Shoulder Labral Tear Treatment in Mona Vale
A shoulder labral tear can cause pain, clicking or a feeling of instability during lifting, overhead movements and sport. Tears may occur following an injury or develop gradually with repetitive loading of the shoulder.
At Helix Recovery, we'll assess your shoulder strength, stability and movement to determine how your symptoms are affecting function and develop a personalised treatment and rehabilitation plan.
What is Shoulder Labral Tear?
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint. It helps deepen the socket and contributes to shoulder stability.
Labral tears can occur following a fall, dislocation, heavy lifting or repetitive overhead activity. They may also develop gradually over time.
Different areas of the labrum can be affected, including SLAP tears, which involve the upper portion of the labrum near the attachment of the long head of the biceps tendon.
Importantly, labral changes can also be found on imaging in people without shoulder pain, so scan findings should always be considered alongside your symptoms and examination.
Common Symptoms
Deep pain within the shoulder
Clicking, catching or clunking
Pain with overhead movements
Pain during lifting or gym exercises
Reduced shoulder strength or confidence
Pain with throwing or repetitive overhead activity
A feeling of instability or that the shoulder may give way
How We Assess Shoulder Labral Tear
Labral symptoms can overlap with several other shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff and biceps tendon problems.
Your assessment may include shoulder movement, strength, stability and functional testing, as well as examination of the rotator cuff, biceps and surrounding structures.
Where a significant labral injury is suspected, particularly following trauma or dislocation, further imaging or specialist assessment may be recommended.
How We Treat Shoulder Labral Tear
Treatment depends on how long symptoms have been present, their severity and the activities you want to return to.
Treatment may include:
Osteopathic manual therapy
Shockwave therapy
Progressive exercise rehabilitation
Rotator cuff strengthening
Shoulder stability and control exercises
Activity and load modification
Gradual return to gym, work and sport
Shockwave Therapy for Shoulder Labral Tear
Shockwave therapy does not repair a torn labrum. However, it may be incorporated into treatment where appropriate to help reduce pain and address sensitive muscles, tendons and other soft tissues surrounding the shoulder.
It can be used alongside osteopathic manual therapy and progressive rehabilitation to improve comfort and help you participate more effectively in your strengthening program.
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No. Many people with labral tears can improve with conservative management, particularly when shoulder strength and stability can be restored. Surgery may be considered for significant traumatic tears, recurrent instability or symptoms that persist despite appropriate rehabilitation.
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Not necessarily. Your history and examination can help determine whether further investigation is appropriate. If imaging is required, certain labral injuries may be better visualised with an MR arthrogram.
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Often, yes. Painful or unstable movements may initially need to be modified while you progressively rebuild shoulder strength and control.
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The labrum has a limited blood supply, and whether a tear physically heals depends on its location and severity. Importantly, becoming pain-free and returning to normal function does not necessarily require the labrum to return to its previous appearance on imaging.
Common Questions
Ready to Get Your Shoulder Moving Again?
Whether your shoulder symptoms followed an injury or developed gradually, we'll assess your shoulder and develop a treatment plan focused on restoring strength, stability and confidence in movement.