Slap Tear Injuries: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery Tips
Are you experiencing shoulder pain, especially when you try to reach overhead or behind you? One possibility, especially if you’re an athlete, is that you’ve developed a SLAP tear. SLAP tear injuries are a common source of shoulder pain–but many people aren’t familiar with them.
SLAP (superior labrum anterior to posterior) tears affect your shoulder’s labrum, a ring of tissue that lines the shoulder socket. These injuries can cause significant discomfort and limit your ability to perform daily activities. Fortunately, physical therapy at TOP Physical Therapy offers effective treatment options that can help you recover and regain full shoulder function.
We use a blend of different techniques to address SLAP tears, with a focus on reducing pain, improving strength, and restoring mobility. When you work with one of our skilled therapists, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan that caters to your specific needs and goals. This targeted approach helps ensure a quicker and more effective recovery.
Today, we want to explore SLAP tear injuries in detail, including their symptoms and causes and how physical therapy can help address them. Ready to learn more? Keep reading!
Understanding SLAP Tear Injuries: Causes, Signs, and Symptoms
Your shoulder is a complex joint with a lot of moving parts. The labrum is essential in stabilizing the joint and protecting the arm bone in the shoulder socket. A SLAP tear specifically refers to a tear in the upper part of the labrum, where the bicep tendon attaches to the arm bone.
What Causes SLAP Tears?
- Repetitive overhead motions, such as throwing a ball or swimming
- Sudden injury, like falling on an outstretched arm or lifting something heavy
- Age-related changes in the labrum
- A combination of these factors
How Can I Tell If I Have a SLAP Tear Injury?
SLAP tears can vary in severity, which will dictate the exact nature of your symptoms. However, look for the following:
Shoulder Pain
- This might be a deep, aching pain inside the shoulder or a sharp pain with certain movements.
Clicking or Popping Sounds
- You might hear or feel a clicking or popping sensation in your shoulder.
Weakness
- Your shoulder may feel weak, especially when trying to lift objects or perform overhead activities.
Reduced Range of Motion
- You might notice difficulty moving your shoulder, particularly during activities that require reaching overhead or behind your back.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with TOP Physical Therapy. Several injuries and conditions can cause shoulder pain and a restricted range of motion, and we can use our expertise to determine the reason for your pain.
We’ll review your symptoms and health history and run a few simple screens to test your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and stability. If needed, we may order additional testing to confirm a SLAP tear.
Treating SLAP Tear Injuries with Physical Therapy
Fortunately, physical therapy is an effective treatment for SLAP tear injuries. Our skilled physical therapists utilize a combination of techniques and treatments tailored to your specific needs. While every program is different, they generally include the following:
Manual Therapy
- Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques to mobilize the shoulder joint and carefully manipulate the surrounding tissue, helping to alleviate pain and improve shoulder function.
Therapeutic Exercise
- A structured therapeutic program will form the foundation of your treatment plan. This program focuses on strengthening the shoulder muscles to support the joint and improve stability. We can also guide you through mobility exercises to improve your range of motion.
Lifestyle Tips
- Our therapists can also provide information on proper movement patterns and posture, helping you avoid activities that could exacerbate the injury.
Suspect a SLAP Tear Injury? Schedule an Appointment Today!
We know you’re eager to get back to your daily activities. By addressing the root cause of your shoulder pain, we help ensure you get the best possible results and reduce the risk of future injuries.
If you’re struggling with shoulder pain, TOP Physical Therapy is here to help. Contact our Southfield, MI, and Sterling Heights, MI clinics today to get to the root of your discomfort and uncover the right treatment for your needs.