A labral tear can occur from a fall or from repetitive work activities or sports that require you to use your arms raised above your head. Some labral tears can be managed with physical therapy; in severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the torn labrum. Physical therapists are movement experts.
How long is physical therapy for a torn labrum?
Although the amount of time required for recovery varies, you may need Physical Therapy treatments for about four to six weeks. Most patients are able to get back to their activities with full use of their arm within this amount of time.
Can you rehab a torn shoulder labrum?
Physical Therapy will play a huge role in recovery of shoulder labrum tear both non-operative and operative. The biggest focus on physical therapy for labrum tear will be focusing on improving functional range of motion, functional strengthening of the rotator cuff muscles and shoulder blade muscles.
Can you rehab a torn labrum without surgery?
Surgery is often recommended to repair a torn labrum. However, exercise is also a very effective treatment option. Non-operative management includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid injections to decrease pain and inflammation.
How long does a torn labrum take to heal without surgery?
It is believed that it takes at least four to six weeks for the labrum to reattach itself to the rim of the bone, and probably another four to six weeks to get strong. Once the labrum has healed to the rim of the bone, it should see stress very gradually so that it can gather strength.
Can I lift weights with a torn labrum?
It is generally safe to return to heavier weight training at three months following shoulder labral repair. Before embarking on a weight training program, you should have a full range of shoulder motion and normal strength in the rotator cuff and scapular muscles.
Can you live with a torn shoulder labrum?
In some cases, the labrum can heal with rest and physical therapy, depending on the severity of the tear. “Surgeons should try to be as conservative as possible when treating a torn shoulder labrum,” says Dr.
Will a shoulder brace help a torn labrum?
No significant difference in shoulder labral tears requiring surgery was found for brace use compared with no brace use. Conclusion: Shoulder-stabilizing braces were shown not to prevent posterior labral tears among collegiate offensive lineman, although they were associated with less time lost to injury.
What happens if a labral tear goes untreated?
If a labral tear is left untreated, it will lead to ongoing and worsening pain. A normal labrum is important to the normal function of the hip joint. A torn labrum leads to cartilage damage and eventual arthritis of the hip joint.
Does physical therapy work for SLAP tear?
Treatments. Many people with SLAP tears get better with a period of rest and rehabilitation. A physical therapy program can strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder and improve control of the shoulder joint.
Does a torn labrum hurt all the time?
In most cases, a labrum SLAP tear doesn’t hurt all the time. The pain usually happens when you use your shoulder to do a task, especially an overhead activity.
What exercises are good for a torn shoulder labrum?
Stand facing a wall, six inches away. Lean forward with your hands above your head and rest your arms against the wall. Gently lean your body forward, crawl your hands up the wall, and hold for 20 seconds. Perform three times.
Can you make a labrum tear worse?
Even conservative treatment requires a rehabilitation program. Some evidence suggests that shoulder instability may eventually make labral tears worse. The goal of therapy will be to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles to make the shoulder more stable. At first you will do exercises with the therapist.
Will cortisone shot Help torn shoulder labrum?
Usually, we perform a cortisone shot into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation from a torn labrum. However, this injection must be followed by an exercise program to strengthen the shoulder and stop further instability.
What does a shoulder labral tear feel like?
Symptoms. The main symptom of a labral tear is usually a sharp, catching type sensation in the shoulder with movement. A vague aching for several hours may follow this. This catching feeling may occur only with certain movements of the shoulder, while otherwise the shoulder may feel normal and pain-free.
How do I know if I tore my labrum or rotator cuff?
The best way to determine whether or not your rotator cuff is torn is to visit an orthopedic surgeon. Your surgeon will go over your medical history and examine the shoulder, checking for pain, deformity and range of motion. This examination rules out any other conditions, such as a pinched nerve or arthritis.
Is the labrum part of the rotator cuff?
What Is a Torn Shoulder Labrum? The shoulder labrum is a piece of soft cartilage in the socket-shaped joint in your shoulder bone. It cups the ball-shaped joint at the top of your upper arm bone, connecting the two joints. A group of four muscles called the rotator cuff helps the labrum keep the ball in the socket.
How do you rehab a slap tear without surgery?
- Rest, Pain Medication, and Ice. Your doctor may recommend that you rest your shoulder, allowing time for a torn labrum to heal.
- Physical or Occupational Therapy.
- Corticosteroid Injections.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections.
How do you tell if my labrum is torn?
- A dull throbbing ache in the shoulder joint.
- Difficulty sleeping due to shoulder discomfort.
- “Catching” of the shoulder joint with movement.
- Pain with specific activities.
- Dislocations of the shoulder.
How successful is shoulder labrum surgery?
What is the labral tear surgery success rate? The success rate for a labral repair ranges from 85% to 95%. The goal is to achieve a shoulder with no pain for lifting, throwing, or overhead activity.
Do all shoulder labrum tears require surgery?
Many labral tears or tears of the glenoid labrum do not require surgery … 1) Labral tears exist and are a problem in certain populations. The labrum is found to be torn in the vast majority of people over the age of 40. Those tears typically do not require treatment or certainly suturing at the time of an arthroscopy.
Is labrum repair surgery painful?
You will be in pain, and although you can mask that pain with pain medications, you may discover that doing so prevents you from taking care of your responsibilities. Your doctor will give you a sling, which he or she will advise you to wear for anywhere between two and four weeks.
Can you play sports with a torn labrum?
After a period of rest and non-painful rehabilitation, the athlete may begin a graduated interval throwing program leading to full sports participation. However, many of these injuries require surgical intervention, and return-to-play may take an extended period of time.
Can you wear a shoulder brace all day?
You should wear the brace at all times except when showering or doing your exercises. When showering or dressing it may be helpful to have a family member assist you in keeping your shoulder in the correct position when the brace is off. It is very important that you wear the immobilizer at night.
Should I wear a sling for shoulder impingement?
Nonsurgical treatments can take several weeks or months, allowing you to experience a gradual return to function. Shoulder impingement surgery may require you to wear a sling on your arm for a short time afterwards. When your doctor feels you’re ready, you can remove the sling and begin exercising and using the arm.