Have you been diagnosed with a SLAP tear? How can we help?
What is the Shoulder Labrum?
The labrum is a ring of cartilage attached to the rim of the shoulder socket.
The labrum has two functions. The first is to deepen the socket so that the ball stays in place. The second is as an attachment of other structures or tissues around the joint.
What is a SLAP Tear?
The term SLAP stands for Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior.
In a SLAP injury, the top (superior) part of the labrum is injured. The top is also the area is also where the biceps tendon attaches to the labrum. A SLAP tear occurs both in front (anterior) and back (posterior) of this attachment point.
The biceps tendon can be involved in a SLAP Tear.
Causes
A SLAP tear be caused by acute trauma or by repetitive shoulder activity. An acute SLAP injury may result from:
- A fall onto an outstretched arm
- Forceful pulling on the arm
- Rapid or forceful movement of the arm when it is above shoulder level
- Shoulder dislocation(s)
Chronic SLAP injuries may a result of repeated shoulder motion as in people who participate in repetitive overhead sports, such as throwing athletes.
In other cases, SLAP tears may be the result of a wearing and tear of the labrum that occurs slowly over time.
Treatment:
Depending on the degree of the tear, you doctor may recommend surgery followed by physical therapy or physical therapy alone. In either case, our therapist will assist you in restoring your normal range of motion, alleviating your pain, and facilitating strength and stability of the shoulder so that you can return to the work and activities you enjoy.
