Labral Tear

Description:

The shoulder is considered a ball and socket type joint, with the socket of the shoulder surrounded by a ring of soft tissue called the labrum. The labrum serves to deepen the cavity of the socket and helps keep the upper arm bone in place.

The labrum can tear as a result of trauma or with wear and tear.

Symptoms:

Similar to other shoulder injuries symptoms of a labral tear can include; pain, catching, locking, occasional night pain, a sense of instability, decreased range of motion and a loss of strength.

Treatment:

Non-surgical treatment for this condition generally involves rest and an anti-inflammatory medication along with rehabilitation exercises to assist in strengthening the rotator cuff muscles.

In most cases surgical repair of the torn labrum is required, followed by a rehabilitation program to improve range of motion and strength.

Recovery:

Following surgery and physiotherapy it can take three to four months to fully heal, with strength and functional improvements expected up to one year post-operatively.