead reach (such as grabbing onto a hold while falling off a rock wall). Repeated shoulder motions can also cause labral tears in athletes.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Labral tears often respond well to nonsurgical interventions, especially more mild injuries. The physical therapists at Mana Physical Therapy will develop a customized treatment plan for you that includes the following:
- Manual therapy to manage pain and improve mobility
- Therapeutic exercises to restore your normal shoulder motion and regain strength
- Functional training to ensure you can do all necessary activities
If your labral tear is more severe, you may need surgery–but our team will be here to guide you through the rehabilitation process afterward, with targeted mobility, strengthening, and functional exercises.
Suffered a labral tear? We’re here to help. Request an appointment at our East Brunswick or Lake Como, NJ clinic today!
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!